S-4 1 d828557ds4.htm S-4 S-4
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2024

Registration No. 333-   

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

Form S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware
  3550
  91-1650317
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

John Bean Technologies Corporation

70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Tel No.: (312) 861-5900

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

James L. Marvin

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Tel No.: (312) 861-5900

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent of service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Sophia Hudson, P.C.

Jennifer Lee, P.C.

Zoey Hitzert

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Tel No.: +1 (212) 446-4800

 

Gudmundur Ingvi Sigurdsson

Stefán Orri Ólafsson

LEX

Borgartún 26, 105 Reykjavik

Iceland

Tel No.: +354 590-2600

 

Piotr Korzynski

Dieter Schmitz

Baker & McKenzie LLP

300 East Randolph Street, Suite 5000

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Tel No.: +1 (312) 861-8000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: Pursuant to Rule 162 under the Securities Act, the offer described herein will commence as soon as practicable after the date of this registration statement. The offer cannot, however, be completed prior to the time that this registration statement is declared effective and all conditions to the offer have been satisfied or waived.

If the securities being registered on this Form are being 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, 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. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
Emerging growth company       

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) ☐

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) ☒

 

 

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 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.

 

 

 


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

This registration statement contains two documents:

 

   

a proxy statement/prospectus (which is herein referred to as the “proxy statement/prospectus) that will be used in connection with (i) the John Bean Technologies Corporation (“JBT) special meeting of stockholders being held on      , 2024 (the “Special Meeting) to, among other things, vote to approve the issuance of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of JBT (such shares to be issued, the “JBT Offer Shares”) to Marel hf. (“Marel”) shareholders (such shareholders, the “Marel Shareholders”) in connection with the voluntary public takeover offer (the “Offer) as contemplated by the transaction agreement, dated as of April 4, 2024, by and among John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., a subsidiary of JBT, JBT and Marel (the “Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, including the Offer, the “Transaction”) and (ii) the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares to the Marel Shareholders in connection with the Transaction as contemplated by the Transaction Agreement; and

 

   

a draft of the offer document (the “draft exchange offer document”) that has been prepared in accordance with the Icelandic Takeover Act no. 108/2007, as amended (the “Icelandic Takeover Act”), and was filed with the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland (the “Icelandic FSA”) in connection with JBT’s offer to exchange each ordinary share, nominal value ISK 1 per share, of Marel (the “Marel Shares”) for, at the election of each Marel shareholder, (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares. Such elections will be subject to the proration provisions described herein, which provide that the Marel Shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Offer will receive an aggregate of approximately EUR 950 million in cash and approximately a 38% interest in the combined company. The draft exchange offer document is attached in the section titled “Alternate Information for the Draft Exchange Offer Prospectus” on pages ALT-1 to ALT-80. The draft exchange offer document includes a draft of the prospectus (the “draft exchange offer prospectus”) as an annex that has been prepared under Icelandic law and has been drawn up as a prospectus in accordance with Articles 3 and 6 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, as amended, and in compliance with the requirements set out in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980 of March 14, 2019, and that was filed with the Icelandic FSA. The content of the draft exchange offer document, including the draft exchange offer prospectus, is being reviewed by the Icelandic FSA and has not been approved by the Icelandic FSA.

The proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer prospectus are substantively similar, except as set forth in the table below:

 

Proxy Statement/Prospectus      Exchange Offer Prospectus  

Section

  

Page

    

Section

  

Page

 
Proxy Statement/Prospectus Cover Page      Cover      Exchange Offer Prospectus Cover Page      ALT-76  
Notice of Special Meeting of John Bean Technologies Corporation      Cover      None      —   
Questions and Answers      1      None      —   
Summary      21      Summary      ALT-76  
None      —       General Information      ALT-76  
None      —       Responsibility Statement      ALT-76  
None      —       Presentation of Financial Information      ALT-76  
The Special Meeting      69      None      —   


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Proxy Statement/Prospectus      Exchange Offer Prospectus  

Section

  

Page

    

Section

  

Page

 
The Transaction—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor      96      None      —   
The Transaction—Opinions of Marel’s Financial Advisors      102      None      —   
None      —       Expected Timetable of the Takeover Offer and the Transaction      ALT-76  
Dividend Information      156      Dividends and Dividend Policy      ALT-77  
None      —       Business of JBT—Overview—Organisational Overview      ALT-77  
None      —       Business of Marel—Overview—Organisational Overview      ALT-77  
None      —       Material Contracts      ALT-77  
None      —       Operating and Financial Review of JBT—Critical Accounting Estimates—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures      ALT-77  
None      —       Operating and Financial Review of JBT—Significant Change in JBT’s Financial Position      ALT-77  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Marel—Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk      215      None      —   
None      —       Operating and Financial Review of Marel—                ALT-78  
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information      157      Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Information      ALT-78  
None      —       Consolidated Prospective Financial Information of JBT      ALT-78  
None      —       Consolidated Prospective Financial Information of Marel      ALT-78  
None      —       Capitalisation and Indebtedness      ALT-79  
None      —       Board of Directors, Management and Corporate Governance—Board of Directors, Management and Corporate Governance of Marel      ALT-79  
None      —       Remuneration and Benefits—Remuneration and Benefits of Marel      ALT-79  
None      —       Dilution      ALT-79  
None      —       Related Party Transactions of Marel      ALT-79  
None      —       Description of the Shares and the Share Capital—Description of the Marel Shares      ALT-79  


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Proxy Statement/Prospectus      Exchange Offer Prospectus  

Section

  

Page

    

Section

  

Page

 
None      —       Description of the Shares and the Share Capital—Memorandum and Articles of Association—The Marel Articles of Association      ALT-79  
None      —       Admission to Trading and Dealing Arrangements      ALT-80  
None      —       Expenses of the Transaction      ALT-80  
None      —       Information Disclosed Under the Market Abuse Regulation      ALT-80  
None      —       Third-Party Information, Expert Statements and Declarations of Interest      ALT-80  
Experts      —       Independent Auditors      ALT-80  
Where You Can Find More Information      —       Documents Available      ALT-80  
Where You Can Find More Information      —       Information Incorporated by Reference      ALT-80  
Annex A—Transaction Agreement      Annex A      None      —   
Annex B—Opinion of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC      Annex B      None      —   
Annex C—Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities plc      Annex C      None      —   
Annex D—Opinion of Coöperative Rabobank U.A.      Annex D      None      —   

Please note that the draft exchange offer document and those portions of the draft exchange offer prospectus that are included in the Alternate Information are provided for convenience purposes only. They have not been and will not be reviewed or approved by the Icelandic FSA and do not constitute an offer under Icelandic law or under any other law or regulation, nor do they give rise to any claims or entitlements. The draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus remain subject to change. Only the final exchange offer document and the final exchange offer prospectus, which will be approved by the Icelandic FSA and published by JBT in accordance with Icelandic law, will be legally valid and binding.


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The information contained in this preliminary proxy statement/prospectus may change. We may not complete the exchange offer and issue these securities until the registration statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted or would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 15, 2024

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS

LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS OF JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

John Bean Technologies Corporation

70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400

Chicago, Illinois 60602

 

 

Dear John Bean Technologies Corporation Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the stockholders of John Bean Technologies Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“JBT”), which will be held virtually by live webcast on      , 2024, at      , Central time, at https://       (the “Special Meeting”). If you attend the Special Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card or the instructions that accompany our proxy materials. For purposes of attendance at the Special Meeting, all references in this letter and the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus to “present in person” or “in person” shall mean virtually present at the Special Meeting.

On April 4, 2024, JBT entered into a Transaction Agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) with John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013, and a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT (the “Offeror”), and Marel hf., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Iceland with registration no. 620483-0369 and registered at Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland (“Marel”), pursuant to which, among other things, the parties have agreed to bring about a business combination of JBT, Marel and their respective subsidiaries by way of the Offeror commencing a voluntary public takeover offer, within the meaning of Article 101 of the Icelandic Takeover Act no. 108/2007, as amended (the “Icelandic Takeover Act”), to Marel’s shareholders (the “Marel Shareholders”) to acquire all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares, nominal value ISK 1 per share, of Marel (the “Marel Shares”), not including any treasury shares held by Marel (the “Offer” and, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the “Transaction”). The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, holders of at least 90% of the issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of Marel tendering their shares in the Offer (or, in the Offeror’s sole discretion, a lower percentage, which will not be reduced below 80% without Marel’s consent). In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of JBT (such shares of JBT common stock, the “JBT Shares,” and such JBT Shares offered to Marel Shareholders as consideration, the “JBT Offer Shares”) or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares. Such elections will be subject to the proration provisions described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, which provide that the Marel Shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Offer will receive an aggregate of approximately EUR 950 million in cash and approximately a 38% interest in the combined company. Marel Shareholders who elect to receive the consideration described in (ii) or (iii) can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland).

As further described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, on November 19, 2023, Marel’s largest shareholder, Eyrir Invest hf. (“Eyrir Invest”), which holds approximately    % of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares as of      , 2024, delivered an irrevocable undertaking to JBT, pursuant to which Eyrir Invest has, among other things, agreed to support and accept an offer for Marel from JBT, including the Offer, in respect of the Marel Shares that it owns.

Upon the time at which the Offeror accepts for exchange, and exchanges, all of the Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (the “Offer Closing Time”), and assuming that all of the outstanding Marel Shares are tendered into the Offer, holders of JBT Shares (the “JBT Stockholders”) as of immediately prior to


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the Offer Closing Time will own approximately 62% of the outstanding JBT Shares after giving effect to the issuance of JBT Offer Shares in connection with the Offer and Marel Shareholders as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time will own approximately 38% of the aggregate outstanding JBT Shares after giving effect to the issuance of JBT Offer Shares in connection with the Offer. The JBT Shares are currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “JBT.” The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction under the symbol “JBT,” and JBT intends to submit a supplemental listing application to the NYSE with respect to the JBT Offer Shares. JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland. The closing of the Offer is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement, and such closing conditions are for the sole benefit of the parties thereto and may be waived by such parties as further described in the Transaction Agreement.

At the Special Meeting, JBT Stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon (i) a proposal to approve the issuance of JBT Offer Shares to Marel Shareholders in connection with the Transaction (the “Share Issuance Proposal”) and (ii) a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, (a) to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, (b) if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or (c) to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosures that JBT has determined, based on the advice of outside legal counsel, are reasonably likely to be required under applicable law and for such supplemental or amended disclosures to be disseminated and reviewed by JBT Stockholders prior to the Special Meeting (the “Adjournment Proposal”). The Adjournment Proposal will be presented to JBT Stockholders only if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of certain supplemental or amended disclosures. Each of the proposals to be presented to the JBT Stockholders is more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, which each stockholder is encouraged to read carefully.

With respect to JBT and the JBT Shares, the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus serves as a proxy statement for the Special Meeting, where JBT Stockholders will vote on, among other things, the Share Issuance Proposal.

JBT is providing the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus and accompanying proxy card to its stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the Special Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the Special Meeting. Information about the Special Meeting, the Transaction and other related business to be considered by the JBT Stockholders at the Special Meeting is included or incorporated by reference in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, all JBT Stockholders are urged to read carefully the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including the Annexes, the accompanying financial statements of Marel and the information incorporated by reference therein carefully and in their entirety. In particular, you are urged to read carefully the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 35 of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

After careful consideration, JBT’s board of directors (the “JBT Board”) has approved the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, and unanimously recommends that JBT Stockholders vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal presented to JBT Stockholders in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. When you consider the JBT Board’s recommendation of these proposals, you should keep in mind that certain JBT directors and officers have interests in the Transaction that may conflict with your interests as a stockholder. Please see the section titled “The Transaction—Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for additional information.

Assuming a quorum is present at the Special Meeting, approval of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. The failure of any JBT Stockholder to submit


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a signed proxy card, grant a proxy electronically over the internet or by telephone or vote online during the Special Meeting will have no effect on the outcome of the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal so long as a quorum is otherwise present. An abstention by any holder of JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal, as applicable. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please vote as soon as possible by following the instructions in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus and accompanying proxy card to ensure that your shares are represented at the Special Meeting. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or nominee on how to vote your shares, and you are also invited to attend the Special Meeting on the virtual meeting website. However, if you are not a stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares electronically during the Special Meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the stockholder of record. Your broker or nominee is obligated to provide you with a voting instruction card for you to use. The transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement will be consummated only if the Share Issuance Proposal is approved at the Special Meeting. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned on the approval of any other proposal set forth in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

On behalf of the JBT Board, I would like to thank you for your support of JBT and look forward to a successful completion of the Transaction.

     , 2024

 

Sincerely,

 

Alan D. Feldman
Chairman of the JBT Board

NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED ANY OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION OR RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER U.S. LAW.

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is dated      , 2024, and is expected to be first mailed or otherwise delivered to JBT Stockholders on or about      , 2024.


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This document incorporates important business and financial information about JBT filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that is not included in or delivered with this document. You can obtain any of the documents filed with the SEC by JBT at no cost from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also request copies of these documents, including documents incorporated by reference into this document, at no cost, by written or oral request directed to JBT. Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” for more details. In order to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the Special Meeting, you should make your request to JBT at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Attention: Executive Vice President, General Counsel, (312) 861-5900, no later than      , 2024, or five business days prior to the Special Meeting.

Neither the Offeror, JBT nor Marel has authorized any person to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this document and the information incorporated by reference herein. The Offeror, JBT and Marel do not accept any liability for any such information or representation not contained in this document or the information incorporated by reference herein. Further, the Offeror, JBT and Marel do not accept any responsibility for, and can make no assurances as to, the reliability, accuracy or completeness of any information provided by others, or the fairness or appropriateness of any forecasts, views or opinions expressed by others regarding the Transaction, JBT, Marel or (when applicable) the combined company. The Offeror, JBT and Marel make no representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any such information or publication. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities or a solicitation of a proxy in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such an offer or a solicitation. Neither the delivery of this document nor any distribution of securities made under this document will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Offeror, JBT and/or Marel since the date of this document or that any information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to such date.


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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

OF JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

TO BE HELD ON      , 2024

To the Stockholders of John Bean Technologies Corporation:

A special meeting (the “Special Meeting”) of the stockholders of John Bean Technologies Corporation (“JBT,” and such stockholders, the “JBT Stockholders”) will be held virtually by live webcast on      , 2024, at      , Central time. You can participate in the Special Meeting by visiting https://      , where you will be able to listen to the Special Meeting live and vote during the Special Meeting. Please log into the website by      , Central time, on the day of the Special Meeting. There is no physical location for the Special Meeting. For purposes of attendance at the Special Meeting, all references in this notice and the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus to “present in person” or “in person” shall mean virtually present at the Special Meeting.

The purpose of the Special Meeting is for JBT Stockholders to:

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of JBT (the “JBT Shares,” and such JBT Shares to be issued, the “JBT Offer Shares”) to the shareholders of Marel hf., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Iceland with registration no. 620483-0369 and registered at Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland (“Marel,” and such shareholders, the “Marel Shareholders”), in connection with the transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement, dated as of April 4, 2024, by and among John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013, and a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT (the “Offeror”), JBT and Marel (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Transaction Agreement”) (such proposal, the “Share Issuance Proposal”); and

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal (such proposal, the “Adjournment Proposal”).

These proposals are more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, which you should read carefully and in its entirety before you vote.

The closing of the offer contemplated by the Transaction Agreement is conditioned upon the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned on the approval of any other proposal set forth in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

Assuming a quorum is present at the Special Meeting, approval of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. The failure of any JBT Stockholder to submit a signed proxy card, grant a proxy electronically over the internet or by telephone or vote online during the Special Meeting will have no effect on the outcome of the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal so long as a quorum is otherwise present. An abstention by any JBT Stockholder entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal, as applicable. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal. The JBT board of directors (the “JBT Board”) unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each of these proposals.

Only holders of record of JBT Shares at the close of business on      , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of the JBT Stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available at


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JBT’s principal executive offices, located at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, during ordinary business hours for examination by any JBT Stockholder for any purpose germane to the Special Meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the Special Meeting.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you expect to attend the Special Meeting virtually, we urge you to submit your proxy with respect to your JBT Shares as promptly as possible by: (1) accessing the Internet website specified on your proxy card; (2) calling the toll-free number specified on your proxy card; or (3) signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, to ensure that your JBT Shares are represented and voted at the Special Meeting. Submitting a proxy now will not prevent you from being able to vote online during the Special Meeting. If you hold JBT Shares in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, please refer to the voting instruction form from your bank, broker or other nominee with instructions to vote by internet, phone or mail.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

Alan D. Feldman
Chairman of the JBT Board

Chicago, Illinois

     , 2024


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

     ii  

CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLY TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE DRAFT EXCHANGE OFFER DOCUMENT AND THE DRAFT EXCHANGE OFFER PROSPECTUS

     ii  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GAAP, NON-GAAP, IFRS AND NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

     ii  

TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES

     ii  

FREQUENTLY USED TERMS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     iii  

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     viii  

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

     1  

SUMMARY

     21  

RISK FACTORS

     35  

THE SPECIAL MEETING

     69  

THE TRANSACTION

     74  

THE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

     132  

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     147  

DIVIDEND INFORMATION

     156  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     157  

BUSINESS OF MAREL

     181  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF MAREL

     197  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN JBT AND MAREL

     218  

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMBINED COMPANY FOLLOWING THE TRANSACTION

     219  

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS

     224  

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF JBT SHARES

     241  

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF MAREL SHARES

     243  

CERTAIN MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     245  

LEGAL MATTERS

     256  

EXPERTS

     256  

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

     256  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     256  

INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED MAREL HF. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-i  

ANNEX A—TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

     A-1  

ANNEX B—OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS & CO. LLC

     B-1  

ANNEX C—OPINION OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES PLC

     C-1  

ANNEX D—OPINION OF COÖPERATIVE RABOBANK U.A.

     D-1  

ALTERNATE INFORMATION FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER PROSPECTUS

     ALT-1  

 

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ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

This document, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by JBT (File No. 333-      ), constitutes a prospectus of JBT under Section 5 of the Securities Act with respect to the JBT Offer Shares to be issued to Marel Shareholders in the Offer if the Offer is consummated. This document also constitutes a notice of meeting and a proxy statement under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Special Meeting at which JBT Stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal.

CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLY TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE DRAFT EXCHANGE OFFER DOCUMENT AND THE DRAFT EXCHANGE OFFER PROSPECTUS

In this proxy statement/prospectus, the draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires:

 

   

“$,” “USD” and “U.S. dollar” each refer to the United States dollar;

 

   

“ISK” and “kr” each refer to the Icelandic krona; and

 

   

“€,” “EUR” and “Euro” each refer to the Euro.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GAAP, NON-GAAP, IFRS AND NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

JBT’s financial statements incorporated by reference or included, as applicable, in this proxy statement/prospectus, the draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Marel’s financial statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer prospectus have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IFRS”).

This proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer prospectus include certain references to financial measures that were not prepared in accordance with GAAP or IFRS. JBT and Marel believe that the presentation of non-GAAP or non-IFRS results, as applicable, is useful to investors for analyzing their respective business and business trends and comparing performance to prior periods, along with enhancing investors’ ability to view JBT’s or Marel’s results, as applicable, from management’s perspective. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP or IFRS. The presentation of this non-GAAP or non-IFRS information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for JBT’s or Marel’s consolidated financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP or IFRS, respectively.

TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES

Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, service marks, logos and trade names referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus, the draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus are presented without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that JBT or Marel, as applicable, will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, JBT’s or Marel’s rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks and trade names. This proxy statement/prospectus, the draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus contain additional trademarks, service marks and trade names of others. JBT and Marel do not intend that their use or display of other companies’ trademarks, service marks, copyrights or trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of JBT or Marel, by any other companies.

 

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FREQUENTLY USED TERMS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Unless otherwise stated in this proxy statement/prospectus or the context otherwise requires, references to:

ABN AMRO” means ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

Adjournment Proposal” means the proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, (i) to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, (ii) if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or (iii) to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosures that JBT has determined, based on the advice of outside legal counsel, is reasonably likely to be required under applicable law and for such supplemental or amended disclosures to be disseminated and reviewed by JBT Stockholders prior to the Special Meeting.

Arion Bank” means Arion banki hf., a public limited liability company with registration number 581008-0150, incorporated under the laws of Iceland.

Baker” means Baker McKenzie LLP, legal advisor to Marel.

Bridge Credit Agreement” means the Bridge Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2024, by and among JBT, the lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint bookrunners and lead arrangers.

Closing Conditions” means the conditions for the closing of the Offer as set out in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Commencement Date” means    , 2024, the date on which the Offer Period starts.

Credit Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2021, by and among JBT, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto.

DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Drop Dead Date” means the Initial Drop Dead Date or, if extended pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, the Extended Drop Dead Date.

Dutch Revolving Credit Facility” means the EUR 700 million equivalent syndicated revolving credit facility, dated as of February 5, 2020, by and among Marel Holding B.V., Marel and certain subsidiaries of Marel as guarantors and seven international banks for which ABN AMRO Bank, BNP Paribas S.A., Netherlands Branch, Danske Bank A/S, HSBC France, ING Bank N.V., Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. and UniCredit Bank Austria AG acted as bookrunning mandated lead arrangers, as amended.

Dutch Settlement Agent” means ABN AMRO, acting as settlement agent in respect of Euronext Amsterdam Shares.

EU” means the European Union.

Euronext Amsterdam” means Euronext Amsterdam N.V.

 

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Euronext Amsterdam Shares” means the Marel Shares held via Euroclear Nederland.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Shares” means Marel Shares held (i) in Marel’s treasury, (ii) by JBT, the Offeror or any of their respective affiliates or (iii) by Eyrir Invest or any of its affiliates.

Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility” means the existing revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement.

Expiration Date” means    , 2024, as it may be extended in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement, paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable U.S. securities laws, the date on which the Offer Period expires.

Extended Drop Dead Date” means October 4, 2025.

Eyrir Invest” means Eyrir Invest hf., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Iceland.

Foreign Investment Laws” means any laws that (i) enable a Governmental Authority to monitor, regulate, restrict, prohibit or otherwise review investments by investors, entities, or other persons in domestic businesses from a national security perspective or (ii) address foreign subsidies, including the EU’s rules and regulations that address foreign subsidies.

GAAP” means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Goldman Sachs” means Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, financial advisor to JBT.

Governmental Authority” means (i) any government, (ii) any governmental or regulatory entity, body, department, commission, subdivision, board, administrative agency or instrumentality, (iii) any court, tribunal, judicial body, or an arbitrator or arbitration panel or (iv) any non-governmental self-regulatory agency, securities exchange, commission or authority, in each of (i) through (iv) whether supranational, national, federal, state, county, municipal, provincial, and whether local, domestic or foreign.

HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

IAS” means the International Accounting Standards.

IASB” means the International Accounting Standards Board.

Icelandic FSA” means the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland.

Icelandic Settlement Agent” means Arion Bank, acting as settlement agent in respect of Nasdaq Iceland Shares.

Icelandic Takeover Act” means the Icelandic Takeovers Act no. 108/2007, as amended.

IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB.

Initial Drop Dead Date” means July 4, 2025.

JBT” means John Bean Technologies Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

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JBT Board” means the board of directors of JBT.

JBT Bylaws” means the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of JBT.

JBT Charter” means the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of JBT.

JBT Group” means JBT and its subsidiaries.

JBT Offer Shares” means the JBT Shares to be issued in the Offer as consideration to Marel Shareholders.

JBT Preferred Stock” means JBT’s preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

JBT Shares” means shares of JBT common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

JBT Stockholder Approval” means the approval of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares by the affirmative votes cast by holders of JBT Shares present and entitled to vote in accordance with, and as required for such issuance by, the rules and regulations of the NYSE and the organizational documents of JBT.

JBT Stockholders” means holders of JBT Shares.

J.P. Morgan” means J.P. Morgan Securities plc, a financial advisor to Marel.

Kirkland” means Kirkland & Ellis LLP, legal advisor to JBT.

KPMG” means KPMG Accountants N.V., auditor to Marel.

Marel” means Marel hf., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Iceland with registration no. 620483-0369 and registered at Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland.

Marel Articles of Association” means Marel’s amended and restated articles of association as of March 20, 2024.

Marel Board” means the board of directors of Marel.

Marel Group” means Marel and its subsidiaries.

Marel Shares” means ordinary shares of nominal value ISK 1 held in the capital of Marel.

Marel Shareholders” means holders of Marel Shares (other than Marel itself).

Merger” means the process by which if, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns less than 90% of the Marel Shares, the Offeror may initiate a merger between the Offeror (or a wholly owned subsidiary thereof) and Marel in accordance with Article 119 of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Companies, No. 2/1995 or other applicable law.

Minimum Acceptance Condition” means the valid acceptance by eligible Marel Shareholders representing (when taken together with any Marel Shares acquired or agreed to be acquired by the Offeror other than through the Offer in accordance with applicable law) of at least 90% (or, in the Offeror’s sole discretion, a lower percentage, which will not be reduced below 80% without Marel’s consent) of the then issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of Marel (excluding Marel Shares owned by any of Marel’s subsidiaries) as of the Offer Closing Time and such acceptances not being withdrawn or subject to any third party consents in respect of pledges or other rights.

 

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Morrow Sodali” means Morrow Sodali LLC, JBT’s proxy solicitor.

Nasdaq Iceland” means Nasdaq Iceland hf.

Nasdaq Iceland Shares” means the Marel Shares held via Nasdaq Iceland central securities depositary.

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Offer” means the voluntary public takeover offer by the Offeror to Marel Shareholders to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares (excluding any treasury shares held by Marel) in accordance with Chapters X and XI of the Icelandic Takeover Act.

Offer Closing Time” means the time at which the Offeror accepts for exchange, and exchanges, all of the Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.

Offer Period” means the period of time starting on the Commencement Date and expiring on the Expiration Date, at 5:00 p.m. Icelandic time.

Offer Price” means EUR 3.60 per share, as further set out in the section titled The Exchange Offer.

Offeror” means John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013, and a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT.

Promissory Notes” means the Schuldschein promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 140 million issued by Marel to a syndicate of commercial banks across continental Europe and Asia.

Public Limited Companies Act” means Icelandic act no. 2/1995 respecting public limited companies, as amended, under which Marel was established as a public limited company.

PwC” means PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm to JBT.

Rabobank” means Coöperative Rabobank U.A., acting through its Corporate Finance Advisory department, also known as Mergers & Acquisitions, a financial advisor to Marel.

Regulatory Approvals Condition” means the condition for the Offer, waivable in whole or in part by the Offeror at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date, only following approval by both JBT and Marel, to the effect that as of the Expiration Date, (i) any waiting period (and extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction under the HSR Act must have expired or been terminated, (ii) all other waivers, clearances, approvals and waiting periods under the antitrust laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) must have been obtained, terminated or expired, as applicable, and (iii) no voluntary agreement between JBT, the Offeror or Marel, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, not to consummate the Transaction is in effect.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Settlement Agents” means, collectively, the Icelandic Settlement Agent and the Dutch Settlement Agent.

 

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Settlement Date” means the date on which settlement of the Offer is made, which will be as promptly as possible but will take place no later than three business days from the Expiration Date (with the exception that the Offeror may apply for an extension as permitted under paragraph 7 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act).

Share Issuance Proposal” means the proposal to approve the issuance of JBT Offer Shares to Marel Shareholders in connection with the Transaction.

Special Meeting” means the special meeting of JBT Stockholders to be held virtually on    , 2024, at    Central time, at https://      .

Squeeze-Out” means the process by which if, upon consummation of the Offer, at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares are acquired by the Offeror, the Offeror (or a permitted assignee of the Offeror) will redeem any Marel Shares not exchanged in the Offer pursuant to Article 110 of the Icelandic Takeover Act by way of a compulsory purchase.

Transaction” means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, including the Offer.

Transaction Agreement” means the Transaction Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2024, by and among the Offeror, JBT and Marel, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus contains statements that are, or may be considered to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “foresees” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words and phrases. Any forward-looking statement contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is based upon JBT’s and Marel’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the benefits of the Transaction, the anticipated timing of the Transaction and JBT’s and Marel’s projected future financial and operating results. The factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to the following factors:

 

   

the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Transaction Agreement or the inability to complete the Transaction on the anticipated terms and timetable;

 

   

the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the Transaction that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the Transaction;

 

   

the possibility that JBT Stockholders may not approve the issuance of new JBT Shares in the Offer;

 

   

the risk that Marel and/or JBT may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the Offer in a timely manner or at all;

 

   

the risk that the Transaction and its pendency could have an adverse effect on the ability of JBT and Marel to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers, as well as on their operating results and businesses generally;

 

   

the risk that problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of Marel and JBT, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected;

 

   

the risk that the combined company may be unable to achieve the anticipated benefits and synergies of the Transaction or it may take longer than expected to achieve those anticipated benefits and synergies; and

 

   

the risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in the section of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus titled Risk Factors.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information concerning risks, uncertainties and assumptions can be found in JBT’s filings with the SEC, including the risk factors discussed in JBT’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and future filings with the SEC. See the sections titled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Risk Factors.” If one or more of those or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what JBT or Marel projected. Consequently, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated or implied by any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus are made only as of the date hereof, and JBT undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement made by it or on its behalf, whether as a result of new information, future developments, subsequent events or changes in circumstances or otherwise.

In addition, statements that “JBT believes,” “the Offeror believes” or “Marel believes” and similar statements reflect JBT’s, the Offeror’s and Marel’s beliefs and opinions, as applicable, on the relevant subject.

 

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These statements are based on information available to JBT, the Offeror and/or Marel as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. While JBT, the Offeror and Marel believe that information provides a reasonable basis for the statements ascribed to them, that information may be limited or incomplete. None of JBT’s, the Offeror’s and Marel’s statements should be read to indicate that it has conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and you are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.

Although JBT, the Offeror and/or Marel believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements ascribed to them were reasonable at the time made, they cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither JBT nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section in connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus and any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by JBT, the Offeror and/or Marel and/or persons acting on their behalf.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following questions and answers are intended to briefly address some commonly asked questions regarding the Transaction. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you. You should carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the Annexes and the other documents referred to herein as well as the information incorporated by reference herein, for a more complete understanding of the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction, JBT, Marel and the combined company. You may obtain additional information without charge by following the instructions under Where You Can Find More Information.”

About the Transaction

 

Q:

What are JBT and Marel proposing?

 

A:

On April 4, 2024, JBT, the Offeror and Marel entered into the Transaction Agreement to effect a business combination of JBT and Marel. Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Offeror will commence a voluntary public takeover offer to Marel Shareholders to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, not including any treasury shares held by Marel. If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, to the extent permitted under applicable law, within three months of the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror (or a permitted assignee of the Offeror) will launch the Squeeze-Out for, at the election of the Marel Shareholders and subject to the proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus, either JBT Offer Shares, cash or a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash (or, for those Marel Shareholders who do not make an election, a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash in the same proportion as the average mix of the Offer). The Squeeze-Out would eliminate any minority shareholder interests in Marel remaining after the Offer Closing Time. If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns less than 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, then the Offeror may initiate the Merger. See the section titled “The Transaction” for additional information.

In connection with the Transaction, JBT intends to delist the Marel Shares from Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland as soon as practicable after the Offer Closing Time. The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction under the symbol “JBT,” and JBT intends to submit a supplemental listing application to the NYSE with respect to the JBT Offer Shares (the “Supplemental Listing Application”). JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the Offer Closing Time (such application to Nasdaq Iceland, the “Secondary Listing Application” and, together with the Supplemental Listing Application, the “Listing Applications”). JBT cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland.

In conjunction with the Transaction, JBT Stockholders are being asked to consider and vote upon, among other matters, the Share Issuance Proposal. This proxy statement/prospectus, its Annexes and the draft exchange offer document, including the draft exchange offer prospectus, contain and incorporate by reference important information about the Transaction and the matters to be acted upon at the Special Meeting, as applicable. You should read this proxy statement/prospectus, its Annexes, the draft exchange offer document, including the draft exchange offer prospectus, and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, as applicable, carefully and in their entirety.

 

Q:

What factors did the JBT Board consider in reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction?

 

A:

In reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, the JBT Board considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following (which are not necessarily presented in order of their relative importance to JBT):

 

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the Transaction would create a leading and diversified global food and beverage technology solutions provider by bringing together two renowned companies with long histories and complementary product portfolios, highly respected brands and impressive technology;

 

   

the combined company would have an expanded global footprint, which will enable global customers to more efficiently access industry leading technology worldwide;

 

   

the belief that the combined company will offer beneficial outcomes for customers through expanded product offerings and application knowledge, leveraged research and development capabilities and enhanced global customer care support, including a focus on improving equipment uptime and efficiency through its comprehensive and differentiated digital solutions, OmniBlu and Innova;

 

   

the belief that the combined company will better cater to the trend towards automation solutions in the food and beverage industry and make a greater impact on customer sustainability objectives by offering solutions that provide more responsible use of the world’s precious food, beverage, water and energy resources;

 

   

the belief that operating efficiencies would create meaningful run-rate cost synergies of more than $125 million within three years following the completion of the Transaction across areas such as procurement, manufacturing and operating expenses;

 

   

the belief that the combined company would benefit from additional revenue synergies given attractive cross-selling, go-to-market effectiveness, scaled innovation and enhanced global customer care capabilities;

 

   

the structure and resulting leverage of this highly strategic merger does not over-leverage the combined company and, assuming a transaction close by year-end 2024, the combined company is expected to have a pro forma net leverage ratio of less than 3.5x at year-end 2024, which is prior to anticipated synergies, and be well below 3.0x net leverage by year-end 2025, providing significant financial flexibility to the combined company to pursue further strategic initiatives;

 

   

that the combined company will integrate the skill sets and capabilities of JBT and Marel’s management teams, and that (i) Brian Deck, current President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT and member of the JBT Board, will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and member of the board of directors of the combined company, (ii) the board of directors of the combined company will consist of ten members, including Mr. Deck, five directors to be designated by JBT and four directors to be designated by Marel and (iii) the headquarters of the combined company will be JBT’s current headquarters in Chicago;

 

   

the favorable results of the due diligence review of JBT’s legal advisors and financial advisors, as well as Marel’s historical and projected financial performance;

 

   

the recommendation of JBT’s senior management in favor of the Transaction;

 

   

the belief that the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, including the covenants, Closing Conditions and termination provisions, are favorable to completing the Offer and the Transaction;

 

   

the terms of the proposed financing for the Transaction;

 

   

the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not fluctuate in the event that the market price of Marel Shares increases relative to the market price of JBT Shares prior to the closing of the Offer, creating certainty as to the number of JBT Shares to be issued;

 

   

the oral opinion of Goldman Sachs, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of April 4, 2024 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to JBT, as more fully described in the section titled “The Transaction—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor”; and

 

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Eyrir Invest, Marel’s largest shareholder, has signed an irrevocable undertaking to support an offer for Marel by JBT in respect of its shares in Marel (representing approximately  % of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares as of    , 2024).

The JBT Board weighed these advantages and opportunities against a number of potentially negative factors, uncertainties and risks identified in its deliberations concerning the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, including:

 

   

that the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not fluctuate in the event that the market price of JBT Shares increases relative to the market price of Marel Shares prior to the closing of the Offer;

 

   

the dilution of the ownership interests of current JBT Stockholders that would result from settlement of the Offer;

 

   

the risk that Marel’s financial performance may not meet JBT’s expectations;

 

   

the risk that the Transaction may not be completed or may be delayed despite the parties’ efforts, including the possibility that conditions to the Offer may not be satisfied or waived, as applicable;

 

   

the potential length of the regulatory approval process and the possibility that Governmental Authorities may not approve the Transaction or may seek to require certain actions of JBT or Marel or impose certain terms, conditions or limitations on JBT’s or Marel’s businesses in connection with granting approval of the Transaction that would either materially impair the business operations of the combined group or adversely impact the ability of the combined company to realize the anticipated synergies or other benefits that are projected to occur in connection with the Transaction or may delay the Transaction;

 

   

the fact that under certain specific circumstances JBT could be required to pay Marel a reverse termination fee of (i) EUR 85 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Initial Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination or (ii) EUR 110 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Extended Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination;

 

   

the potential challenges and difficulties, foreseen and unforeseen, in integrating the operations of JBT and Marel, including potential difficulties in retaining key personnel;

 

   

the risk that the additional debt incurred in connection with the Transaction could have a negative impact on the combined company’s operational flexibility;

 

   

the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the Transaction may not be realized or may not be realized in the timeframe currently anticipated, recognizing the many potential management and other challenges associated with successfully combining the businesses of JBT and Marel, including the risk of not capturing all of the anticipated cost savings, synergies, revenue growth and operational efficiencies;

 

   

the potential effects of the Transaction on the overall business of JBT, including its relationships with customers and suppliers and regulators;

 

   

the potential litigation that may arise in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

the risk that Marel Shareholders may not tender their shares in the Offer or that JBT Stockholders may not approve the Share Issuance Proposal at the Special Meeting;

 

   

the possibility of diversion of management attention during the pendency of the Transaction and the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the Transaction (including those incurred regardless of whether the Transaction is consummated);

 

   

the terms of the Transaction Agreement, including those that restrict JBT’s business and provide Marel with the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement under certain circumstances, including if Marel receives a superior offer from a third party; and

 

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the risks of the type and nature described under the section titled “Risk Factors” and the matters described in the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

The above contains only summaries of certain factors considered by the JBT Board in reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction. See the section titled “The Transaction—JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction” for more information.

 

Q:

What factors did the Marel Board consider in reaching their decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction?

 

A:

In reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, the Marel Board considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following (which are not necessarily presented in order of their relative importance to Marel):

 

   

the Transaction is structured as a voluntary public takeover offer in which Marel Shareholders may receive, as consideration for their respective Marel Shares, JBT Offer Shares, cash or a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash, based on their respective elections pursuant to, and subject to applicable proration pursuant to, the Offer terms. The Transaction consideration provides Marel Shareholders with the opportunity to have a continuing ownership stake in the combined company. Upon the Transaction closing, after giving effect to applicable prorations, Marel Shareholders are expected to represent approximately 38% of the outstanding shares of the combined company. The continuing ownership interest of Marel Shareholders in the combined company is expected to provide a number of significant potential strategic opportunities and benefits that could create additional value, including the following:

 

   

assuming a transaction close by year-end 2024, JBT expects the combined company to have a pro forma net leverage ratio of less than 3.5x at year-end 2024, which is prior to anticipated synergies, and well below 3.0x by year-end 2025, providing significant financial flexibility to the combined company to pursue further strategic initiatives;

 

   

the combined company will have the benefit of the combined skill sets and capabilities of JBT and Marel’s management teams. Four members of the ten-member board of directors of the combined company will be independent directors selected from the current Marel Board, helping to oversee the ongoing investment of Marel Shareholders and preservation of Marel’s Icelandic heritage and brand as well as providing an opportunity for the combined company to benefit from the insights and experience of these incoming directors;

 

   

the operating efficiencies projected by JBT should create meaningful run-rate cost synergies estimated to total more than $125 million within three years following the completion of the Transaction across areas such as procurement, manufacturing and operating expenses; and

 

   

the combined company could benefit from additional revenue synergies given attractive cross-selling, go-to-market effectiveness, scaled innovation and enhanced global customer care capabilities;

 

   

the current and recent market prices of the Marel Shares, including the market performance of the Marel Shares relative to those of other participants in Marel’s industry and included in general market indices, and the fact that the Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per share (ISK 538 per share, based on an ISK / EUR exchange rate of 149.5) represents a compelling premium to the recent market prices of the Marel Shares, including an approximately 54% premium to the closing price of Marel Shares on the Nasdaq Iceland stock exchange as of November 23, 2023 of ISK 350, such date being the last trading day prior to Marel’s disclosure of JBT’s submission of its initial non-binding proposal and an approximately 16% premium to the closing price of Marel Shares on the Nasdaq Iceland stock exchange as of January 18, 2024, of ISK 464, being the last trading day prior to JBT’s announcement of its intention to launch a voluntary takeover offer for all issued and outstanding Marel Shares;

 

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the belief of the Marel Board, after a thorough review of possible strategic alternatives reasonably available to Marel (including continuing to operate on a standalone basis), in each case taking into account the potential benefits, risks and uncertainties associated with those alternatives, that the Offer represents Marel’s best reasonably available prospect for maximizing shareholder value;

 

   

at the closing, the corporate name of JBT will be changed to “JBT Marel Corporation”;

 

   

following the closing, Marel’s current headquarters in Garðabær, Iceland will be designated as the combined company’s European headquarters and a global technology center of excellence;

 

   

JBT intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland. Marel Shareholders who elect to receive JBT Offer Shares or a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash as the Transaction consideration can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland);

 

   

a portion of the Transaction consideration will be paid in JBT Offer Shares, which will provide Marel Shareholders electing to receive such consideration with the opportunity to participate in any potential share price appreciation of JBT Shares, including the JBT Offer Shares, following the Transaction;

 

   

the Marel Board considered its knowledge of the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of both Marel and JBT, taking into account the results of Marel’s due diligence review of JBT, as well as its knowledge of the current and prospective environment in which Marel and JBT operate, including economic and market conditions;

 

   

the Marel Board determined the Transaction would create a leading and diversified global food and beverage technology solutions provider by bringing together two renowned companies with long histories and complementary product portfolios, highly respected brands and impressive technology, which will enable global customers to more efficiently access industry leading technology worldwide;

 

   

the Marel Board considered that the combined company will offer beneficial outcomes for customers through expanded product offerings and application knowledge, leveraged research and development capabilities and enhanced global customer care support;

 

   

the Marel Board determined that the combined company will better cater to the trend towards automation solutions in the food and beverage industry and make a greater impact on customer sustainability objectives by offering solutions that provide more responsible use of the world’s precious food, beverage, water and energy resources;

 

   

the Marel Board determined it is highly likely that the Transaction will be completed in a timely manner because the covenants, Closing Conditions and termination provisions are favorable to completing the Offer, because of the commitment of both parties to complete the Transaction pursuant to their respective obligations under the Transaction Agreement, the fact that JBT has obtained firm commitments from one or more reputable lenders for the financing of the Transaction and the EUR 85 to 110 million reverse termination fee payable to Marel if the Transaction Agreement is terminated by JBT in certain circumstances;

 

   

the Marel Board considered that the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not change in the event that the market price of JBT Shares increases relative to the market price of Marel Shares prior to the closing of the Offer;

 

   

the Marel Board considered current market and industry trends, Marel’s future prospects as an independent company and the challenges and risks that could affect Marel’s future performance;

 

   

the Marel Board considered the separate written opinions, each dated April 4, 2024, of J.P. Morgan and Rabobank to the Marel Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinions, to the holders of Marel Shares (other than as set forth in such opinions) of the consideration to be paid to such holders in the proposed Transaction, which opinions were based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken as more fully described therein; and

 

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the Marel Board considered that the Transaction Agreement provides Marel with sufficient operating flexibility between the signing of the Transaction Agreement and the closing of the Transaction for Marel to use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

The Marel Board also considered various risks, uncertainties and other potentially negative factors concerning the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, including the following:

 

   

the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not change in the event that the market price of Marel Shares increases relative to the market price of JBT Shares prior to closing of the Offer;

 

   

the risk that the agreed termination fee of EUR 85 to 110 million payable by JBT to Marel if the Transaction Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances may not be sufficient to fully compensate Marel for its losses in such circumstances;

 

   

the risk that a different strategic alternative potentially could be more beneficial to Marel Shareholders than the Transaction;

 

   

the risk that Marel and JBT may be obligated to complete the Transaction without having obtained appropriate consents, approvals or waivers from the counterparties under certain of Marel’s contracts that require consent or approval to consummate the Transaction, and the risk that such consummation could trigger the termination of, or default under, such contracts or the exercise of rights by the counterparties under such contracts;

 

   

the possibility that the Transaction or the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement may not be completed, or that completion may be delayed for reasons that are beyond the control of Marel or JBT, including the failure of Marel Shareholders to tender their shares in the Offer or the failure of JBT Stockholders to approve the Share Issuance Proposal, or the failure of Marel or JBT to satisfy other requirements that are conditions to closing of the Offer;

 

   

the risk that failure to complete the Transaction could negatively affect the price of Marel Shares and/or the future business and financial results of Marel;

 

   

the potential length of the regulatory approval process and the possibility that Governmental Authorities may not approve the Transaction or may seek to require certain actions of JBT or Marel or impose certain terms, conditions or limitations on JBT’s or Marel’s businesses in connection with granting approval of the Transaction that would either materially impair the business operations of the combined company or adversely impact the ability of the combined company to realize the anticipated synergies or other benefits that are projected to occur in connection with the Transaction or may delay the Transaction;

 

   

the potential diversion of management focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the Transaction;

 

   

the risk of not realizing all of the anticipated operating synergies, efficiencies, cost savings or other anticipated benefits of the Transaction within the expected time frame or at all;

 

   

the potential litigation that may arise in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the Transaction, including the costs of integrating the businesses of Marel and JBT, the transaction expenses arising from the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement and the costs of the change in control and severance payments to be paid in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

the terms of the Transaction Agreement placing certain limitations on the ability of Marel to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer by or with a third party with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) and to furnish non-public information or data to, or engage in discussions or negotiations

 

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with, a third party interested in pursuing an alternative transaction (unless such third party has made an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) and such third party enters into a confidentiality agreement with Marel having provisions that are no more favorable to such party than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between JBT and Marel);

 

   

that provisions in the Transaction Agreement placing certain restrictions on the operation of Marel’s business during the period between the signing of the Transaction Agreement and closing of the Transaction may delay or prevent Marel from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or other actions it would otherwise take with respect to its operations absent the pending completion of the Transaction;

 

   

that following the Transaction, current JBT directors will comprise a majority of the board of directors of the combined company and the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the combined company will be members of the current JBT management team; and

 

   

the other relevant factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors.”

The above contains only summaries of certain factors considered by the Marel Board in reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction. See the section titled “The Transaction—Marel Board’s Reasons for the Transaction” for more information.

 

Q:

Do any of JBT’s or Marel’s current directors or executive officers have interests in the Transaction that may be different from or in addition to the interests of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders?

 

A:

Yes, certain of JBT’s and Marel’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Transaction that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders, respectively.

In the case of JBT’s directors and executive officers, these interests include the continued service of certain directors and executive officers following the completion of the Transaction, rights to receive cash severance payments, accelerated vesting of equity awards and other benefits upon completion of the Transaction if their employment is terminated under certain circumstances in connection with the Transaction and the right to continued indemnification by the combined company.

In the case of Marel’s directors, these interests include four independent directors from the Marel Board being appointed to the board of directors of the combined company and Árni Sigurdsson, current Chief Executive Officer of Marel, serving as President of the combined company. In addition, members of Marel executive management have in place remuneration agreements that were negotiated prior to the launch of the Offer. Marel’s executive management’s remuneration will, as before, be determined in accordance with Marel’s remuneration policy, subject to any restrictions in the Transaction.

The JBT Board and the Marel Board were aware of and considered these interests (to the extent that they existed at the time), among other matters, in evaluating, negotiating and approving the Transaction and, in the case of JBT, in recommending that JBT Stockholders approve the Share Issuance Proposal, and, in the case of Marel, in recommending to its shareholders that they tender their Marel Shares in the Offer. You should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Share Issuance Proposal or deciding whether to tender your Marel Shares in the Offer, as applicable. For a detailed discussion of these interests, see the sections titled “The Transaction—Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” and “The Transaction—Interests of Marel’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction.”

 

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Q:

What will Marel Shareholders receive in the Transaction?

 

A:

In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares, in each case subject to the proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus, with such consideration amounts based on the value of JBT Shares as of the date JBT issued its notice of intention. Marel Shareholders who elect to receive the consideration described in (ii) or (iii) can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland), and if no explicit selection is made, will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE.

 

Q:

Will Marel equity awards and other long-term incentive awards be affected by the Merger?

 

A:

Outstanding Marel equity and other long-term incentive awards will be treated as set forth in the Transaction Agreement, as described in more detail in “The Transaction—Interests of Marel’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” and “The Transaction Agreement—The Offer—Treatment of Marel Equity Awards.”

 

Q:

Do Marel Shareholders have appraisal or dissent rights?

 

A:

Appraisal or dissent rights are statutory rights that enable shareholders to dissent from certain extraordinary transactions, such as certain business combinations, and to demand that the company pay the fair value for their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the applicable transaction. Under Icelandic law, Marel Shareholders will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their Marel Shares in connection with the Offer. However, certain post-closing reorganization transactions, specifically the Merger and the Squeeze-Out, may trigger appraisal rights for Marel Shareholders. In the event of these transactions, Marel Shareholders would be entitled to adequate compensation or consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. However, in the event that the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months of the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for purposes of the Squeeze-Out. For more information, see the sections of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “The Transaction” and “The Exchange Offer.”

 

Q:

What will be the beneficial ownership of the combined company immediately following the Transaction?

 

A:

Upon the Offer Closing Time, and assuming that all of the outstanding Marel Shares are tendered into the Offer, JBT Stockholders as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time will own approximately 62% of the outstanding JBT Shares after giving effect to the issuance of JBT Offer Shares in connection with the Offer and Marel Shareholders as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time will own approximately 38% of the aggregate outstanding JBT Shares after giving effect to the issuance of JBT Offer Shares in connection with the Offer.

Because the Offer exchange ratio is fixed, the relative ownership interests of pre-Transaction JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders in the combined company immediately following the Transaction will depend on the number of JBT Shares and Marel Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Transaction.

 

Q:

When is the Transaction expected to be completed?

 

A:

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction is expected to be completed by year-end 2024.

 

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For a description of the conditions to the closing of the Transaction Agreement, see the section titled “The Transaction Agreement—Conditions to Closing.”

 

Q:

If the Transaction is completed, where will the JBT Shares be listed for trading?

 

A:

The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction under the symbol “JBT,” and JBT intends to submit the Supplemental Listing Application to the NYSE with respect to the JBT Offer Shares. JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland.

In connection with the Transaction and the Merger or Squeeze-Out, JBT intends to delist the Marel Shares from Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland as soon as practicable after the Offer Closing Time.

 

Q:

If the Transaction is completed, what will be the name of the combined company?

 

A:

It is anticipated that the combined company will be named “JBT Marel Corporation.” The combined company will maintain a long-term commitment to Marel’s heritage, including a significant Icelandic presence. The combined company plans to maintain a corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois with a European headquarters and global technology center of excellence in Garðabær, Iceland.

 

Q:

What happens if the Transaction is not completed?

 

A:

If JBT Stockholders do not approve the Share Issuance Proposal or if the Transaction is not completed because any of the Closing Conditions are not satisfied or validly waived, JBT and Marel will remain independent public companies. JBT Shares will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE, and Marel Shares will continue to be listed and traded on Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam. JBT will continue to have securities registered under the Exchange Act and will continue to be required to file periodic reports with the SEC.

JBT and Marel have certain rights to terminate the Transaction Agreement. For a summary of termination rights and the effects of a termination of the Transaction Agreement, see “The Transaction Agreement—Termination of the Transaction Agreement.”

 

Q:

How has the announcement of the Transaction affected the trading of JBT Shares and Marel Shares?

 

A:

On November 22, 2023, JBT’s last trading day before the public announcement of JBT’s submission of a non-binding initial proposal to the Marel Board, the JBT Shares closed on the NYSE at $106.68. On November 23, 2023, Marel’s last trading day prior to such announcement, Marel Shares closed on Nasdaq Iceland at kr350.00 and Euronext Amsterdam at EUR 2.26. On    , 2024, the trading day immediately prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the JBT Shares closed on the NYSE at $   , and the Marel Shares closed on Nasdaq Iceland at kr    and on Euronext Amsterdam at EUR    .

 

Q:

Who will lead the combined company?

 

A:

Brian Deck, current President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT and member of the JBT Board, will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and member of the board of directors of the combined company, and Matthew Meister, current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of JBT, will continue to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the combined company. Árni Sigurdsson, current Chief Executive Officer of Marel, will serve as President of the combined company. The executive leadership team of the combined company following the closing will consist of a combination of individuals from the current JBT and Marel management teams.

 

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Q:

Who will comprise the board of directors of the combined company?

 

A:

Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of ten members, consisting of Mr. Deck, five independent directors from the pre-closing JBT Board selected by JBT and four independent directors from the pre-closing Marel Board selected by Marel. Prior to the 2026 annual meeting of JBT Stockholders (the “2026 Annual Meeting”), the board of directors of the combined company will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible and designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors elected at the annual meeting of JBT Stockholders held in 2023 will serve out their three-year terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2026 Annual Meeting; directors whose terms expired at the annual meeting of JBT Stockholders held in 2024 (the “2024 Annual Meeting”) stood for re-election to a two-year term; and directors with terms expiring at the annual meeting of JBT Stockholders to be held in 2025 (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) will serve out the remainder of their current terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Commencing with the 2026 Annual Meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings of JBT Stockholders, all directors will be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of JBT Stockholders, with each such director to hold office until their successor will be elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office, and there will no longer be any director class designation. For more information, see the section titled “Management of the Combined Company Following the Transaction.”

 

Q:

How will my JBT Offer Shares acquired in the Transaction differ from my Marel Shares?

 

A:

Until the completion of the Transaction (and in the case of Marel Shareholders that do not tender their Marel Shares in the Offer, until such shareholders no longer hold Marel Shares), Icelandic law and the Marel Articles of Association will govern the rights of Marel Shareholders. After completion of the Transaction (or, as applicable, the post-completion reorganization), Delaware law, the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws will govern the rights of all JBT Stockholders, including Marel Shareholders who acquired JBT Offer Shares.

Material differences in the rights of Marel Shareholders and the rights of JBT Stockholders include, among others, the following:

 

   

JBT has authorized, but not issued, a class of preferred stock that, if issued, may have rights, preferences and privileges that may be greater than the rights of JBT Shares. In contrast, Marel only has one series of ordinary shares;

 

   

the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws provide that special meetings of JBT Stockholders may be called only by the JBT Board. Under Marel’s Articles of Association, the elected auditors or Marel Shareholders that control at least 1/20 of all Marel Shares may make a written request to call a special meeting;

 

   

except as otherwise provided by law, the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding JBT Shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “JBT Voting Stock”), present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at a meeting of JBT Stockholders. In contrast, a meeting of Marel Shareholders is legally constituted if lawfully convened, regardless of how many shareholders are present;

 

   

currently, the JBT Board is divided into three classes with directors serving three-year terms. On the other hand, the Marel Board consists of seven individuals who are annually elected. However, commencing with the 2026 Annual Meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings of JBT Stockholders, all directors will be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of JBT Stockholders;

 

   

the JBT Charter does not provide for any preemptive rights for JBT Stockholders. A Marel Shareholder, by contrast, is entitled to subscribe to new shares in direct proportions to their holdings upon an increase of share capital; and

 

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the JBT Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of JBT, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of JBT to JBT or JBT’s Stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against JBT arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time) or (iv) any action asserting a claim against JBT or any director of officer of JBT governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. Marel Shareholders are not currently subject to an exclusive forum provision.

For a more complete discussion, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Comparison of Stockholder Rights.”

 

Q:

Will my JBT Offer Shares acquired in the Transaction receive dividends?

 

A:

The dividend policy for the combined company will be determined following completion of the Transaction. Although JBT currently expects to pay dividends, any dividend paid or changes to its dividend policy are within the discretion of the JBT Board and will depend upon many factors, including the financial condition and results of operations of the combined company, legal requirements, including limitations imposed by Delaware law, restrictions in any debt agreements that limit its ability to pay dividends to stockholders and other factors the board of the combined company deems relevant. For a further discussion of the risks related to the payment of dividends after the Transaction, see “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Business of the Combined Company After Completion of the Transaction—Any dividend paid in respect of the JBT Shares is subject to various factors, including the financial condition and results of operations of the combined company.

 

Q:

Following the Offer, what additional transactions may JBT consider?

 

A:

Following the Offer Closing Time, JBT may or will, as applicable, pursue post-closing actions (more specifically, the Merger or the Squeeze-Out) with respect to Marel. For further details regarding the potential post-Offer reorganizations, see “The Transaction—Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel.”

 

Q:

What are the material tax consequences to Marel and JBT in connection with the Transaction?

 

A:

Marel could incur significant Icelandic corporate income tax liabilities if a merger process with respect to Marel or Marel Shares is implemented after completion of the Offer.

Upon the consummation of the Offer, the Offeror may acquire any remaining outstanding Marel Shares which were not acquired in the Offer by way of a merger process. Depending on the form of the merger, it is possible that Marel would be treated for Icelandic corporate income tax purposes as if it sold all of its assets for their then fair market value in a fully taxable transaction. In such case, Marel may incur a significant amount of Icelandic corporate income tax liabilities. While the exact amount of such liabilities cannot be determined until after the merger is completed, and the amount of such liabilities would depend upon several factors which are not yet known, including the extent to which the gross asset value of Marel is attributable to its shares in its subsidiaries, the Marel tradename and/or other assets and the amount of tax losses available for Marel to offset against its corporate tax liabilities, such potential tax liabilities will be taken into account when deciding whether to pursue such a merger.

 

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About the Offer

 

Q:

What is the procedure for tendering Marel Shares?

 

A:

Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares and have an Icelandic electronic ID and who wish to tender their Marel Shares on the terms and conditions set out in the draft exchange offer document must submit their acceptance of the Offer by completing the acceptance form available on www.arionbanki.is/marel, in the form and substance prescribed thereby (the “Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form”), prior to 5:00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date. Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares but do not possess an Icelandic electronic ID, or cannot otherwise complete the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form, must complete and sign the acceptance form enclosed with the draft exchange offer document as Appendix 1 (together with the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form, the “Icelandic Acceptance Forms”) and return it to the Icelandic Settlement Agent prior to the Expiration Date. The completed acceptance form can be submitted to the Icelandic Settlement Agent via email at marel2024@arionbanki.is or delivered to the offices of the Icelandic Settlement Agent at Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Marel Shareholders who hold Euronext Amsterdam Shares are requested to make their acceptance known through their custodian, bank or stockbroker by 5:00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date. Each Marel Shareholder should contact its financial intermediary to obtain information on the acceptance process, including the deadline by which such Marel Shareholder must send instructions to the financial intermediary to accept the Offer. Marel Shareholders should comply with the dates and acceptance process set by their financial intermediary.

The institutions admitted to Euronext Amsterdam (each, an “Admitted Institution”) can tender Euronext Amsterdam Shares only to the Dutch Settlement Agent and only in writing (the “Dutch Acceptance,” and together with the Icelandic Acceptance Forms, the “Acceptance”). The Admitted Institutions are requested to tender the Euronext Amsterdam Shares via Euroclear Nederland (via Swift message MT565). In submitting the acceptance on behalf of their clients, the Admitted Institutions should confirm (i) the total number of Euronext Amsterdam Shares that their client(s) (i.e., the underlying Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus)) wishes to tender in the Offer, (ii) the consideration elected by such Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) and (iii) if such Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) elects Mixed Offer Consideration or All-Stock Offer Consideration (each as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus), whether such Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) chooses to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland). If no explicit selection is made, their clients will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE. The Admitted Institutions are also required to submit a statement to the Dutch Settlement Agent containing the names and the number of Euronext Amsterdam Shares of the Accepting Marel Shareholders for all instances in which Accepting Marel Shareholders tender more than 100,000 shares.

For additional information regarding the procedure for tendering Marel Shares, please see the section titled “The Exchange Offer—Acceptance of the Offer.”

 

Q:

Can tendered Marel Shares be traded?

 

A:

By delivering a duly executed Icelandic Acceptance Form or otherwise providing instructions to its financial intermediary, each Marel Shareholder who validly accepts the Offer (the “Accepting Marel Shareholders”) gives the relevant Settlement Agent or its financial intermediary an authorization to block the specified Marel Shares in favor of such Settlement Agent or financial intermediary. The relevant Settlement Agent or financial intermediary is at the same time authorized to transfer such Marel Shares to the Offeror against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares. In the event the Offer is cancelled, revoked or terminated, the blocking will be terminated. In the event that an Accepting Marel Shareholder validly withdraws its acceptance of the Offer as described in this proxy statement/prospectus, the blocking will be terminated with respect to its respective Marel Shares. It is not possible for the

 

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  Accepting Marel Shareholder to dispose or grant any encumbrance, security or option over the Marel Shares when they are blocked. The Accepting Marel Shareholder is free to dispose any other securities registered in the same securities account as the blocked Marel Shares as long as such securities are not in the capital of Marel. Accepting Marel Shareholders will, subject to applicable law, remain owners of their Marel Shares and retain their right to vote their Marel Shares and other shareholder rights, until the Settlement Date.

 

Q:

Until what time can tendered Marel Shares be withdrawn?

 

A:

At any time during the Offer Period, Accepting Marel Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Marel Shares. Accepting Marel Shareholders will continue to be bound by their acceptance if the Offer Period is extended, unless they withdraw their acceptance. Following the Expiration Date, withdrawal rights will cease, and any Marel Shares tendered into the Offer will not be able to be withdrawn.

 

Q:

What is the procedure to withdraw previously tendered Marel Shares?

 

A:

To withdraw previously tendered Nasdaq Iceland Shares, Accepting Marel Shareholders must declare their withdrawal to the Icelandic Settlement Agent by withdrawing their acceptance through the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form available on www.arionbanki.is/marel or by delivering written notice to the offices of the Icelandic Settlement Agent at Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

To withdraw previously tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares, Accepting Marel Shareholders must declare their withdrawal in writing to their relevant custodian bank for a specified number of tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares. In the event that no number is specified, the withdrawal will be deemed to have been declared for all of the tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares of such Accepting Marel Shareholders.

 

Q:

Have any Marel Shareholders already committed to tender their Marel Shares?

 

A:

On November 19, 2023, Marel’s largest shareholder, Eyrir Invest, which holds approximately  % of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares as of     , 2024, delivered an irrevocable undertaking to JBT, pursuant to which Eyrir Invest has, among other things, agreed to support and accept an offer for Marel from the Offeror in respect of the Marel Shares that it owns.

Marel currently expects its directors and executive officers to tender their Marel Shares in the Offer, but none of Marel’s directors or executive officers have entered into any agreement obligating them to do so. As of the close of business on     , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, the directors and executive officers of Marel held an aggregate of approximately  % of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares.

 

Q:

Can the Offer be extended and, if so, under what circumstances?

 

A:

The Offer Period starts on the Commencement Date. In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and the terms of the Transaction Agreement, JBT, the Offeror and Marel have agreed that the Offer will have an initial acceptance period of ten weeks after the Commencement Date, except that: (i) the Expiration Date will occur no earlier than 20 business days after (and including the date of) the Commencement Date; (ii) the Offeror will extend the Offer Period as required by any law, or any rule, regulation or other applicable legal requirement of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC or of Nasdaq Iceland,

  the NYSE or Euronext Amsterdam, in any such case, which is applicable to the Offer or to the extent necessary to resolve any comments of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC; and (iii) at or prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date, the Offeror will (subject to the required approval from the Icelandic FSA) extend the Offer Period (i) by one or more additional periods of not less than ten days per extension (or such shorter period as mutually agreed by JBT, the Offeror and Marel in writing) if additional time is required to permit the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) or (ii) by at least an additional three periods of not less than ten days each if all the Closing Conditions (other than the

 

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  Minimum Acceptance Condition) have either been satisfied or waived in accordance with the Transaction Agreement or if, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, would have been satisfied at the Expiration Date or else validly waived. However, in no event will the Offeror be required to extend the Offer Period beyond the Drop Dead Date. For clarity, the Offeror may, in its reasonable discretion (subject to any required approval from the Icelandic FSA), extend the acceptance period for any duration (or repeated periods) in order to permit time for the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions. If the Offer Period is extended, Marel Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Marel Shares until the end of the Offer Period as extended. For more information, please see the section titled “The Exchange Offer—Timetable.”

 

Q:

How will Marel Shareholders be notified of any changes to the Offer or any extension of the Offer Period?

 

A:

Notification of any changes to the Offer Price, consideration or the terms of the Offer will be made public in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 107 and Article 114 of Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable U.S. securities laws. A copy of the notification and a supplement to the exchange offer document, as applicable, will be sent to all Marel Shareholders listed in Marel’s share registry on the date of such notification.

Notification of any changes to the Expiration Date will be made public on Nasdaq Iceland’s and Euronext Amsterdam’s news systems, with the SEC, and on the websites of JBT (www.jbtc.com) and Marel (www.marel.com). The information contained on or accessible through Marel’s website or JBT’s website does not constitute part of this proxy statement/prospectus and is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

Q:

Will Marel Shareholders be subject to taxation on the consideration received in the Offer?

 

A:

Marel Shareholders may be taxed in Iceland in connection with the exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Shares. In addition, Marel Shareholders who, following the consummation of the Offer, will become JBT Stockholders may be taxed in Iceland in connection with the receipt of dividend income from JBT. For additional information, see “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material Icelandic Tax Considerations.”

The exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Offer Shares and/or cash pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax purposes. Very generally, a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”) who receives cash and/or JBT Offer Shares in exchange for Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will (subject to potential exceptions) recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in the Marel Shares. Very generally, a non-U.S. Holder (as defined in “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”) will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain that the non-U.S. Holder realizes on the exchange of its Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer, unless the gain is “effectively connected” with the non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States or the non-U.S. Holder is an individual present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the exchange, and certain other requirements are met. The foregoing is a brief summary of United States federal income tax consequences only and is qualified by the description of United States federal income tax considerations in “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Dutch tax resident Marel Shareholders may be taxed in the Netherlands in connection with the exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Shares. In addition, Dutch tax resident Marel Shareholders who, following the consummation of the Offer, will become JBT Stockholders may be taxed in the Netherlands in connection with the receipt of dividend income from JBT and in respect of any capital gain or loss recognized as a result of the disposition of JBT Shares. For additional information, see “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material Dutch Tax Considerations.”

 

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Marel Shareholders may also be liable to tax in jurisdictions other than Iceland, the Netherlands and the U.S. Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of the Offer to a particular holder will depend in part on such holder’s circumstances. Accordingly, Marel Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the Offer to them, including the applicability of United States federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws.

For more complete description of certain tax consequences of the Transaction, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Certain Material Tax Considerations.”

 

Q:

Will Marel Shareholders have to pay any fees or commissions to exchange Marel Shares?

 

A:

Accepting Marel Shareholders may have to pay brokerage fees in connection with the acceptance of the Offer. Admitted Institutions may also charge a fee to their clients in connection with participating in the Offer. None of JBT, the Offeror or Marel will cover any costs that a Marel Shareholder may incur in connection with acceptance of the Offer. JBT may, however, pay a customary commission to the custodian banks.

About the Special Meeting

 

Q:

What are the proposals on which JBT Stockholders are being asked to vote?

 

A:

The purpose of the Special Meeting is for the JBT Stockholders to:

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of JBT Offer Shares to Marel Shareholders in connection with Transaction; and

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal. The Adjournment Proposal will be presented to JBT Stockholders only (i) if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, (ii) if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or (iii) to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of certain supplemental or amended disclosures.

The JBT Board unanimously recommends that the JBT Stockholders vote “FOR” each of these proposals. For a discussion of the reasons for this recommendation, see “The Transaction—JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction.

 

Q:

What are the most significant conditions to the Transaction?

 

A:

The Transaction will be subject to a number of conditions, including the Minimum Acceptance Condition and the Regulatory Approvals Condition, which are described in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “The Transaction Agreement—Conditions to Closing.” Subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, the Closing Conditions must be satisfied or validly waived prior to the Expiration Date.

 

Q:

Why is JBT proposing the Share Issuance Proposal?

 

A:

The approval of the Share Issuance Proposal is required under the rules of the NYSE. In addition, such approval is a condition to the Offer. It is important for you to note that in the event the Share Issuance Proposal does not receive the requisite vote for approval, then JBT will not be able to consummate the Transaction. See the section titled “The Special Meeting—Proposal No. 1: The Share Issuance Proposal” for additional information.

 

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Q:

Why is JBT proposing the Adjournment Proposal?

 

A:

JBT is proposing the Adjournment Proposal to allow the JBT Board to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, (i) to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, (ii) if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or (iii) to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosures that JBT has determined, based on the advice of outside legal counsel, is reasonably likely to be required under applicable law and for such supplemental or amended disclosures to be disseminated and reviewed by JBT Stockholders prior to the Special Meeting. The Adjournment Proposal will be presented to JBT Stockholders only if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of certain supplemental or amended disclosures. The Adjournment Proposal is not conditioned on the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal. See the section titled “The Special Meeting—Proposal No. 2: The Adjournment Proposal” for additional information.

 

Q:

What is the recommendation of the JBT Board as to each proposal that may be voted on at the Special Meeting?

 

A:

After careful consideration, the JBT Board has determined that the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal are in the best interests of JBT and JBT Stockholders and unanimously recommends that you vote or give instructions to vote “FOR” each of these proposals.

 

Q:

Are any JBT Stockholders already committed to vote in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal?

 

A:

JBT currently expects its directors and executive officers to vote their shares in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, but none of JBT’s directors or executive officers have entered into any agreement obligating them to do so. As of the close of business on     , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, the directors and executive officers of JBT and their affiliates held an aggregate of approximately  % of the JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

 

Q:

How can I attend the Special Meeting and ask questions?

 

A:

You are entitled to attend the virtual Special Meeting only if you were a stockholder as of     , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting. The Special Meeting will be held virtually by live webcast on     , 2024, at     , Central time, at https://         . You can participate in the meeting by visiting https://          and using your 16-digit control number printed on your proxy card or voting instruction form to enter the meeting, where you will be able to listen to the meeting live, vote and ask questions during the meeting. Please log in to the website by , Central time, on the day of the meeting. There is no physical location for the Special Meeting. If your JBT Shares are in the name of your broker or bank, you may be required to provide proof of beneficial ownership, such as your most recent account statement as of the record date, a copy of the voting instruction form provided by your broker or bank or other similar evidence of ownership. If you do not comply with these procedures, you may not be admitted to the virtual Special Meeting.

 

Q:

Who is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting?

 

A:

Only holders of record of JBT Shares at the close of business on     , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The JBT Shares you may vote include those held directly in your name as a stockholder of record and JBT Shares held for you as a beneficial owner through a broker, bank or other nominee.

 

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Many JBT Stockholders hold their JBT Shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their name. If your JBT Shares are registered directly in your name with JBT’s transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those JBT Shares. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy to the persons appointed by us or to vote electronically during the Special Meeting. If your JBT Shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of JBT Shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those JBT Shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or nominee on how to vote your JBT Shares, and you are also invited to attend the Special Meeting on the virtual meeting website. However, if you are not a stockholder of record, you may not vote these JBT Shares electronically during the Special Meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the stockholder of record. Your broker or nominee is obligated to provide you with a voting instruction card for you to use.

A list of JBT Stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available at JBT’s principal executive offices, located at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, during ordinary business hours for examination by any JBT Stockholder for any purpose germane to the Special Meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the Special Meeting.

Q: Are proxies being solicited from Marel Shareholders?

 

A:

No, only JBT Stockholder proxies are being solicited. JBT is not soliciting any proxies or votes from Marel Shareholders through this proxy statement/prospectus. If you are a Marel Shareholder and are not a JBT Stockholder, you should not treat this proxy statement/prospectus as any solicitation of your proxy, vote or support on any matter. If you are both a JBT Stockholder and a Marel Shareholder, you should treat this proxy statement as soliciting only your proxy with respect to the JBT Shares held by you and should not treat it as a solicitation of your proxy, vote or support on any matter with respect to your Marel Shares.

 

Q:

What happens if I sell my JBT Shares before the Special Meeting?

 

A:

The record date for the Special Meeting is earlier than the date of the Special Meeting. If you transfer your JBT Shares after the record date but before the Special Meeting, unless the transferee obtains from you a proxy to vote those shares, you will retain your right to vote at the Special Meeting. If you transfer your JBT Shares prior to the record date, you will have no right to vote those shares at the Special Meeting.

 

Q:

Who will solicit and pay the cost of soliciting proxies?

 

A:

JBT management, at the direction of the JBT Board, is soliciting your proxy for use at the Special Meeting. It is expected that the solicitation will be primarily by mail or the internet, but proxies may also be solicited personally, by advertisement or by telephone, by directors, officers or employees of JBT without special compensation or by JBT’s proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali.

JBT will pay the cost of soliciting proxies for the Special Meeting. JBT has engaged Morrow Sodali to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. JBT has agreed to pay Morrow Sodali a fee of $25,000, plus disbursements, and will reimburse Morrow Sodali for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and indemnify Morrow Sodali and its affiliates against certain claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses. JBT will also reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries representing beneficial owners of JBT Shares for their expenses in forwarding soliciting materials to beneficial owners of JBT Shares and in obtaining voting instructions from those owners. The directors, officers and employees of JBT may also solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail, on the Internet, or in person. They will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies.

 

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Q:

What is “householding”?

 

A:

A single proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address, unless contrary instructions have been received from an affected stockholder. Once you have received notice from your broker that it will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and you prefer to receive a separate proxy statement, please notify your broker or contact JBT’s proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali, at (203) 658-9400 (banks and brokerage firms) or (800) 662-5200 (stockholders toll-free), or via email at JBT@info.morrowsodali.com. JBT Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of this document at their address and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their broker or bank. For more information, see the section titled “The Special Meeting—Stockholders Sharing an Address.”

 

Q:

How do I vote if I am a JBT Stockholder?

 

A:

If you were a holder of record of JBT Shares on    , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, you may vote with respect to the proposals presented at the Special Meeting by using any of the following methods:

 

   

Voting by Mail. By signing, dating and returning the proxy card in the postage pre-paid envelope provided to vote by mail, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your JBT Shares at the Special Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting so that your JBT Shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Special Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your JBT Shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your JBT Shares are voted. Votes submitted by mail must be received by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2024;

 

   

Voting in Person at the Meeting. If you attend the Special Meeting and plan to vote in person, you will be able to cast your vote on the meeting website during the Special Meeting;

 

   

Voting by Phone. Use the toll-free telephone number noted on your proxy card to vote by telephone; or

 

   

Voting via the Internet. Visit the website noted on your proxy card to vote online.

Information and applicable deadlines for voting by mail, voting by telephone or voting through the internet are set forth in the enclosed proxy card instructions. Alternatively, you may vote at the Special Meeting virtually by ballot.

If your JBT Shares are registered in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee (which is also known as being held in “street name”), that broker, bank or other nominee has enclosed or will provide a voting instruction form for you to direct the broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares. JBT Stockholders who hold shares in “street name” must return their instructions to their broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote their JBT Shares. If your JBT Shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record, to be able to attend the Special Meeting and vote in person.

 

Q:

If I am a JBT Stockholder, what vote is required to approve each proposal, and what happens if I do not vote or if I abstain from voting?

 

A:

Assuming a quorum is present at the Special Meeting, approval of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. The failure of any JBT Stockholder to submit a signed proxy card, grant a proxy electronically over the internet or by telephone or

 

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  vote online during the Special Meeting will have no effect on the outcome of the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal so long as a quorum is otherwise present. An abstention by any holder of JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal, as applicable. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal.

The holders of a majority of the outstanding JBT Shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the stockholders. Broker non-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining the existence of a quorum at the Special Meeting.

 

Q:

If I am a JBT Stockholder and my JBT Shares are held in “street name” by a broker, bank or other nominee, will my broker or bank vote my shares for me?

 

A:

No. Under the rules of various national securities exchanges, your broker, bank or other nominee cannot vote your shares with respect to non-discretionary matters unless you provide instructions on how to vote in accordance with the information and procedures provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee. JBT believes that all of the proposals presented to the stockholders at the Special Meeting will be considered non-discretionary and, therefore, your broker, bank or other nominee cannot vote your shares without your instruction on any of the proposals presented at the Special Meeting.

A “broker non-vote” occurs on a proposal when (i) a broker, bank or other nominee has discretionary authority to vote on one or more proposals to be voted on at a meeting of stockholders, but is not permitted to vote on other proposals without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares, and (ii) the beneficial owner fails to provide the broker, bank or other nominee with such instructions. Because all of the proposals currently expected to be voted on at the Special Meeting are non-discretionary matters for which brokers do not have discretionary authority to vote, JBT does not expect there to be any broker non-votes at the Special Meeting. Accordingly, if you are a “street name” holder of JBT Shares and you do not provide your bank, broker or other nominee with voting instructions, then your JBT Shares will not be voted and will not be counted in determining the presence of a quorum.

 

Q:

Can I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy?

 

A:

Yes. You may change your vote by sending a later-dated, signed proxy card to JBT at the address listed below so that it is received by JBT prior to the Special Meeting or attend the Special Meeting in person and vote. You also may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by, among other methods, delivering a written notice revoking your proxy to JBT’s Corporate Secretary at JBT’s principal executive offices at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602 prior to the cut-off for voting or subsequently voting by phone or internet.

If your JBT Shares are held in an account at a broker, bank or other nominee and you have instructed your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares, you should follow the instructions provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote.

 

Q:

What will happen if the proposals to be considered at the Special Meeting are not approved?

 

A:

The approval of the Share Issuance Proposal is a condition to the completion of the Transaction, and if such proposal is not approved, the Transaction Agreement will likely be terminated in accordance with its terms and, consequently, JBT and Marel will remain as two separate entities. The approval of the Adjournment Proposal is not a condition to the completion of the Transaction.

 

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Q:

When should I submit my proxy?

 

A:

Whether or not you expect to attend the Special Meeting virtually, please promptly submit your proxy or voting instruction. Most JBT Stockholders have a choice of voting over the internet, by telephone or by using a traditional proxy card (including by mail). Please refer to the enclosed proxy materials or the information forwarded by your bank, broker or other nominee to see which voting methods are available to you.

Please be aware that, if you own JBT Shares in a brokerage account, you must instruct your broker on how to vote your shares. Without your instructions, NYSE rules do not allow your broker to vote your JBT Shares on any of the proposals. Please exercise your right as a JBT Stockholder to vote on all proposals, including the Share Issuance Proposal, by instructing your broker by proxy.

 

Q:

Where can I find the voting results of the Special Meeting?

 

A:

JBT intends to announce preliminary voting results at the Special Meeting and publish final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC following the Special Meeting. All reports JBT files with the SEC are publicly available when filed. See the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Q:

Who can help answer my questions?

 

A:

If you have questions about the proposals or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact:

Morrow Sodali LLC

333 Ludlow Street, 5th Floor, South Tower

Stamford, Connecticut 06902

Shareholders in the US and Canada, please call toll-free: (800) 662-5200

Shareholders in other locations please call: (203) 658-9400

Email: JBT@info.morrowsodali.com

To obtain timely delivery, JBT Stockholders must request the materials no later than    , 2024, or five business days prior to the Special Meeting.

You may also obtain additional information about JBT from documents filed with the SEC by following the instructions in the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information in this document and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire document, including its Annexes and documents referred to herein, for a more complete understanding of the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction, JBT and Marel. Please see the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Parties to the Transaction

JBT

JBT is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food and beverage industry. JBT designs, produces and services sophisticated products and systems for a broad range of end markets, generating roughly one-half of its annual revenue from recurring parts, service, rebuilds and leasing operations. As of December 31, 2023, JBT employed approximately 5,100 people worldwide and operated sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations in more than 25 countries.

The mailing address of JBT’s principal executive office is 70 West Madison, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, and its telephone number is (312) 861-5900.

Marel

Marel is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the food processing industry as well as a leading provider in processing solutions for pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed, with a presence in over 30 countries and six continents and around 7,300 employees. Marel designs, manufactures, sells and services technologically advanced processing solutions ranging from standard equipment to full-line processing systems, with sophisticated software capabilities and aftermarket services.

The mailing address of Marel’s principal executive office is Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland, and its telephone number is +354 563 8000.

The Offeror

The Offeror is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013, and a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT.

The mailing address of the Offeror’s principal executive office is Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its telephone number is +31 (0)20 6348 486.

The Transaction and the Transaction Agreement

The Offer

On April 4, 2024, JBT entered into the Transaction Agreement with the Offeror and Marel, pursuant to which, among other things, the parties agreed to the terms and conditions of the voluntary public takeover offer to be commenced by the Offeror to Marel Shareholders to acquire up to 100% of the then outstanding Marel Shares and voting rights of Marel, not including any treasury shares held by Marel. In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT

 

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Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares, in each case subject to the proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. Marel Shareholders who elect to receive the consideration described in (ii) or (iii) can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland), and if no explicit selection is made, Accepting Marel Shareholders will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE.

Upon the Offer Closing Time, and assuming that all of the outstanding Marel Shares are tendered into the Offer, JBT Stockholders as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time will own approximately 62% of the outstanding JBT Shares after giving effect to the issuance of JBT Offer Shares and Marel Shareholders as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time will own approximately 38% of the aggregate outstanding JBT Shares after giving effect to the issuance of JBT Offer Shares.

Offer Period

The Offer Period starts on the Commencement Date (    , 2024) and expires at 5:00 p.m. Icelandic time on the Expiration Date. Following the Expiration Date, withdrawal rights will cease, and any Marel Shares validly tendered into the Offer cannot be withdrawn. See “The Exchange Offer—Timetable.”

Conditions to the Offer

The Offer is subject to the satisfaction or valid waiver of the Closing Conditions described in the section “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Offer.”

Settlement of the Offer

Settlement of the Offer will be made as promptly as possible but will take place no later than three business days from the Expiration Date, except that that the Offeror may apply for an extension as permitted under paragraph 7 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act.

On the Settlement Date, the Offeror will promptly settle the Offer in accordance with its terms and applicable laws, and accept for exchange, and exchange, all Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer. Marel’s share register will be updated immediately following the Offer Closing Time.

If Marel Shareholders hold Marel Shares through their custodian, bank or stockbroker, and payment on settlement is to be made in such nominee’s or intermediary’s account, they should contact such custodian, bank or stockbroker for determining when and how payment will be credited to their personal accounts. See “The Exchange Offer—Settlement of the Offer.”

Treatment of Marel Equity Awards

At the Offer Closing Time, each stock option with respect to Marel Shares (a “Marel Stock Option”) that was granted prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time with an exercise price per share less than the volume-weighted average trading price of a Marel Share on the last trading day immediately prior to the Settlement Date (the “Marel Closing Price”), whether vested or unvested, will automatically be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product of (i) the number of Marel Shares subject to such Marel Stock Option as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Marel Closing Price over the exercise price per share of such Marel Stock Option. Each Marel

 

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Stock Option with an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the Marel Closing Price will be cancelled without any cash payment being made in respect thereof. Any Marel Stock Option that is granted from and after April 4, 2024 (a “Marel Interim Period Option”) or any other equity or equity-based compensation award granted by Marel from or after such date (“Marel Interim Period Other Award” and, together with Marel Interim Period Options, “Marel Interim Period Awards”), will not vest by virtue of the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time. At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Interim Period Award will cease to represent an award with respect to Marel Shares and be automatically converted into an award with respect to JBT Shares of comparable value and in such form as determined by JBT in good faith consultation with Marel. Immediately following the Offer Closing Time, each such converted award will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions regarding vesting and forfeiture as were applicable to the corresponding Marel Interim Period Award immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, no Marel Interim Period Awards have been granted.

Termination of the Transaction Agreement

The Transaction Agreement may be terminated by either JBT or Marel under certain circumstances. See the section titled “The Transaction Agreement—Termination of the Transaction Agreement.”

Eyrir Invest Irrevocable Undertaking

On November 19, 2023, Marel’s largest shareholder, Eyrir Invest, which holds approximately   % of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares as of     , 2024, delivered an irrevocable undertaking to JBT, pursuant to which Eyrir Invest has, among other things, agreed to support and accept an offer for Marel by JBT in respect of the Marel Shares that it owns.

Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel

Following the Offer Closing Time, JBT may or will, as applicable, pursue post-offer reorganizations (more specifically, the Merger or the Squeeze-Out) with respect to Marel. For further details regarding the potential post-Offer reorganizations, see “The Transaction—Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel.”

For more information about the Transaction and the Transaction Agreement, please see the sections titled “The Transaction,” “The Transaction Agreement” and “The Exchange Offer.” A copy of the Transaction Agreement is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex A.

The Special Meeting of JBT Stockholders

The Special Meeting will be held virtually by live webcast on    , 2024, at     , Central time, at https://       , or such other date, time and place to which such meeting may be adjourned or postponed, to consider and vote upon the proposals. For purposes of attendance at the Special Meeting, all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to “present in person” or “in person” shall mean virtually present at the Special Meeting.

The purpose of the Special Meeting is for JBT Stockholders to:

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of JBT Offer Shares to Marel Shareholders in connection with the Transaction; and

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the

 

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Share Issuance Proposal. The Adjournment Proposal will be presented to JBT Stockholders only if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of certain supplemental or amended disclosures.

Each JBT Share is entitled to one vote on each proposal at the Special Meeting. Assuming a quorum is present at the Special Meeting, approval of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. The failure of any JBT Stockholder to submit a signed proxy card, grant a proxy electronically over the internet or by telephone or vote online during the Special Meeting will have no effect on the outcome of the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal so long as a quorum is otherwise present. An abstention by any holder of JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal, as applicable. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal.

The holders of a majority of the outstanding JBT Shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at a meeting of JBT Stockholders.

As of the close of business on     , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, JBT’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates held approximately   % of the outstanding JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. JBT currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, although none have entered into any agreements obligating them to do so.

Please see the sections titled “The Special Meeting—Proposal No. 1: The Share Issuance Proposal” and “—Proposal No. 2: The Adjournment Proposal.”

Proxy Solicitation

Proxies may be solicited by mail, via telephone or via e-mail or other electronic correspondence. JBT has engaged Morrow Sodali to assist in the solicitation of proxies.

If a JBT Stockholder grants a proxy, such stockholder may still vote its shares in person if it revokes its proxy before the Special Meeting. A JBT Stockholder may also change its vote by submitting a later-dated proxy, as described in the section titled “The Special Meeting—Manner of Voting.”

JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction

After careful consideration, the JBT Board, in a special meeting held on April 2, 2024, (i) determined that the Transaction was advisable and in the best interests of JBT and the JBT Stockholders, (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance by JBT of the Transaction Agreement and the consummation of the Transaction and (iii) unanimously recommended that JBT Stockholders vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

In reaching its determination, the JBT Board considered a number of factors in connection with its evaluation of the proposed transactions, including significant strategic opportunities, potential synergies, potential value creation for JBT Stockholders and expected strengths of the combined company, as generally supporting its decision to enter into the Transaction Agreement and proceed with the Transaction.

 

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See “The Transaction—JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction” for a discussion of the factors considered by the JBT Board.

Marel Board’s Reasons for the Transaction

After careful consideration, the Marel Board, in a special meeting held on April 4, 2024, authorized and approved the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, and declared the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction to be advisable and in the best interests of Marel and its shareholders.

See “The Transaction—Marel Board’s Reasons for the Transaction” for a discussion of the factors considered by the Marel Board.

Executive Officers and Directors of the Combined Company Following the Transaction

Executive Officers of the Combined Company

Brian Deck, current President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT and member of the JBT Board, will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and member of the board of directors of the combined company, and Matthew Meister, current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of JBT, will continue to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the combined company. Árni Sigurdsson, current Chief Executive Officer of Marel, will serve as President of the combined company. The executive leadership team of the combined company following the closing will consist of a combination of individuals from the current JBT and Marel management teams. For more information, see the section titled, “Management of the Combined Company Following the Transaction.”

Board of Directors of the Combined Company

Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of ten members, consisting of Mr. Deck, five independent directors from the pre-closing JBT Board selected by JBT and four independent directors from the pre-closing Marel Board selected by Marel. Prior to the 2026 Annual Meeting, the board of directors of the combined company will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible and designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors elected at the annual meeting of JBT Stockholders held in 2023 will serve out their three-year terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2026 Annual Meeting; directors whose terms expired at the 2024 Annual Meeting stood for re-election to a two-year term; and directors with terms expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting will serve out the remainder of their current terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Commencing with the 2026 Annual Meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings of JBT Stockholders, all directors will be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of JBT Stockholders, with each such director to hold office until their successor will be elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office, and there will no longer be any director class designation. For more information, see the section titled “Management of the Combined Company Following the Transaction.”

Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction

In considering the recommendation of the JBT Board to vote in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal, JBT Stockholders should be aware that aside from their interests as stockholders, JBT’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Transaction that are different from, or in addition to, those of other JBT Stockholders generally. These interests include the following:

 

   

the continued service of certain directors and executive officers following the completion of the Transaction;

 

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arrangements with JBT that provide for certain severance payments or benefits, accelerated vesting of certain equity-based awards and other rights and other payments or benefits upon completion of the Transaction and if their employment or service is terminated under certain circumstances in connection with the Transaction; and

 

   

the right to continued indemnification by the combined company.

The JBT Board was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the Transaction, and in recommending to JBT Stockholders that they approve the Share Issuance Proposal. JBT Stockholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Share Issuance Proposal.

For a further discussion of the interests of JBT’s directors and executive officers in the Transaction, see the section titled “The Transaction—Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction.”

Interests of Marel’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction

In considering the recommendation of the Marel Board for Marel Shareholders to tender their Marel Shares into the Offer, Marel Shareholders should be aware that aside from their interests as shareholders, Marel’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Transaction that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Marel Shareholders generally. In the case of Marel’s directors, these interests include four independent directors from the Marel Board being appointed to the board of directors of the combined company. Árni Sigurdsson, Marel’s current Chief Executive Officer, will serve as President of the combined company. In addition, members of Marel executive management have in place remuneration agreements that were negotiated prior to the launch of the Offer. Marel’s executive management’s remuneration will, as before, be determined in accordance with Marel’s remuneration policy, subject to any restrictions in the Transaction.

For a further discussion of the interests of Marel’s directors and executive officers in the Transaction, see the section titled “The Transaction—Interests of Marel’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction.”

Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor

Goldman Sachs rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, to the JBT Board that, as of April 4, 2024, and based upon and subject to the various assumptions, limitations, factors, qualifications and other matters set forth therein, the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to JBT.

The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated April 4, 2024, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex B. The summary of Goldman Sachs’ opinion contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Goldman Sachs’ written opinion. Goldman Sachs’ advisory services and its opinion were provided for the information and assistance of the JBT Board in connection with its consideration of the Transaction, and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of JBT Shares should vote with respect to the Transaction or any other matter. Pursuant to an engagement letter between JBT and Goldman Sachs, JBT has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a transaction fee of $40 million, $37.5 million of which is contingent upon the consummation of the Transaction.

For more information, see “The Transaction—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor” and the full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Opinions of Marel’s Financial Advisors

Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities plc

Pursuant to an engagement letter, Marel retained J.P. Morgan as a financial advisor to Marel in connection with the proposed Transaction. As part of such engagement, J.P. Morgan delivered a written opinion dated April 4, 2024 to the Marel Board to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in preparing the opinion, the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares in the proposed Transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (other than shareholders executing irrevocable undertakings in connection with the Transaction and, as applicable, JBT, the Offeror and their respective affiliates). For purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis and opinion, the term “Transaction” refers to the Offer and Squeeze-Out or Merger, taken together as a single integrated transaction, and J.P. Morgan assumed that the same consideration would be paid in the Squeeze-Out or Merger, as the case may be, for Marel Shares not tendered into the Offer as payable in the Offer.

The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan dated April 4, 2024, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in preparing the opinion, is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. Marel Shareholders are encouraged to read the opinion in its entirety. J.P. Morgan’s written opinion was addressed to the Marel Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the proposed Transaction and was directed only to the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares in the proposed Transaction (to the extent expressly specified therein), without regard to individual circumstances of holders of Marel Shares (whether by virtue of control, voting, liquidity, contractual arrangements or otherwise) that may distinguish such holders or the securities of Marel held by such holders, and J.P. Morgan’s opinion did not in any way address proportionate allocation or relative fairness. J.P. Morgan’s opinion did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the Transaction. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the Transaction, or any consideration paid in connection therewith, to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Marel or as to the underlying decision by Marel to engage in the proposed Transaction. J.P. Morgan’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to whether such shareholder should tender its shares into the Offer or how any shareholder should vote or act with respect to the proposed Transaction or any other matter.

Opinion of Rabobank

Pursuant to an engagement letter, Marel retained Rabobank as its financial advisor to provide a fairness opinion to the Marel Board in connection with the Transaction. As part of such engagement, Rabobank delivered a written opinion, dated as of April 4, 2024 (the “Rabobank Fairness Opinion”), to the Marel Board to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Rabobank in preparing the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares, other than holders of Excluded Shares, in the Transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

The full text of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Rabobank in preparing the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such

 

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Rabobank Fairness Opinion. Any recipient of this summary of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion is encouraged to read the Rabobank Fairness Opinion in its entirety. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion was addressed to the Marel Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Transaction and was directed only to the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares, other than holders of Excluded Shares, in the Transaction, without regard to individual circumstances of holders of Marel Shares (whether by virtue of control, voting, liquidity, contractual arrangements or otherwise) that may distinguish such holders or the securities of Marel held by such holders, and the Rabobank Fairness Opinion did not in any way address proportionate allocation or relative fairness. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the Transaction. Rabobank expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to be paid in connection with the Transaction to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Marel, or as to the underlying decision by Marel to engage in the Transaction. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any Marel Shareholder as to whether such Marel Shareholder should tender its Marel Shares in the Offer or how such Marel Shareholder should make decisions relating to the Transaction, including, among other things, with respect to the consideration or any proration of the consideration, or any other matter.

This summary of each of J.P. Morgan’s and Rabobank’s opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinions. For additional information, see Annex C, Annex D and the section titled “The Transaction—Opinions of Marel’s Financial Advisors.”

Regulatory Approvals

As described in “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Offer,” the Offer is subject to the Regulatory Approvals Condition. In accordance with the Transaction Agreement, the parties must make filings and obtain authorizations, approvals or consents pursuant to (i) antitrust laws in the United States, certain member states of the EU and/or the EU itself, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom (collectively, the “Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions”) and (ii) Foreign Investment Laws in the EU, Iceland, France and any other jurisdiction identified in writing to Marel by JBT in accordance with the Transaction Agreement (the “Specified FDI Jurisdictions,” and together with the Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions, the “Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions”). For additional information, see the section titled “The Transaction—Regulatory Approvals.”

Description of Financing

JBT estimates that it will need approximately EUR 1.9 billion in order to have the Offeror pay Marel Shareholders the cash consideration due to them in connection with the Offer, refinance certain of Marel’s existing debt and pay related fees, premiums, costs and expenses in connection with the Transaction. JBT anticipates that the funds needed to pay the foregoing amount will be derived from (i) cash on hand, (ii) borrowings under its existing and new credit facilities, including as described below, (iii) the proceeds from the sale of debt securities or (iv) any combination of the foregoing. This proxy statement/prospectus is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any debt securities of JBT. No offer of debt securities will be made in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.

Bridge Credit Agreement

On April 4, 2024, JBT entered into the Bridge Credit Agreement. Under the Bridge Credit Agreement, the lenders party thereto have committed to provide JBT with secured bridge financing in an aggregate principal

 

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amount of EUR 1.9 billion. The commitments under the Bridge Credit Agreement are available to support the issuance of one or more bank guarantees issued by Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE (each such issuance, a “Bank Guarantee”) in connection with the Transaction, and the proceeds of such commitments, if drawn, will be used to purchase the Marel Shares tendered into the Offer, refinance certain of Marel’s existing debt, reimburse drawings under the initial Bank Guarantee, which is being issued substantially concurrently with the launch of the Offer in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, and pay fees and expenses related to the foregoing.

JBT Revolving Credit Facility

On April 4, 2024, JBT also entered into a backstop commitment letter pursuant to which Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Goldman Sachs Bank USA have committed to provide and to arrange, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of the backstop commitment letter, a $1.3 billion revolving credit facility to the extent that the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not amended to expressly permit the Transaction and make certain other amendments as set forth in the backstop commitment letter (as amended or replaced by the backstop revolving credit facility, the “JBT Revolving Credit Facility”), which JBT Revolving Credit Facility would be available to pay fees and expenses related to the Transaction and for general working capital purposes. If the amendment to the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not achieved, the backstop revolving credit facility would be on substantially the same terms as the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility if it were successfully amended in the manner as contemplated in the backstop commitment letter.

Accounting Treatment of the Transaction

The Transaction will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. GAAP requires that one of the two companies in the Transaction be designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes based on the evidence available. JBT will be treated as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes. In identifying JBT as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes, the companies took into account the proposed composition of the combined company’s board of directors, a majority of whom will be existing directors of JBT, the entity issuing the shares and cash to be used as transaction consideration, the designation of JBT’s President and Chief Executive Officer as the Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, as well as the fact that JBT’s existing shareholders will own the majority of the combined company after completion of the Transaction. In assessing the size of each of the companies, the companies evaluated various metrics, including, but not limited to: assets, revenue, operating income, market capitalization and enterprise value. No single factor was the sole determinant in the overall conclusion that JBT is the acquirer for accounting purposes, rather all factors were considered in arriving at such conclusion.

The combined company will measure Marel’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values, including net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date. Any consideration transferred or paid in a business combination in excess of those fair values will be recorded as goodwill.

Definite lived intangible assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and goodwill will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment at least annually. All intangible assets and goodwill are also tested for impairment when certain indicators are present.

The total consideration paid by JBT in connection with the Transaction and the related allocation of the total transaction consideration paid to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Marel reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements is based on preliminary estimates using assumptions JBT management and Marel management believe are reasonable based on currently available information. The total consideration paid by JBT in connection with the Transaction and fair value assessment of assets and liabilities will be based in part on a detailed valuation that has not yet been completed.

 

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Listing of JBT Offer Shares on NYSE and Nasdaq Iceland and Delisting of Marel Shares

The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction under the symbol “JBT,” and JBT intends to submit the Supplemental Listing Application to the NYSE with respect to the JBT Offer Shares. JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT and Marel cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland. Additionally, in connection with the Transaction and the Merger or Squeeze-Out, JBT, through the Offeror, and Marel intend to delist the Marel Shares from Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland as soon as practicable after the Offer Closing Time. JBT, through the Offeror, and Marel may initiate a delisting of the Marel Shares depending on the stake of JBT, prevailing market conditions and other economic considerations. A delisting would require the approval of Marel Shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting, in respect of the Nasdaq Iceland Shares, and following such a meeting, an application would be submitted to Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland to delist. A delisting would result in the revocation of trading of Marel Shares on the regulated market and, thus, could make Marel Shares effectively illiquid. The Offeror does not intend to compensate for such adverse effect.

Comparison of Stockholder Rights

Until the completion of the Transaction (and in the case of Marel Shareholders who do not tender their Marel Shares in the Offer, until such shareholders no longer hold Marel Shares), Delaware law and the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws will continue to govern the rights of JBT Stockholders, and Icelandic law and the Marel Articles of Association will continue to govern the rights of Marel Shareholders. After completion of the Transaction (or, as applicable, the Squeeze-Out or the Merger), Delaware law and the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws will govern the rights of stockholders of the combined company.

Material differences in the rights of JBT Stockholders (which will be the rights of JBT Stockholders, including Marel Shareholders who receive JBT Offer Shares, upon consummation of the Transaction) and Marel Shareholders include, among others, the following:

 

   

JBT has authorized, but not issued, a class of preferred stock that, if issued, may have rights, preferences and privileges, which may be greater than the rights of JBT Shares. In contrast, Marel only has one series of ordinary shares;

 

   

the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws provide that special meetings of JBT Stockholders may be called only by the JBT Board. Under Marel’s Articles of Association, the elected auditors or Marel Shareholders that control at least 1/20 of all Marel Shares may make a written request to call a special meeting;

 

   

except as otherwise provided by law, the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding JBT Voting Stock present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a quorum at a meeting of JBT Stockholders. In contrast, a meeting of Marel Shareholders is legally constituted if lawfully convened, regardless of how many shareholders are present;

 

   

currently, the JBT Board is divided into three classes with directors serving three-year terms. On the other hand, the Marel Board consists of seven individuals who are annually elected. However, commencing with the 2026 Annual Meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings of JBT Stockholders, all directors will be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of JBT Stockholders;

 

   

the JBT Charter does not provide for any preemptive rights for JBT Stockholders. A Marel Shareholder, by contrast, is entitled to subscribe to new shares in direct proportions to their holdings upon an increase of share capital; and

 

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the JBT Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of JBT, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of JBT to JBT or JBT’s Stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against JBT arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time) or (iv) any action asserting a claim against JBT or any director of officer of JBT governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. Marel Shareholders are not currently subject to an exclusive forum provision.

For a more complete discussion, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Comparison of Stockholder Rights.”

Certain Material Tax Considerations

Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

The exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Shares and/or cash pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax purposes. Very generally, a U.S. Holder who receives cash and/or JBT Shares in exchange for Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will (subject to potential exceptions) recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in the Marel Shares. Very generally, a non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain that the non-U.S. Holder realizes on the exchange of its Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer, unless the gain is “effectively connected” with the non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States or the non-U.S. Holder is an individual present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the exchange, and certain other requirements are met. The foregoing is a brief summary of United States federal income tax consequences only and is qualified by the description of United States federal income tax considerations in “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Certain Material Icelandic Tax Considerations

Marel Shareholders may be taxed in Iceland, among other jurisdictions, in connection with the exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Shares. Marel Shareholders who, following the consummation of the Offer, will become JBT Stockholders, may be taxed in Iceland in connection with the receipt of dividend income from JBT.

Notwithstanding the description of certain aspects of taxation in Iceland in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material Icelandic Tax Considerations,” shareholders may be liable to tax in other jurisdictions. In particular, shareholders with tax residency in Iceland may be subject to an unlimited or limited tax liability in other jurisdictions, and shareholders that are subject to a limited tax liability in Iceland may be liable to tax in the jurisdiction in which they are resident.

Certain Material Dutch Tax Considerations

Dutch tax resident Marel Shareholders may be taxed in the Netherlands in connection with the exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Shares. In addition, Dutch tax resident Marel Shareholders who, following the consummation of the Offer, will become holders of JBT Shares may be taxed in the Netherlands in connection with the receipt of dividend income from JBT and in respect of any capital gain or loss recognized as a result of the disposition of JBT Shares. For additional information, see “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material Dutch Tax Considerations.”

 

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Marel Shareholders may also be liable to tax in jurisdictions other than the U.S., Iceland and, the Netherlands. Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of the Offer to a particular holder will depend in part on such holder’s circumstances. Accordingly, Marel Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the Offer to them, including the applicability of United States federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws.

For a more complete discussion, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Certain Material Tax Considerations.”

Appraisal or Dissent Rights

Under Icelandic law, Marel Shareholders will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their Marel Shares in connection with the Offer. However, certain post-closing reorganization transactions, specifically the Merger or the Squeeze-Out, may trigger appraisal rights for Marel Shareholders. In the event of these transactions, Marel Shareholders would be entitled to adequate compensation or consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. However, in the event that the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months following the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for purposes of the Squeeze-Out. For more information, see the sections of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “The Transaction” and “The Exchange Offer.”

Litigation Related to the Transaction

JBT Stockholders or Marel Shareholders may file lawsuits challenging the Transaction, which may name JBT, Marel, members of the boards of directors of JBT or Marel or others as defendants. No assurance can be made as to the outcome of such lawsuits, including the amount of costs associated with defending claims or any other liabilities that may be incurred in connection with the litigation of any claims. If plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the parties from completing the Transaction on the agreed-upon terms, such an injunction may delay the completion of the Transaction or may prevent the Transaction from being completed altogether.

Comparative Per Share Market Price

The following table sets forth the closing sale price per JBT Share and Marel Share as reported on the NYSE, Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam as of the last trading day before the public announcement of JBT’s submission of a non-binding initial proposal to the Marel Board, and as of   , 2024, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this document.

 

     JBT Closing Price   

Marel Closing Price

Last trading day before public announcement(1)

   NYSE: $106.68   

Nasdaq Iceland: kr350.00

Euronext Amsterdam: EUR 2.26

   , 2024

   NYSE: $   

Nasdaq Iceland: kr

Euronext Amsterdam: EUR

 

(1)

JBT’s last trading day before the public announcement of JBT’s submission of a non-binding initial proposal to the Marel Board was November 22, 2023. Marel’s last trading day prior to such announcement was November 23, 2023.

JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders are encouraged to obtain current market quotations for JBT Shares and Marel Shares and to review carefully the other information contained in, attached to or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and the exchange offer document, including the exchange offer prospectus, once available. For additional information, see the sections titled “Additional Information” and “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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Summary of Risk Factors

In evaluating the Transaction and the proposals to be considered at the Special Meeting, as applicable, you should carefully review and consider the matters addressed under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risk factors set forth and incorporated by reference under “Risk Factors,” a summary of which is set forth below:

 

   

The Offer is subject to certain conditions that neither JBT nor Marel can control, and the Transaction may not be consummated.

 

   

The Transaction is conditioned on the receipt of certain required governmental and regulatory approvals and clearances, which, if delayed, not granted or granted with unfavorable conditions, may delay or jeopardize the completion of the Transaction, result in additional costs and expenses and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Transaction.

 

   

Each of JBT, Marel and the Offeror may waive one or more of the Closing Conditions without JBT Stockholder approval or Marel Shareholder approval.

 

   

The number of JBT Offer Shares that Marel Shareholders will receive in the Offer is based on a fixed exchange ratio. The market value of the JBT Offer Shares to be issued upon the Offer Closing Time is unknown, and therefore, Marel Shareholders and JBT Stockholders cannot be certain of the value of the portion of the consideration to be paid in JBT Offer Shares.

 

   

The Marel Shares held by any Marel Shareholders that do not tender their Marel Shares in the Offer may be acquired by the Offeror pursuant to the Merger or the Squeeze-Out after the Offer Closing Time.

 

   

Any failure by the Offeror to acquire at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares could lead to Marel not becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT and might prevent the delisting of Marel Shares from Nasdaq Iceland or Euronext Amsterdam.

 

   

Negative publicity related to the Transaction may adversely affect JBT and Marel.

 

   

Certain of the directors and executive officers of JBT and Marel may have interests in the Transaction that may be different from, or in addition to, those of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders generally.

 

   

Failure to consummate the Transaction could negatively impact the share prices and the future business and financial results of JBT and Marel.

 

   

If the Transaction Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, JBT may be obligated to pay to Marel a reverse termination fee and each of JBT and Marel may be required to reimburse the other party for out-of-pocket costs and expenses, which could adversely impact JBT’s or Marel’s financial condition, as applicable.

 

   

The share issuance will dilute the ownership and voting interests of existing JBT Stockholders and may cause the market price of JBT Shares to decline.

 

   

The Transaction may not be as successful as anticipated, and the combined company may not achieve the intended benefits or do so within the intended timeframe and the integration costs may exceed estimates.

 

   

The combined company may not be able to retain customers or suppliers, and customers or suppliers may seek to modify contractual obligations with the combined company, either of which could have an adverse effect on the combined company’s business and operations.

 

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The indebtedness of the combined company following the consummation of the Transaction is expected to be substantially greater than the current indebtedness of JBT or Marel on a standalone basis and greater than JBT and Marel’s combined indebtedness prior to the Transaction. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect the combined company’s operational flexibility and increase its borrowing costs.

 

   

Risks relating to the business of JBT, including risks relating to fluctuations in JBT’s financial results; unanticipated delays or accelerations in JBT’s sales cycles; deterioration of economic conditions; inflationary pressures; disruptions in the political, regulatory, economic and social conditions of the countries in which JBT conducts business; geopolitical trade risks and fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in food consumption patterns; impacts of pandemic illnesses, food borne illnesses and diseases to various agricultural products; termination or loss of major customer contracts and risks associated with fixed-price contracts; competition and innovation; JBT’s ability to execute on strategic investments, merger or acquisition opportunities; work stoppages or loss of key management and other personnel; the impact of climate change and environmental protection initiatives; customer sourcing initiatives; JBT’s ability to develop and introduce new or enhanced products and services and keep pace with technological developments; and JBT’s compliance with U.S. and international laws governing its operations and industries.

 

   

Risks relating to the business of Marel, including risks relating to Marel’s competitive environment; its dependance on long-term customer relationships and Aftermarket revenues (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus); labor cost inflation and potential work stoppages or the loss of key personnel; supply chain interruptions and rising raw material prices; Marel’s ability to adapt its production capacity to production needs; outbreaks of animal borne diseases; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; the potential disruption of manufacturing operations and distribution centers for an extended period of time; disruptions in the political, regulatory and social conditions in areas where Marel and its customers conduct business; changes in food consumption patterns; and geopolitical trade.

 

   

Risks relating to tax matters, including that changes in tax laws and policy could adversely impact the combined company’s financial position or results of operations and that the tax rate that will apply to the combined company is uncertain and may vary from expectations.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Before deciding to vote in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal (if you are a JBT Stockholder), or to tender your Marel Shares in the Offer (if you are a Marel Shareholder), you should carefully review and consider the following risk factors and the other information contained in this document. The occurrence of one or more of the events or circumstances described in these risk factors alone or in combination with other events or circumstances may have a material adverse effect on JBT’s or Marel’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and, upon completion of the Transaction, on the combined company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. While the Transaction remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, and there is no assurance that the Transaction will be completed, certain of the risks discussed below are presented assuming the Transaction is completed and the combined company exists. The risks discussed below may not prove to be exhaustive and are based on certain assumptions made by JBT and Marel, which later may prove to be incorrect or incomplete. The risks discussed below may not be the only risks to which each of JBT, Marel and the combined company is, or will be, exposed. They should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” because they could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Additional risks and uncertainties of which JBT and Marel are not currently aware or which JBT and Marel do not consider significant at present could likewise have a material adverse effect on JBT’s, Marel’s or the combined company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The market price of the JBT Shares, the Marel Shares or, following the completion of the Transaction, the shares of the combined company could fall if any of these risks were to materialize, in which case the respective equityholders could lose all or part of their investment. If you are a Marel Shareholder, you should consider carefully whether an investment in the JBT Offer Shares is suitable for you in light of the information in this proxy statement/prospectus and your personal circumstances. If you are in any doubt about any action you should take, you should consult a competent independent professional advisor who specializes in advising on the acquisition of listed securities. Save as required by applicable law, neither JBT nor Marel is obliged to, and make no commitment to, release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Risks Relating to the Transaction

The Offer is subject to conditions that neither JBT nor Marel can control.

The Offer is subject to the Closing Conditions, which include, among others, the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal at the Special Meeting, the Minimum Acceptance Condition and the Regulatory Approvals Condition. The Closing Conditions to the Offer must be satisfied or validly waived by the Offeror (only following approval by both JBT and Marel), JBT and/or Marel, as applicable, prior to the Expiration Date. No assurance can be given that the Closing Conditions will be satisfied or waived or, if they are, as to the timing of the Offer Closing Time. If the Closing Conditions are not satisfied or waived, then the Transaction may not be consummated. See the sections of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “The Transaction Agreement—Conditions to Closing” and “The Offer.”

The Transaction is conditioned on the receipt of certain required governmental and regulatory approvals and clearances, which, if delayed, not granted or granted with unfavorable conditions, may delay or jeopardize the completion of the Transaction, result in additional costs and expenses and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Transaction.

Completion of the Transaction is conditioned on, among other things, receipt of approvals and/or clearances from certain antitrust authorities or expiration or termination of any statutory waiting period (including any extension thereof), as well as clearances from certain authorities under foreign direct investment regimes. The governmental and regulatory agencies from which JBT and Marel seek certain of these approvals and clearances have broad discretion in administering the governing regulations. Neither JBT nor Marel can provide any

 

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assurance that all required approvals and clearances will be obtained. Moreover, as a condition to the approvals, the governmental or regulatory agencies may impose requirements, limitations or costs on, or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of, the combined company’s business after the completion of the Transaction. These requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions could jeopardize or delay the completion of the Transaction. Further, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of the approvals. If JBT and Marel agree to any material requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions to obtain any approvals or clearances required to consummate the Transaction, these requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions could adversely affect JBT’s ability to integrate Marel’s operations with JBT’s operations and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Transaction. This could have a material adverse effect on the combined company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The Transaction may be delayed or ultimately prohibited since it may be subject to regulatory review and approval, including pursuant to foreign investment regulations and review by U.S. government entities such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”).

Certain transactions that involve a U.S. business and a non-U.S. individual or entity may be subject to review and approval by CFIUS. Whether a transaction is a covered transaction that CFIUS has jurisdiction to review depends on, among other factors, the nature and structure of the transaction, the nationality of the parties, the level of beneficial ownership interest and the nature of any information or governance rights involved.

For example, transactions that result in control of a U.S. business by a foreign person are subject to CFIUS jurisdiction. CFIUS also has jurisdiction to review non-control transactions that afford a foreign person certain information, governance, and/or access rights in an unaffiliated U.S. business that has a qualifying nexus to critical technologies, covered investment critical infrastructure and/or sensitive personal data as those terms are defined in the CFIUS regulations. Foreign investments in U.S. businesses that produce, test, design, fabricate, manufacture, or develop critical technology, or that involve certain foreign government interests, may be subject to mandatory pre-closing CFIUS filing requirements. Failure to make a CFIUS filing where one is required may subject the transacting parties to civil fines. The parties do not believe that the Transaction gives rise to a mandatory CFIUS filing obligation. Nevertheless, CFIUS may determine that it has jurisdiction over the Transaction, and may decide to investigate, delay or block the Transaction, or impose conditions with respect to it, which may delay or prevent the parties from consummating the Transaction.

Each of JBT, Marel and the Offeror may waive one or more of the Closing Conditions without JBT Stockholder approval or Marel Shareholder approval.

As provided in the Transaction Agreement, each of JBT, Marel and the Offeror (only following approval by both JBT and Marel) may waive, in whole or in part, one or more of the Closing Conditions, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and the terms of the Transaction Agreement. Each of JBT and Marel will evaluate the materiality of any such waiver and its effect on its shareholders in light of the facts and circumstances at the time to determine whether any amendment of this proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer document is required or warranted. Waiver of a Closing Condition could occur prior to the Special Meeting. If JBT, Marel or the Offeror determines to waive any Closing Condition after JBT receives JBT Stockholder approval at the Special Meeting, JBT may have the discretion to complete the Transaction without seeking further JBT Stockholder approval. In addition, any such waiver will not require Marel Shareholder approval. Any such waiver could have an adverse effect on the combined company.

The number of JBT Offer Shares that Marel Shareholders will receive in the Offer is based on a fixed exchange ratio. The market value of the JBT Offer Shares to be issued upon the Offer Closing Time is unknown, and therefore, Marel Shareholders and JBT Stockholders cannot be certain of the value of the portion of the consideration to be paid in JBT Offer Shares.

In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share for, at the election of each Marel Shareholder, (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407

 

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newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares, in each case subject to the proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. This exchange ratio is fixed and will not vary even if the market price of JBT Shares or Marel Shares fluctuates. The market value of JBT Shares and Marel Shares at the time of the completion of the Offer may vary significantly from their market value on the date of the execution of the Transaction Agreement, the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the date on which JBT Stockholders vote on the Share Issuance Proposal, the date on which Marel Shareholders tender their shares in the Offer or the Expiration Date. Because the Offer exchange ratio will not be adjusted to reflect any changes in the market price of JBT Shares or Marel Shares, the value of the consideration paid to Marel Shareholders who tender their shares in the Offer may be lower than the market value of their Marel Shares on earlier dates. Furthermore, there is a certain risk of fluctuations in exchange rates prior to settlement.

Changes in share prices may result from a variety of factors that are beyond the control of JBT or Marel, including their respective business, operations and prospects, market conditions, economic development, geopolitical events, regulatory considerations, governmental actions, legal proceedings and other developments. Market assessments of the benefits of the Transaction and of the likelihood that the Transaction will be completed, as well as general and industry-specific market and economic conditions, may also have an adverse effect on share prices.

In addition, it is possible that the Transaction may not be completed until a significant period of time has passed after the date of the Special Meeting and the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result, the market values of JBT Shares or Marel Shares may vary significantly from the date of the Special Meeting to the date of the completion of the Transaction.

Investors are urged to obtain up-to-date prices for JBT Shares, which are listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “JBT,” and Marel Shares, which are listed on Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam under the symbol “MAREL.”

Marel Shareholders may receive a form of consideration different from what they elect to receive in the Offer.

In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares, with such consideration amounts based on the value of JBT Shares as of the date JBT issued its notice of intention. However, such elections will be subject to proration and adjustment procedures such that the Marel Shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Offer will receive an aggregate of approximately EUR 950 million in cash and approximately a 38% interest in the combined company. As a result, Marel Shareholders who have elected to receive cash consideration may instead receive stock consideration, or vice versa. This could result in, among other things, tax consequences that differ from those that would have resulted if such shareholders had received the form of consideration that they had elected. For a more detailed description of how the proration and adjustment procedures apply, see the section titled “The Transaction Agreement—The Offer—Consideration Offered to Marel Shareholders.”

The Marel Shares held by any Marel Shareholders that do not tender their Marel Shares in the Offer may be acquired by the Offeror pursuant to the Merger or the Squeeze-Out with respect to Marel or Marel Shares after the Offer Closing Time.

Following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may, by way of the Merger or the Squeeze-Out, acquire any remaining outstanding Marel Shares which were not acquired in the Offer. The Merger or the Squeeze-Out, as applicable, could eliminate any minority shareholder interests in Marel remaining after the settlement of the Offer.

 

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Due to the statutory legal framework applicable to the Merger or the Squeeze-Out, Marel Shareholders who do not exchange their shares in the Offer may receive a different (including a lower) amount or a different form of consideration than they would have received had they exchanged their Marel Shares in the Offer. In addition, if the value of JBT Shares offered as compensation has declined after the completion of the Transaction, there may be no obligation of JBT to pay Marel Shareholders who did not exchange their shares in the Offer the implied value of the consideration received by Marel Shareholders who exchanged their shares in the Offer.

Furthermore, it may take a substantial amount of time for the Merger or the Squeeze-Out to be consummated. Accordingly, Marel Shareholders may have to wait significantly longer than expected to receive consideration for their Marel Shares during which time such Marel Shareholders will continue to hold an illiquid security.

Any failure by the Offeror to acquire at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares could lead to Marel not becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT and might prevent the delisting of Marel Shares from Nasdaq Iceland and/or Euronext Amsterdam.

The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the Minimum Acceptance Condition. If such condition is waived, at the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may own 90% or less of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares.

Pursuant to the Icelandic Takeover Act, the Offeror must own at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares to implement the Squeeze-Out with respect to the remaining outstanding Marel Shares. While the Offeror may be able to exercise the Squeeze-Out if it subsequently acquires at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, for instance where it acquires further Marel Shares through an additional voluntary tender offer or otherwise or where Marel repurchases Marel Shares, there can be no guarantee that this will happen. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the Offeror will (or will be able to) initiate the Merger following the Offer Closing Time. If the Offeror fails to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, Marel will not be a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT and minority Marel Shareholders will have certain minority protection rights under Icelandic law. Any temporary or permanent delay in acquiring all Marel Shares could adversely affect JBT’s ability to integrate Marel’s business, including achieving expected benefits and synergies, as well as the market value of JBT Shares and JBT’s access to capital and other sources of funding on acceptable terms. Failure to acquire at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares could also result in JBT not succeeding in removing the Marel Shares from trading and official listing on Nasdaq Iceland or Euronext Amsterdam. Nasdaq Iceland and/or Euronext Amsterdam may refuse to delist the Marel Shares, which would result in more onerous regulatory compliance obligations for the combined company and may increase the expenses of the Transaction and the overall expenses of the combined company.

In addition, if the Offer is consummated but not all of the outstanding Marel Shares have been tendered, then the free float in Marel Shares will be significantly lower than the current free float in such Marel Shares, thereby reducing the liquidity of any remaining Marel Shares that were not acquired in the Offer (the “Remaining Marel Shares”). Reduced liquidity could make it more difficult for the remaining Marel Shareholders to sell their shares and could adversely affect the market value of those remaining shares. A lower level of liquidity in the trading in Marel Shares could result in greater price fluctuations of such shares than in the past. The value of Marel Shares implied by the Offer does not guarantee that the value of such shares not held by JBT or the Offeror following the Offer will remain at that level or exceed that value in the future and share prices may vary materially.

If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, the Offeror will be able to initiate the Squeeze-Out under Icelandic law whereby the remaining outstanding Marel Shares are acquired on the same terms as offered in the Offer. If the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months following the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for the purposes of the Squeeze-Out.

 

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The announcement and pendency of the Transaction, during which JBT and Marel are subject to certain operating restrictions, could have an adverse effect on JBT’s and Marel’s businesses, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The announcement and pendency of the Transaction could disrupt JBT’s and Marel’s businesses, and uncertainty about the effect of the Transaction may have an adverse effect on JBT and Marel. These uncertainties could cause suppliers, vendors, partners, customers and others that deal with JBT and Marel to defer entering into contracts with or making other decisions concerning JBT and Marel or seek to change or cancel existing business relationships with the companies. In addition, JBT’s and Marel’s employees may depart either before or after the completion of the Transaction because of uncertainty regarding their roles after the Transaction or because of a desire not to remain following the Transaction. If key employees of either company terminate their employment, or if an insufficient number of employees are retained to maintain effective operations, JBT’s, Marel’s and the combined company’s business activities may be adversely affected and management’s attention may be diverted from successfully completing the Transaction or integrating JBT and Marel to hiring suitable replacements, all of which may cause JBT’s, Marel’s and the combined company’s business to suffer. In addition, JBT and Marel may not be able to locate suitable replacements for any key employees that leave either company or offer employment to potential replacements on reasonable terms.

Additionally, the attention of JBT’s and Marel’s management may be directed towards the completion of the Transaction and may be diverted from the day-to-day business operations of JBT and Marel. Matters related to the Transaction may require commitments of time and resources that could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that might have been beneficial to JBT or Marel. The Transaction Agreement also requires JBT and Marel to refrain from taking certain specified actions while the Transaction is pending, subject to limited exceptions described in the Transaction Agreement. These restrictions may prevent Marel or JBT from pursuing otherwise attractive business opportunities or capital structure alternatives and from executing certain business strategies prior to the completion of the Transaction. Further, the Transaction may give rise to potential liabilities, including those that may result from shareholder (or other stakeholder) lawsuits relating to the Transaction or a potential post-completion reorganization. Any of these matters could adversely affect the businesses of, or harm the results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of, JBT and Marel.

Further, certain adverse changes in the businesses of JBT and Marel may occur in the period prior to completion of the Transaction that would not result in JBT or Marel having the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement or the Offer. If adverse changes occur but JBT and Marel are still required to complete the Transaction, the market value of JBT Shares or Marel Shares may decrease.

Negative publicity related to the Transaction may adversely affect JBT and Marel.

From time to time, political and public sentiment in connection with the Transaction may result in a significant amount of adverse press coverage and other adverse public statements affecting JBT and Marel. Adverse press coverage and public statements, whether or not driven by political or popular sentiment, may also result in legal claims or in investigations by regulators, legislators and law enforcement officials. Responding to these investigations and lawsuits, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the proceedings, can divert the time and effort of senior management from operating their businesses. Addressing any adverse publicity, governmental scrutiny or enforcement or other legal proceedings could be time-consuming and expensive and, regardless of the factual basis for the assertions being made, could have a negative impact on the reputation of JBT and Marel, on the morale and performance of their employees and on their relationships with regulators, suppliers and customers. It may also have a negative impact on their ability to take timely advantage of various business and market opportunities. The direct and indirect effects of negative publicity, and the demands of responding to and addressing it, may have a material adverse effect on JBT’s and Marel’s respective business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

 

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Certain of the directors and executive officers of JBT and Marel may have interests in the Transaction that may be different from, or in addition to, those of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders generally.

Certain of the directors and executive officers of JBT and Marel may have interests in the Transaction that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders generally. In the case of JBT’s directors and executive officers, these interests include the continued service of certain directors and executive officers following the completion of the Transaction, arrangements with JBT that provide for certain severance payments or benefits, accelerated vesting of equity-based awards and other rights and other payments or benefits upon completion of the Transaction and if their employment or service is terminated under certain circumstances in connection with the Transaction and the right to continued indemnification by the combined company. See the section titled “The Transaction—Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” for more information. In the case of Marel directors, these interests include four independent directors from the Marel Board being appointed to the board of directors of the combined company. In addition, members of the Marel executive management have in place remuneration agreements that were negotiated prior to the launch of the Offer. Marel’s executive management’s remuneration will, as before, be determined in accordance with Marel’s remuneration policy, subject to any restrictions in the Transaction. See the section titled “The Transaction—Interests of Marel’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” for more information. The JBT Board and the Marel Board were aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in evaluating, negotiating and approving the Transaction and in recommending that JBT Stockholders approve the Share Issuance Proposal and that Marel Shareholders tender their Marel Shares in the Offer, respectively.

The combined company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is presented for illustrative purposes only, incorporates certain assessments and judgments made solely by JBT and may not be indicative of what the combined company’s financial position or results of operations would have been had the Transaction been completed on the dates indicated or what the combined company’s financial position or results of operations will be in the future. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been derived from the audited historical financial statements of JBT and Marel, subject to certain adjustments, including the preliminary conversion of certain of Marel’s financial statements to GAAP, and JBT has made certain assumptions regarding the combined company after giving effect to the Transaction and the Transaction Financing (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus). The assets and liabilities of Marel have been measured at fair value by JBT based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that management believes are reasonable utilizing information currently available. The process for estimating the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities has required JBT to use judgment in determining the appropriate assumptions and estimates. JBT’s preliminary determination is subject to further assessment and adjustments pending additional information sharing between the parties, more detailed third-party appraisals and other potential adjustments. These estimates and assumptions may be revised as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. Differences between preliminary estimates in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and the final acquisition accounting will occur and could have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and the combined company’s financial position and results of operations.

JBT and Marel are not yet combined businesses, and there are limitations on the information available to prepare the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. The assumptions made by JBT in preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information may not prove to be accurate, and other factors may affect the combined company’s financial condition or results of operations following the completion of the Transaction and the Transaction Financing. Acquisition accounting rules require evaluation of certain assumptions, estimates or determinations of financial statement classifications which are completed during the measurement period as defined in current accounting standards. Accounting policies of the combined

 

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company and acquisition accounting rules may materially vary from those of Marel. Any changes in assumptions, estimates, or financial statement classifications may be material and may have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities or future earnings of the combined company. Any potential decline in the combined company’s financial condition or results of operations may cause significant variations in JBT’s share price following the completion of the Transaction. See the section titled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

The unaudited forward-looking financial information considered by JBT and Marel, and provided to their respective boards of directors and financial advisors, reflects estimates made by JBT’s and Marel’s respective managements and actual results may be significantly higher or lower than estimated.

In connection with the assessment of the Transaction by JBT and Marel, the respective managements of JBT and Marel prepared certain unaudited forward-looking financial information, which was provided to their respective boards of directors and financial advisors. The unaudited forward-looking financial information, including the unaudited forward-looking information included in this proxy statement/prospectus, is based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain. These variables and assumptions are based on available information at the time of preparation and include industry performance, competition, general business, economic, regulatory, market and financial factors, as well as estimates regarding the business, results of operations and financial condition of JBT and Marel. Such factors and other changes may cause the unaudited forward-looking financial information or the underlying assumptions to be no longer appropriate. In addition, the financial analyses provided by Goldman Sachs to the JBT Board and by J.P. Morgan and Rabobank to the Marel Board on April 4, 2024 speak only as of that date. There can be no assurance that the unaudited forward-looking financial information considered by JBT and Marel and provided to their respective boards of directors and to their respective financial advisors at the direction of JBT and Marel, as applicable, for their use and reliance for purposes of their respective opinions and related financial analyses, will be realized or that actual results will not materially vary from such financial analyses and unaudited forward-looking financial information. Additionally, since the unaudited forward-looking financial information covers multiple years, such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year. As a result of these contingencies, there can be no assurance that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than estimated, which could have a material impact on the market price of JBT Shares. The unaudited forward-looking financial information does not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date such information was prepared and does not give effect to the Transaction nor is it indicative of future results for the combined company.

The unaudited forward-looking financial information was not prepared with a view toward public disclosure nor with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of forward-looking financial information, GAAP or IFRS. The unaudited forward-looking financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, JBT and Marel management. None of PwC, KPMG or any other independent registered public accounting firm have audited, reviewed, examined, compiled nor applied agreed-upon procedures with respect to the unaudited forward-looking financial information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus and, accordingly, PwC and KPMG do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The PwC report incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to JBT’s previously issued financial statements, and the KPMG report included in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to Marel’s financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years then ended. The reports do not extend to the unaudited forward-looking financial information and should not be read to do so.

Each of JBT and Marel may have liabilities that are not known to the other party.

Each of JBT and Marel may have liabilities that the other party failed, or was unable, to discover in the course of performing its respective due diligence investigations. JBT and Marel may learn additional information about the other party that materially adversely affects it, such as unknown or contingent liabilities and liabilities related to compliance with applicable laws. As a result of these factors, JBT, Marel or the combined company

 

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may incur additional costs and expenses and may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in JBT, Marel or the combined company reporting losses. Even if JBT’s and Marel’s due diligence has identified certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with its preliminary risk analysis. If any of these risks materialize, this could have a material adverse effect on JBT’s, Marel’s or the combined company’s financial condition and results of operations and could contribute to negative market perceptions about JBT’s, Marel’s or the combined company’s securities. Accordingly, shareholders of JBT and Marel could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by its directors or officers of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the Registration Statement or this proxy statement/prospectus forming part thereof or the exchange offer document, including the exchange offer prospectus, relating to the Transaction contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.

Marel Shareholders are not entitled to appraisal or dissent rights in connection with the Transaction.

Appraisal or dissent rights are statutory rights that enable shareholders to dissent from certain extraordinary transactions, such as certain business combinations, and to demand that the company pay the fair value for their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the applicable transaction. Under Icelandic law, Marel Shareholders will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their Marel Shares in connection with the Offer. However, certain post-closing reorganization transactions, specifically the Merger and the Squeeze-Out, may trigger appraisal rights for Marel Shareholders. In the event of these transactions, Marel Shareholders would be entitled to adequate compensation or consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. However, in the event that the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months following the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for the purposes of the Squeeze-Out.

Failure to consummate the Transaction could negatively impact the share price and the future business and financial results of JBT and Marel.

If the Transaction is not completed, the ongoing businesses of JBT and Marel may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having consummated the Transaction, each of JBT and Marel will be subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

each of JBT and Marel may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, current equity and debt holders, bank relationships and other stakeholders, including negative impacts on the price of the JBT Shares and/or the Marel Shares;

 

   

each of JBT and Marel may experience negative reactions from their respective customers, regulators and employees;

 

   

the consideration, negotiation and implementation of the Transaction (including integration planning) will have required substantial commitments of time and resources by JBT and Marel management, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities beneficial to JBT or Marel;

 

   

each of JBT and Marel could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the Transaction or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against JBT or Marel to perform their respective obligations under the Transaction Agreement;

 

   

under certain circumstances described in the Transaction Agreement, JBT may be required to pay a reverse termination fee to Marel or reimburse Marel for certain costs and expenses incurred by Marel in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

under certain circumstances described in the Transaction Agreement, Marel may be required to reimburse JBT for certain costs and expenses incurred by JBT in connection with the Transaction;

 

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each of JBT and Marel will be required to pay certain costs and expenses relating to the Transaction, whether the Transaction is completed or not; and

 

   

the Transaction Agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of the respective businesses of each of JBT and, in particular, Marel prior to completion of the Transaction that may prevent each party from taking certain specified actions or otherwise pursuing business opportunities during the pendency of the Transaction that such party would have taken or pursued if these restrictions were not in place.

If any of the foregoing risks materialize, they may materially and adversely affect JBT’s and/or Marel’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and share prices.

If the Transaction Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, JBT may be obligated to pay Marel a reverse termination fee and each of JBT and Marel may be required to reimburse the other party for out-of-pocket costs and expenses, which could adversely impact JBT’s or Marel’s financial condition, as applicable.

If the Transaction Agreement is terminated by JBT or Marel because the Regulatory Approvals Condition has not been satisfied or waived by the Expiration Date and other specific circumstances and conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement are met, then JBT will be required to pay Marel a reverse termination fee of (i) EUR 85 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Initial Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination or (ii) EUR 110 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Extended Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination.

Additionally, each of JBT and Marel will reimburse the other party for out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred, directly or indirectly, by JBT and its subsidiaries, or Marel and its subsidiaries, as applicable, up to an aggregate amount of $35 million or $15 million, in specific circumstances.

Payment of the reverse termination fee by JBT or the reimbursement of expenses by JBT or Marel could adversely affect JBT’s or Marel’s financial position, as applicable.

The issuance of JBT Offer Shares will dilute the ownership and voting interests of existing JBT Stockholders and may cause the market price of JBT Shares to decline.

After the completion of the Transaction, JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders will own a smaller percentage of the combined company than they currently own of JBT and Marel, respectively. Based on the estimated number of JBT Offer Shares issued in connection with the Transaction (assuming 100% of Marel Shares are tendered into the Offer), it is expected that JBT Stockholders will hold approximately 62%, and Marel Shareholders will hold approximately 38%, of the shares in the combined company. Consequently, JBT Stockholders, as a group, and Marel Shareholders, as a group, will each have reduced ownership and voting power in the combined company compared to their ownership and voting power in JBT and Marel, respectively. In particular, Marel Shareholders, as a group, will have less than a majority of the ownership and voting power of the combined company post-Transaction and, therefore, will be able to exercise less collective influence over the management and policies of the combined company than they currently exercise over the management and policies of Marel.

The Transaction Agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquirer that might be willing to pay more to acquire or merge with JBT or Marel.

The Transaction Agreement contains provisions that make it more difficult for JBT and Marel to be acquired by, or enter into certain combination transactions with, a third party. The Transaction Agreement contains certain provisions that restrict each of JBT’s and Marel’s ability to, among other things, initiate, solicit, propose, knowingly encourage, facilitate or induce any inquiries or the making, submission or announcement of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an alternative Acquisition Proposal (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) from a third party. These provisions could discourage a potential third-party acquiror, strategic transaction partner or business combination partner that might have an interest in acquiring or combining with all or a significant portion of JBT or Marel, as applicable, or pursuing an

 

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alternative transaction from considering or proposing such a transaction. The Transaction Agreement also provides that the (i) JBT Board may not withdraw or change its recommendation that the JBT Stockholders approve the share issuance, and (ii) Marel Board may not withdraw or change its recommendation that the Marel Shareholders tender into the Offer, subject to limited exceptions. In addition, each of JBT and Marel may be required to reimburse the other party for certain expenses if the Offer is not consummated under specified circumstances.

If the Transaction Agreement is terminated and either of JBT or Marel determines to seek another business combination transaction, JBT or Marel may not be able to successfully negotiate a transaction with another party on terms comparable to, or better than, the terms of the Transaction.

Lawsuits may be filed against JBT, Marel, the combined company and members of their respective boards of directors that challenge the Transaction, and an adverse ruling in any such lawsuit may prevent the Transaction from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected timeframe and/or have an adverse impact on the combined company’s business and operations.

Transactions such as the Transaction are frequently subject to litigation or other legal proceedings, including actions alleging that the JBT Board or the Marel Board breached their respective fiduciary duties to their stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, by entering into the Transaction Agreement, by failing to obtain a greater value in the Transaction for their stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, or otherwise. Neither JBT nor Marel can provide assurance that such litigation or other legal proceedings will not be brought. If litigation or other legal proceedings are in fact brought against JBT or Marel, or against the JBT Board or the Marel Board, they will defend against it, but might not be successful in doing so. An adverse outcome in such matters, as well as the costs and efforts of a defense, even if successful, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operation or financial condition of JBT, Marel or the combined company, including through the possible diversion of such company’s resources or distraction of key personnel.

Furthermore, one of the conditions to the completion of the Transaction is the absence of an order by any governmental body that enjoins or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the Transaction. As such, if any plaintiff is successful in obtaining an injunction preventing the consummation of the Transaction, that injunction may prevent the Transaction from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected timeframe.

If the Transaction is completed, the combined company may be exposed to increased litigation from stockholders, customers, partners, suppliers, contractors and other third parties due to the combination of JBT’s and Marel’s businesses following the Transaction. Even if such lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and attention. Such litigation or an adverse judgment resulting in monetary damages may have an adverse impact on the combined company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Risks Relating to the Business of the Combined Company After Completion of the Transaction

The Transaction may not be as successful as anticipated, and the combined company may not achieve the intended benefits or do so within the intended timeframe and the integration costs may exceed estimates.

The Transaction involves numerous operational, strategic, financial, accounting, legal, tax and other risks, including potential liabilities associated with the integrated businesses. Difficulties in integrating the business practices and operations of JBT and Marel may result in the combined company performing differently than expected, in operational challenges or in the delay or failure to realize anticipated benefits and synergies and could have an adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of the combined company. Challenges that may be encountered in the integration process include, among other factors:

 

   

the inability to successfully integrate the businesses of JBT and Marel, operationally, technologically, culturally or otherwise, in a manner that permits the combined company to achieve the benefits and synergies anticipated from the Transaction;

 

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complexities, including demands on management, associated with managing a larger, more complex, integrated business, including aligning and executing the strategy of the combined company;

 

   

attempts by third parties to terminate or alter their contracts with the combined company, including as a result of change of control provisions;

 

   

the inability to retain key employees and otherwise integrate personnel from the two companies and to address differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies;

 

   

potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen expenses associated with the Transaction;

 

   

regulatory authorities imposing requirements, limitations or costs on, or requiring divestitures or placing restrictions on the conduct of, the business of the combined company before the Transaction can proceed or after the completion of the Transaction;

 

   

difficulty in integrating relationships with customers, vendors and business partners;

 

   

complexities associated with: (i) integrating the offerings and services available to customers and coordinating distribution and marketing efforts in geographically separate organizations; (ii) coordinating corporate and administrative infrastructures and aligning corporate insurance coverage; (iii) coordinating accounting, information technology, communications, administration and other systems; (iv) coordinating the compliance program and creating uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; (v) the implementation, impact and outcome of potential post-combination reorganization transactions, which may be delayed or not take effect as a result of litigation or otherwise; (vi) managing tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating the operations of the combined company; and (vii) identifying and eliminating redundant and underperforming functions and assets;

 

   

performance shortfalls as a result of the diversion of managements’ and employees’ attention caused by integrating JBT’s and Marel’s operations into the combined company;

 

   

the disruption of, or the loss of momentum in, each company’s ongoing business;

 

   

difficulty or inability to comply with the covenants of the debt of the combined company; and

 

   

the increased indebtedness of the combined company as a result of the Transaction, the repayment of which could impact the combined company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Additionally, the success of the Transaction will depend, in part, on the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies from combining JBT’s and Marel’s businesses. Although JBT expects the combined company to generate annual run-rate cost synergies of more than $125 million within three years of the completion of the Transaction, the combined company’s ability to realize such anticipated synergies may be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the use of more cash or other financial resources on integration and implementation activities than anticipated; unanticipated increases in expenses unrelated to the Transaction, which may offset the expected cost savings and other synergies from the Transaction. The anticipated benefits and synergies of the Transaction may not be realized fully or at all, may take longer to realize than expected or could have other adverse effects that neither JBT nor Marel currently foresee. In addition, the anticipated benefits and synergies of the Transaction as well as the related integration costs are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and subject to risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in such anticipated benefits and synergies.

If the combined company fails to realize the anticipated synergies or other benefits or recognize further synergies or benefits, or the estimated integration costs of the Transaction are exceeded, the business rationale of the Transaction might not be realized and the value of the stockholders’ investment into the combined company could decrease.

 

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The combined company may not be able to retain customers or suppliers, and customers or suppliers may seek to modify contractual obligations with the combined company, either of which could have an adverse effect on the combined company’s business and operations. Third parties may terminate or alter existing contracts or relationships with JBT or Marel in anticipation of or as a result of the Transaction.

As a result of the Transaction, the combined company may experience impacts on relationships with customers and suppliers that may harm the combined company’s business and results of operations. Certain customers or suppliers may seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations following the Transaction whether contractual rights are triggered because of the Transaction or not. There can be no guarantee that customers and suppliers will remain with or continue to have a relationship with the combined company or do so on the same or similar contractual terms following the Transaction. If any customers or suppliers seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations or discontinue their relationships with the combined company, then the combined company’s business and results of operations may be harmed. If the combined company’s suppliers were to seek to terminate or modify an arrangement with the combined company, then the combined company may be unable to procure necessary supplies or services from other suppliers in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all.

JBT and Marel also have contracts with vendors, landlords, licensors and other business partners which may require JBT and Marel, as applicable, to obtain consent from these other parties in connection with the Transaction. If these consents cannot be obtained, the combined company may suffer a loss of potential future revenue, incur costs or lose rights that may be material to the business of the combined company. In addition, third parties with whom JBT or Marel currently have relationships may terminate or otherwise reduce the scope of their relationship with either party in anticipation of the Transaction. Any such disruptions could limit the combined company’s ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Transaction. The adverse effect of any such disruptions could also be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the Transaction or by a termination of the Transaction Agreement.

The indebtedness of the combined company following the consummation of the Transaction is expected to be substantially greater than the current indebtedness of JBT or Marel on a standalone basis and greater than JBT and Marel’s combined indebtedness prior to the Transaction. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect the combined company’s operational flexibility and increase its borrowing costs.

The indebtedness of JBT and Marel was approximately $652.5 million and approximately EUR 800.9 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2024. In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may elect to receive cash, JBT Offer Shares or a mix of cash and JBT Offer Shares as consideration for the Marel Shares, in each case subject to the proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. It is expected that any cash consideration due to Marel Shareholders will be significant. JBT expects to incur significant debt to finance such cash consideration. In connection with the signing of the Transaction Agreement, JBT entered into the EUR 1.9 billion Bridge Credit Agreement to finance the Transaction. JBT further entered into a backstop commitment letter pursuant to which Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Goldman Sachs Bank USA have committed to provide and arrange, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of the backstop commitment letter, a $1.3 billion revolving credit facility to the extent that the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not amended to expressly permit the Transaction and make certain other amendments as set forth in the backstop commitment letter, which JBT Revolving Credit Facility would be available to finance the Transaction, to pay related fees and expenses and for general working capital purposes. JBT currently plans to incur approximately EUR 1.5 billion of new indebtedness in connection with the Transaction through borrowings under its existing and new credit facilities and/or the issuance of debt securities. For additional information, see the section titled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information—John Bean Technologies Corporation Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2024.”

 

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This level of indebtedness will:

 

   

require the combined company to dedicate a greater percentage (compared with either JBT or Marel on a stand-alone basis) of its cash flow from operations to payments on its debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund capital expenditures, pursue other acquisitions or investments in new technologies, make stock repurchases, pay dividends and for general corporate purposes;

 

   

increase the combined company’s vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions, including increases in interest rates if the borrowings bear interest at variable rates or if such indebtedness is refinanced at a time when interest rates are higher;

 

   

limit the combined company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in or challenges relating to its business and industry; and

 

   

expose the combined company to interest rate risk since certain of the combined company’s debt obligations are or may be at variable rates, and the interest rates on such debt could increase to the extent prevailing interest rates increase.

Any dividend paid in respect of the JBT Shares is subject to various factors, including the financial condition and results of operations of the combined company.

The dividend policy of the combined company will be determined following completion of the Transaction. Any dividend paid or changes to dividend policy are within the discretion of the JBT Board and will depend upon many factors, including the financial condition and results of operations of the combined company, legal requirements, restrictions in any debt agreements that limit the combined company’s ability to pay dividends to JBT Stockholders and other factors the JBT Board deems relevant.

Marel Shareholders who receive JBT Offer Shares in the Transaction will have rights as JBT Stockholders that differ from their current rights as Marel Shareholders.

Upon completion of the Transaction, Marel Shareholders who elect to receive JBT Offer Shares will become JBT Stockholders and, therefore, their rights as stockholders will be governed by Delaware law and JBT’s governing documents. The rights associated with JBT Shares and the responsibilities of the JBT Board under Delaware law and JBT’s governing documents are different than the rights Marel Shareholders currently have and the responsibilities of the Marel Board under Icelandic law and Marel’s governing documents. Situations may arise where the rights associated with Marel Shares would have provided benefits to Marel Shareholders that will not be available with respect to their holdings of JBT Shares. See the section titled “Comparison of Stockholder Rights.”

The market price of JBT Shares may be volatile, and the value of your investment could materially decline.

Investors who hold JBT Shares, including JBT Offer Shares, may not be able to sell their shares at or above the price at which they acquired such shares. The prices of JBT Shares and Marel Shares have fluctuated materially from time to time, and the combined company cannot predict the price of the JBT Shares following the consummation of the Transaction. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of JBT Shares, regardless of the combined company’s operating performance. In addition, the price of JBT Shares may be dependent upon the projections, valuations and recommendations of the analysts who cover the combined company’s business, and if its results or financial guidance do not meet the analysts’ projections and expectations, the price of JBT Shares could decline because of analysts lowering their projections, valuations and recommendations or otherwise.

 

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Nasdaq Iceland may not list JBT Offer Shares on its exchange, which may limit the ability of shareholders to transact in the JBT Offer Shares.

Because Marel Shareholders who elect to receive JBT Offer Shares as consideration can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland, JBT currently intends to list the JBT Offer Shares issued in connection with the Transaction on Nasdaq Iceland. Neither JBT nor Marel can assure you that JBT will be able to meet all listing requirements or that Nasdaq Iceland will permit the listing of such JBT Offer Shares. Even if such JBT Offer Shares are listed on Nasdaq Iceland, the combined company may be unable to maintain such listing in the future. If JBT fails to list such JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland or maintain such listing, it may limit the ability of shareholders to transact in JBT Shares, including the JBT Offer Shares.

If the JBT Offer Shares are listed on Nasdaq Iceland, the combined company will be subject to reporting requirements under Icelandic law, and adherence to these requirements could increase the combined company’s operating costs.

Following the intended listing of the JBT Offer Shares to be issued in the Transaction on Nasdaq Iceland, the combined company will be subject to reporting requirements and certain other applicable requirements under Icelandic law, including, but not limited to, Regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 16, 2014, on market abuse (the “Market Abuse Regulation”). Adherence to the requirements of these rules and regulations may increase the combined company’s legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make certain activities more difficult, time consuming and costly, place additional strain on resources and divert management’s attention away from other business matters. In addition, the applicable legal requirements or the interpretation of such requirements by regulators and courts may differ or conflict which could expose the combined company to additional costs, sanctions and/or fines. Any of these factors could have a material effect on the combined company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

In connection with completion of the Transaction and if the JBT Offer Shares are approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland, the JBT Shares will be listed and traded on two separate markets and investors seeking to take advantage of price differences between such markets may create unexpected volatility in the price of JBT Shares.

In connection with completion of the Transaction and if the JBT Offer Shares are approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland, the JBT Shares will be listed and traded both on the NYSE and on Nasdaq Iceland. While the JBT Shares are traded on both markets, price and volume levels could fluctuate significantly on either market, independent of the share price or trading volume on the other market. Investors could seek to sell or buy JBT Shares to take advantage of any price differences between the two markets through a process referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected volatility in both the price of JBT Shares on either exchange and in the volume of JBT Shares available for trading on either market. In addition, JBT Stockholders in either jurisdiction will not immediately be able to transfer such shares for trading on the other market without effecting necessary procedures with JBT’s transfer agents/registrars. This could result in time delays and additional cost for such holders.

JBT and Marel will incur significant transaction fees and costs in connection with the Transaction.

JBT and Marel have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant banking, legal, accounting and other transaction fees and costs related to the Transaction. In addition, the combined company expects to incur significant non-recurring implementation and restructuring costs associated with combining the operations of the two companies. Any cost savings or other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses that could offset these Transaction- and combination-related costs may not be achieved in the near term, or at all. In addition, the timeline in which cost savings are expected to be realized is lengthy and may not be achieved. Failure to realize these potential synergies and cost reductions and other efficiencies in a timely manner or at all could have a material adverse effect on the combined company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

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Marel currently is not subject to the internal controls and other compliance obligations of the U.S. securities laws, and the combined company may not be able to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures over Marel’s operations as required under the U.S. securities laws.

Marel currently is not subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or other U.S. federal securities laws, including the compliance obligations relating to, among other things, the maintenance of a system of internal controls as contemplated by the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Following the completion of the Transaction, the combined company will need to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures over Marel’s operations necessary to satisfy those requirements. The combined company intends to take appropriate measures to establish or implement internal controls at Marel aimed at successfully fulfilling these requirements. However, it is possible that the combined company may experience delays in implementing or be unable to implement the required internal financial reporting controls and procedures, which could result in increased costs, enforcement actions, the assessment of penalties and civil suits, failure to meet reporting obligations and other material and adverse events that could have a negative effect on the operations of the combined company and the market price of JBT Shares.

Further, the combined company may discover weaknesses in its system of internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that could result in a material misstatement of its financial statements. The combined company’s internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.

The Transaction may cause Marel to be subject to U.S. economic sanctions laws that have not previously applied to Marel, which may adversely affect the combined company’s business and results of operations.

U.S. persons are prohibited or restricted from engaging in certain business dealings with sanctioned countries and restricted parties pursuant to economic sanctions that are administered and enforced by various regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. Department of State. Because Marel is an Icelandic company, its business and operations may not have historically been subject to such laws and regulations. The completion of the Transaction may subject Marel’s business to heretofore inapplicable restrictions under these U.S. laws. It is presently contemplated that if any such regulatory approvals concerning Marel’s business are required, those approvals or actions will be sought. No assurances can be provided as to whether all required approvals and consents will be obtained. Moreover, as a condition to their approval of the Transaction, such agencies may impose requirements, limitations or costs or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of the business.

The completion of the Transaction may also subject Marel’s business to U.S. foreign investment or economic sanctions laws that may restrict the combined company’s business after the closing of the Offer. If JBT and Marel agree to any material requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions in order to obtain any approvals required to consummate the Transaction, these requirements, limitations, costs, divestitures or restrictions could jeopardize or delay the consummation of the Transaction or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Transaction. This could have a material adverse effect on the combined company’s business and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Tax Matters

Changes in tax laws and policy could adversely impact the combined company’s financial position or results of operations.

JBT and Marel are subject to the tax rules and regulations in the United States, Iceland and other countries in which JBT and Marel and their affiliates operate. Such tax rules and regulations are subject to change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such change could adversely affect JBT, Marel and/or their affiliates.

 

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The U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and other supranational institutions and government agencies in jurisdictions where JBT, Marel and their affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. One area of focus has been “base erosion and profit shifting,” including situations where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. In addition, the U.S. government may enact significant changes to the taxation of business entities including, among others, an increase in the corporate income tax rate, an increase in the tax rate applicable to the global intangible low-taxed income and elimination of certain exemptions with respect thereto, and the imposition of minimum taxes or surtaxes on certain types of income. The likelihood of these changes (or any other changes to U.S. tax law) being enacted or implemented is unclear. Any such changes, among other possible changes in applicable tax rules and regulations, could significantly affect the treatment of the Transaction and following the Transaction, the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the combined company.

The tax rate that will apply to the combined company is uncertain and may vary from expectations.

There can be no assurance that the Transaction will improve the combined company’s ability to maintain any particular worldwide effective corporate tax rate. JBT cannot give any assurance as to what the combined company’s effective tax rate will be after the completion of the Transaction because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the tax policies of the jurisdictions in which the combined company and its affiliates will operate. The combined company’s actual effective tax rate may vary from JBT’s expectations, and such variance may be material. Additionally, tax laws or their implementation and applicable tax authority practices in any particular jurisdiction could change in the future, possibly on a retroactive basis, and any such change could have a material adverse impact on the combined company and its affiliates.

The exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Offer Shares and/or cash pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The exchange of Marel Shares for JBT Offer Shares and/or cash pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax purposes. Very generally, a U.S. Holder who receives cash and/or JBT Offer Shares in exchange for Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will (subject to potential exceptions) recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in the Marel Shares. Very generally, a non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain that the non-U.S. Holder realizes on the exchange of its Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer, unless the gain is “effectively connected” with the non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States or the non-U.S. Holder is an individual present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the exchange, and certain other requirements are met. For further discussion of certain United States federal income tax consequences of the Offer, refer to “Certain Material Tax Considerations—Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of the Offer to a particular holder will depend in part on such holder’s circumstances. Accordingly, Marel Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the Offer to them, including the applicability of United States federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws.

A merger process following the completion of the Offer could lead to significant Icelandic corporate income tax liabilities for Marel.

Following the completion of the Offer, the Offeror may acquire any remaining outstanding Marel Shares, which were not acquired in the Offer, by way of a merger process. Depending on the form of the merger, Marel could be treated for Icelandic corporate income tax purposes as if it sold all of its assets for their then fair market value in a fully taxable transaction. In such a case, Marel may incur a significant amount of Icelandic corporate income tax liabilities, depending on several unknown factors, including the extent to which the gross asset value of Marel is attributable to its shares in its subsidiaries, the Marel tradename and/or other assets and the amount of tax losses available for Marel to offset against its corporate tax liabilities.

 

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Risks Relating to JBT’s Business

You should read and consider the risk factors specific to JBT’s business that will also affect the combined company after the Transaction. These risks are described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and in other documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer prospectus. See the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Risks Relating to Marel’s Business

If Marel is unable to continue to develop and deliver innovative, technologically advanced solutions to its customers, Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Marel’s customers are processors of food for human and pet consumption, which involves complex processes with significant health and safety risks. Growth in animal protein production and changes in consumer behavior have required, and are expected to continue to require, processors to increase the scale and efficiency of their operations, which can be achieved by improvements in the yield, throughput and automation of processing equipment and systems. In addition, increasing regulatory and consumer demands around food safety and quality, and sustainability, and animal wellbeing have induced, and are expected to continue to induce, food processors to ensure the traceability, safety and sustainability of their production.

To remain competitive, Marel must ensure that its equipment, systems, software and services continue to deliver added value to customers by improving the efficiency of their operations and compliance with health and safety requirements. Marel depends on proprietary innovation, including its Innova platform and other software solutions, to develop new solutions and improve the standardization modularization, and sustainability of its equipment and systems to maintain or improve profit margins.

If Marel is unable to continue developing and delivering innovative, technologically advanced solutions to customers, it may struggle to maintain existing customer relationships or obtain new customers. Such failure may also diminish the volume or value of capacity-improving solutions available to market to existing customers. In addition, stagnating sales growth, whether to new or existing customers, would reduce the growth of Marel’s installed base and, in turn, limit opportunities for its aftermarket business. If Marel is unable to deliver market leading animal protein processing solutions, or improve standardization and modularization across its product offerings, Marel may be unable to achieve pricing in line with historical levels, sustain or increase its profit margins, or may fail to grow or lose market share to competitors. For these reasons, a failure to innovate and develop and deliver innovative, technologically advanced solutions to its customers could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel relies on its ability to successfully grow its installed base through long-term customer relationships.

Marel is dependent on its ability to successfully grow its installed base through long-term customer relationships. Marel’s initial contact with customers, including the design, delivery and installation of processing equipment, systems and software at customers’ facilities, establishes the basis for future business with those customers. Once a Marel solution is installed and operational at a customer’s facility, that customer can become a valuable source of continuing demand for Marel’s aftermarket business and additional equipment business. Continuing demand for such equipment, systems, software and services depends on Marel’s ability to successfully deliver solutions based on customers’ needs and execute the initial installation in a timely and professional manner that encourages the customer to continue transacting with Marel in the future. Any failure or perceived shortcoming in the quality of the equipment or installation process may materially adversely affect the potentially larger revenues facilitated by long-term customer loyalty and negatively impact Marel’s ability to grow its installed base.

 

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This risk is more pronounced with respect to greenfield and large projects. The initial installation of a greenfield or large project is frequently a large, complex project that entails a significant investment by the customer and may in certain instances involve a long lead time between when the order is received and the equipment becomes operational. Marel may face design and engineering challenges due to the features of the customer’s operations or facilities or unforeseen obstacles to delivery and installation. In addition, any failure to deliver high quality products and service in line with the customer’s needs and expectations throughout the product development and installation process may impair Marel’s ability to secure revenues generated by maintenance, service (provided on an ad hoc basis or service level agreements (“SLAs”)) and spare parts (“Aftermarket revenues”).

Moreover, if Marel fails for any reason to deliver a solution in line with the needs and expectations of its customers, Marel’s costs may rise if it is required to re-design or otherwise bear the risk of unforeseen delays or costs. If Marel fails to recoup such costs, Marel’s profit margins may deteriorate. In addition, if the quality of an installation is sub-par or not responsive to the customer’s needs, Marel’s reputation as a quality brand may suffer. Any of these failures could impair Marel’s ability to grow its installed base, which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel earns a significant amount of Aftermarket revenues. If it is unable to maintain the size and reliability of this part of its business, Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, 49.9% of Marel’s total revenues were attributable to its aftermarket business, covering service, maintenance and spare parts. Because its customers rely on high throughput requirements and deal with highly perishable goods, Marel’s ability to deliver prompt and timely service is essential to its aftermarket business. Therefore, any failure to meet quality requirements, maintain sufficient inventories of spare parts or otherwise timely meet customer demands for service, maintenance or spare parts could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel seeks to enter into SLAs with its customers. If such SLAs are not in place with a customer, a customer can still purchase ad hoc repairs and equipment from Marel, but it is more difficult for Marel to forecast the quantum and frequency of such orders. SLAs are typically entered into for one-year periods subject to automatic renewal in line with the lifecycle of the relevant equipment or system. If Marel is unable to maintain or increase the length and quantity of its SLAs, Aftermarket revenues may become less reliable and may diminish, or it may become more difficult to manage its supply chain and production schedules, which may materially adversely affect Marel’s results of operations.

Moreover, the number of specialized service or spare parts providers, with a business strategy built around servicing Marel’s equipment at a cheaper rate than Marel, could increase. Any substantial increase in the number of competitors could erode Marel’s aftermarket business or overall market share, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel’s business relies on its reputation and brand. Any negative developments in its reputation and brand could have a material adverse effect on its business and prospects.

Marel’s success and results depend, in part, on its reputation and the strength of its brand. Marel believes that it has cultivated a reputation for the quality of its technologically advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services and the responsiveness of its service teams and engineers. Moreover, Marel’s customers rely on that quality to help them manage the considerable operational and health and safety risks inherent in animal protein processing.

Design and other failures in Marel’s equipment, systems, software and services may expose customers to production delays and other operational failures. In addition, Marel’s employees could make errors that result in poorly designed or improperly installed equipment, exposing its customers to the risk of malfunction and

 

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jeopardizing Marel’s reputation. Marel is exposed to the risk that litigation, employee misconduct, operational failures, the outcome of regulatory or other investigations or actions, press speculation and negative publicity, among other factors, could damage its reputation or brand. Marel’s brand and reputation could also be harmed if it sells solutions that do not perform as expected or if customers’ expectations are not satisfied.

Even when the true extent of Marel’s culpability is low or nonexistent (for example, when customers fail to comply with Marel’s maintenance guidelines), negative publicity can magnify the adverse repercussions of an incident and expose Marel to costs. Negative publicity could result, for example, from allegations that Marel’s products were responsible for a disruption at a customer’s processing facility or a contamination incident resulting in illness of end consumers or issues relating to animal wellbeing. While Marel’s standard terms and conditions include strict limitations on product liability, typically capped at a percentage of the purchase price, in the event of an incident Marel may be forced to spend time and resources refuting allegations of negligence or manufacturing defects. Additionally, although we maintain third-party product liability insurance coverage, it is possible that claims against us may exceed the coverage limits of our insurance policies or cause us to record a self-insured loss. Product liability claims in excess of applicable insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business and prospects.

Any damage to Marel’s brand or reputation, whether unfounded or otherwise, could cause existing customers or other third parties to terminate their business relationships with Marel. In addition, potential customers or other third parties may become reluctant to do business with Marel. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel intends to engage in acquisitions as part of its growth strategy. A failure to identify or complete future acquisitions or any difficulties relating to the integration of acquisitions could adversely affect its business and ability to execute its growth strategy.

Acquisitions have been key to Marel’s revenue growth. Acquisitions help Marel to complete the comprehensiveness of its product offering and further grow its business by expanding into new markets. For example, the acquisition of Meat Processing Systems (“MPS”) in 2016 enabled Marel to become a full-line provider to the meat industry. Similarly, in 2022, the acquisition of Wenger Manufacturing, LLC (“Wenger”), a leader in processing solutions for the markets of pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed, enabled Marel to form a new business segment and fourth pillar of its business model. However, suitable acquisition targets are challenging to identify and involve uncertainties around the extent of potential operating synergies that can be realized.

To increase the likelihood of a successful acquisition once a target has been identified, Marel conducts due diligence to identify valuation issues and potential loss contingencies. Marel’s due diligence reviews are subject to the completeness and accuracy of disclosures made by Marel and third parties. However, Marel may incur unanticipated costs or expenses following a completed acquisition, including post-closing asset impairment charges, expenses associated with eliminating duplicate facilities, litigation and other liabilities.

The risks associated with Marel’s acquisitions also include the following:

 

   

technological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions may not occur as expected;

 

   

Marel may acquire or assume unexpected liabilities or be subject to unexpected penalties or other enforcement actions;

 

   

faulty assumptions may be made regarding the integration process;

 

   

unforeseen difficulties may arise in integrating operations, processes and systems;

 

   

higher than expected investments may be required to implement necessary compliance processes and related systems, including information technology (“IT”) systems, accounting systems and internal controls over financial reporting;

 

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Marel may fail to retain, motivate and integrate key management and other employees of the acquired business;

 

   

delays or failure to obtain regulatory approvals or consents (including antitrust approvals) and any unforeseen expenses or conditions imposed as a result thereof;

 

   

the business culture of the acquired business may not match well with Marel’s culture;

 

   

higher than expected costs may arise due to unforeseen changes in tax, trade, environmental, labor, safety, payroll or pension policies in any jurisdiction in which the acquired business conducts its operations; and

 

   

Marel may experience problems in retaining customers and integrating customer bases.

Many of these factors will be outside of Marel’s control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time and attention. They may also delay the realization of the potential benefits of a given transaction.

Marel may undertake acquisitions financed in part through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities (including as consideration for such acquisitions), or other arrangements. Such acquisition financing could result in a decrease in Marel’s earnings and adversely affect other leverage measures. If Marel issues equity securities or equity-linked securities, the issued securities may have a dilutive effect on the interests of investors.

Failure to continue identifying and implementing successful acquisitions, including successfully integrating acquired businesses, could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel’s success and future growth depends on its ability to attract and retain skilled personnel, and on its senior management.

Competition for skilled employees among companies that rely heavily on engineering and technology and skilled sales and marketing personnel is intense, and the loss of skilled employees or an inability to attract, retain, and motivate skilled employees required for the operation and expansion of its business could hinder Marel’s ability to conduct innovation activities and successfully develop new solutions, market and sell its existing solutions and meet customers’ requirements, including for its aftermarket business, and execute its growth strategy.

In recent years, the marketplace for skilled engineering and technology and sales and marketing personnel has become more competitive, which means the cost of hiring, incentivizing and retaining such personnel may increase. In particular, Marel faces intense competition for engineering and technological personnel in the Netherlands and the United States as its operations are based outside of major cities with higher concentrations of skilled human capital. It is also possible that negative opinion trends with respect to animal protein processing could negatively impact Marel’s ability to hire qualified personnel.

Any failure to attract or retain a sufficient number of appropriately skilled personnel could place Marel at a significant competitive disadvantage, which could impair its ability to implement its strategic plan successfully and achieve its financial targets.

In addition, the execution of Marel’s growth strategy depends on its senior executive officers and other key personnel who together have extensive experience in the industry and have made an important contribution to Marel’s growth and success. The loss of any of these officers or key personnel could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Adverse economic conditions and changes in commodity prices could negatively impact Marel’s customers and, in turn, adversely affect Marel’s business.

Marel’s business is affected by fluctuations in demand from its customers as a result of global and local economic conditions affecting the animal protein processing industry. In particular, during recessions and economic downturns, levels of investment by food processors in greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and modernization tend to decline. A protracted decline in investment levels by its customers may reduce Marel’s revenues generated by greenfield and large projects and sales of modernization and standard equipment and related installations (“Equipment revenues”) and negatively impact the growth of its installed base, thereby also impeding growth in Aftermarket revenue opportunities in the longer term.

Additionally, levels of investment from food processors are generally affected by fluctuations in the cost of their raw materials and other resources—including predominantly labor, livestock (the price of which is in turn sensitive to fluctuations in the prices of corn and soy) and energy—which may impair their profitability if they are unable to pass on cost increases to end consumers. In mature markets such as Europe and the United States, investment levels by food processors are typically higher when commodity prices and the costs of other inputs are low, positively impacting Marel’s Equipment revenues. However, in the event of a sustained increase in commodities prices and labor costs, investment in equipment typically suffers as food processors look to conserve cash, which would negatively impact Marel’s Equipment revenues. In such conditions, Marel has experienced a partial shift to Aftermarket revenues as food processors shift to maintaining their existing equipment and systems. However, there can be no assurance that such a shift would fully offset the loss of Equipment revenues.

Accordingly, any reduction in Marel’s customers’ profitability due to higher prices for labor, livestock, energy or otherwise may result in lower levels of investment in the processing equipment that Marel provides. In the event of a prolonged period of lower levels of investment, Marel may face a loss of Equipment revenues which it may not be able to recover through increased Aftermarket revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

If Marel cannot compete effectively, its business could be adversely affected.

Across all of its operating segments, Marel operates in highly competitive markets. Marel competes across the primary, secondary and further food processing sectors. Marel competes with numerous multinational, regional and local processing equipment providers of various sizes and cost structures.

The primary processing sector is relatively concentrated, with Marel competing with a small number of key global participants in each segment focused on serving animal protein processing. Within primary processing, Marel Poultry competes among others with Meyn Food Processing Technology B.V. (“Meyn”), Marel Meat competes among others with Frontmatec Group ApS (“Frontmatec”), Marel Fish competes among others with Baader GmbH & Co. KG (“Baader”) and Marel Pet, Plant and Feed competes with Bühler Group. Competition within primary processing is strong, with product pricing being a key competitive factor.

The secondary and further processing segments are highly fragmented and Marel faces strong competition. However, only a limited number of competitors are international full-line providers across primary, secondary and further processing. There are also a number of regional and local food processing equipment suppliers, but only a limited number of competitors cover a significant part of the value chain. In addition, Marel competes within secondary and further processing with large-scale industry-agnostic providers of industrial equipment, some of which may have substantially greater financial and other resources than Marel.

Existing or new competitors may develop their current products and technologies further or create alternative ones that are more attractively priced, offer higher quality or are more appealing for other reasons than Marel’s products. If new or better developed products can be offered at more attractive prices, or if such

 

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products are more attractive than Marel’s products for other reasons (such as a higher degree of functionality or improved ability to avoid production stoppages and downtime or a higher degree of quality control and value chain integration), demand for Marel’s products could fall or Marel may be required to lower its prices, which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel is subject to labor cost inflation and potential work stoppages, labor disputes and other matters associated with its labor force, which may adversely impact its operations, cause it to incur incremental costs and/or damage its reputation.

Marel’s most expensive input is its qualified labor force. As of March 31, 2024, Marel had around 7,300 full-time equivalent employees (“FTEs”), including over 1,300 selling and marketing FTEs and over 1,500 service FTEs globally. The salaries, benefits and pensions of these employees represent a significant cost, such that any material increase in wages and benefits could significantly erode Marel’s profit margins and results of operations if it is not accompanied by a corresponding increase in productivity or revenues through the passing on of such costs increases to Marel’s customers. In addition, Marel’s ability to maintain or increase its profitability is in part dependent on its ability to align its labor force with its production requirements. Whereas Marel seeks to build in flexibility through the use of overtime, double shifts and temporary workforce, it may fail to align its staffing with its production requirements, which would expose it to increased costs and negatively affect its profitability.

Some Marel employees in Europe are unionized, mainly manufacturing personnel in the Netherlands, Denmark and Iceland, and subject to collective bargaining agreements with varying terms, durations and expiration dates. These collective bargaining agreements are the product of negotiations between trade unions and Marel or associations acting on Marel’s behalf. They govern wages, benefits and duties of employees, as well as the responsibilities of Marel to its employees and the rules for dispute resolution processes. Even with these agreements in place, there can be no assurance that any current or future issues with Marel’s employees will be resolved or that Marel will be able to avoid strikes, work stoppages or other types of conflicts with labor unions or employees. In addition, Marel or associations acting on Marel’s behalf may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate collective bargaining agreements when they expire. If Marel fails to renegotiate its existing collective bargaining agreements, strikes, work stoppages or other types of conflicts could become more likely. A widespread strike or extended work stoppage in one of Marel’s manufacturing facilities could jeopardize its ability to meet its product delivery or service obligations to its customers. Alternatively, a successful campaign by its unionized workforce could result in higher personnel costs or diminished productivity in Marel’s manufacturing sites. Even an unsuccessful union campaign could divert management time and energy away from routine operational priorities. Any of these factors may adversely impact its operations, cause it to incur incremental costs and/or damage its reputation.

Marel may also be subject to general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to Marel’s business or collective bargaining agreements. For example, there is a risk of strikes by cleaning and transport workers who are contracted by Marel, which could result in operational delays or other adverse impacts on production. A work stoppage or other limitations on production at Marel’s facilities for any reason could have an adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, many of Marel’s customers and suppliers have unionized work forces. Strikes or work stoppages experienced by its customers or suppliers could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel may face interruption of its supply chain, including the inability of third parties to deliver raw materials, parts, components and services on time or on commercially acceptable terms, and Marel may be subject to rising raw material prices.

Marel’s business depends in part on reliable and effective management of the supply chain through which Marel procures the inputs to its manufacturing processes, including outsourced manufacturing capacity and temporary labor. Capacity constraints and supply shortages resulting from ineffective supply chain management may lead to delays and additional costs. Marel relies on third parties to supply it with raw materials and spare

 

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parts, which to some extent reduces its control over manufacturing yields, quality assurance, product delivery schedules and costs. Marel also relies to some extent on outsourced manufacturing and, for certain ancillary support functions, temporary labor. In addition to labor and energy, Marel’s main production inputs are production parts (such as electric drives, cabinets and belts), raw materials (primarily stainless steel) and spare parts purchased from third party suppliers. The third parties that supply Marel with production inputs also have other customers and may not have sufficient capacity to meet all of their customers’ needs, including Marel’s, during periods of excess demand. Although Marel works closely with suppliers to avoid supply-related problems, and collaborates with third parties to ensure availability of outsourced manufacturing capacity and temporary labor, there can be no assurance that Marel will not encounter supply problems in the future or that it will be able to replace a supplier that is not able to meet its needs.

Marel’s customers’ operations involve the processing of highly perishable foods with high throughput requirements and are therefore highly time sensitive. As a result, the strength of Marel’s customer relationships depends on its ability to respond quickly to customers’ needs. If Marel’s suppliers become unreliable or its inventory becomes insufficient, the time sensitivity of its customers’ needs may require Marel to absorb the higher costs of last-minute purchases of raw materials or component parts, or be liable for contractual penalties. Alternatively, if Marel’s service were to become so delayed as to prolong the downtime of its customers’ machines, customer relationships may suffer, which may adversely affect long-term revenues generated from such customers or otherwise affect its reputation, which may negatively impact its ability to conduct business with existing or new customers.

In addition, unanticipated increases in the prices of labor, energy, production parts, stainless steel or spare parts would increase Marel’s costs, negatively impacting its business, results of operations and financial condition if it were unable to fully offset the effect of these increased costs through price increases, productivity improvements or cost reduction programs. If Marel’s reputation, customer relationships or operating margins suffer as a result of unreliable, inadequate, excessively costly or delayed supplies, this could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel’s product offering includes equipment and systems supported by its proprietary Innova software platform and/or other integrated software solutions. Any malfunctioning or other failure of such software could result in disruption of customers’ operations, which could have adverse effects on Marel’s business.

Marel’s product offering includes equipment and systems supported by its proprietary Innova software platform and/or other integrated software solutions. The integrity, reliability and operational performance of this software are critical to the operation of such equipment and systems installed at customers’ facilities. Because they concern live and recently killed livestock and raw animal protein, those customers’ operations are highly time sensitive and often rely on the efficient and uninterrupted functioning of numerous complementary systems, with high throughput and stringent health and safety requirements. Marel’s Innova software provides state-of-the-art device and process control, data analytics, monitoring and traceability, enabling users to manipulate and collect data on their processing equipment at the level of components, machines, systems and factories. This data and the accompanying analytics reports that Innova provides are designed to enable Marel’s customers to manage the efficiency of their operations, minimize downtime, ensure full traceability of food product from livestock to packaged goods and in certain instances diagnose potential and actual equipment malfunctions.

Accordingly, any malfunctioning or other failure of Innova and/or other embedded Marel software solutions could result in operational downtime for Marel’s customers, reduced efficiency of their equipment and systems, inaccurate monitoring and traceability or difficulties diagnosing the source of other malfunctions, which could expose its customers to losses and impair customer relationships. Furthermore, customers with software integrated equipment and systems may attempt to hold Marel liable for losses, or increased costs or other penalties that they may incur in the event of a software malfunction. While Marel excludes indirect and consequential damages in its standard contract terms, such claims could harm Marel’s customer relations and tarnish its reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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In addition, the proprietary Innova platform is integral to Marel’s full-line product offering and provides Marel with a distinct competitive advantage. Any failure to continue to further develop and update Innova, including with respect to the user experience and system installations and upgrades, could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

If Marel is unable to adapt its production capacity to production needs in a timely and cost-effective manner, its capacity management may suffer, which could have an adverse effect on its business.

Efficient production capacity management across its global manufacturing platform is critical to Marel’s profitability. If Marel is unable to rationalize its production capacity on time or on budget, or at all, Marel may be unable to meet customer demands on a timely or cost-effective basis or may experience prolonged periods of reduced operational efficiency, which would negatively affect its profitability. In addition, Marel has implemented a product co-location strategy designed to improve capacity utilization by reducing lead times and lowering manufacturing and distribution costs. Under this strategy, all products produced by Marel have a designated home, either a mother site or a co-location site, at one of Marel’s manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, the United States, Iceland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, China, Germany and Brazil. The mother site is responsible for product life cycle management and how the product is manufactured whereas co-location sites are focused on scale manufacturing, producing large volumes in a cost-effective manner.

In the event that the co-location strategy in the long term is unsuccessful or more costly than expected, there can be no assurance that Marel will be able to achieve the expected return on its investments in existing manufacturing plants. Moreover, even if the implementation of the co-location strategy is successful, unforeseeable fluctuations in demand, supply of manufacturing inputs and other factors largely beyond Marel’s control may inhibit Marel’s ability to rationalize its production capacity, which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The nature of Marel’s business may expose it to warranty and other product liability claims, construction defects, project delay, property damage, personal injury and other damages.

Marel generally provides product warranties against defects in materials, design and workmanship to its customers, with timing limitations in line with the nature of the equipment or system. Marel imposes a cap on any other product liabilities and excludes in its standard contract terms indirect and consequential damages. Many of Marel’s products are used in processing facilities where a product failure, installation defect or other malfunctioning (including of Marel’s Innova platform) could result in significant operational delay, property damage, personal injury or death of customers’ employees or end consumers. In addition, because much of Marel’s equipment and systems tends to have long lifecycles, claims can arise many years after their manufacture and sale. Product failures may also arise out of the quality of the raw materials Marel purchases from third-party suppliers. For these reasons, there is a risk that Marel may be named as a defendant in a product liability suit or other claims relating to its products or services. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend against and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant time periods, regardless of the ultimate outcome. An unsuccessful defense could result in costly damages, and there can be no assurance that Marel can successfully rely on its contractual protections.

In addition, even if Marel is successful in defending against a claim relating to its products and services, claims of this nature could negatively affect customer confidence in Marel and its products, or adversely affect its reputation. Marel may also face personal injury claims from injured parties. Whereas Marel has insurance coverage in place to cover such risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover any award of damages to such injured parties. Any such claims could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The industries in which Marel operates exposes it to potential liabilities arising out of the installation or use of its systems that could negatively affect its business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Marel’s equipment, systems and services create potential exposure for it for personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, commercial claims, product recalls, business interruption, production loss, property damage, pollution, and other environmental damages. In the event that a customer who purchases Marel’s equipment

 

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becomes subject to claims relating to food-borne illnesses or other food safety or quality issues relating to food processed through the use of Marel’s equipment, Marel could be exposed to significant claims from its customers. Although Marel has obtained business and related risk insurance, it cannot assure you that its insurance will be adequate to cover all potential liabilities. Further, Marel cannot assure you that insurance will generally be available in the future or, if available, that premiums to obtain such insurance will be commercially reasonable. If Marel incurs substantial liability and damages arising from such liability are not covered by insurance or are in excess of policy limits, or if Marel were to incur liability at a time when Marel are not able to obtain liability insurance, Marel’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

An outbreak of animal borne diseases, such as H5N1 (avian flu), BSE (mad cow disease), or other virus strains affecting poultry, livestock or fish, or food borne illnesses, such as E.coli or listeria, could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business.

An outbreak or pandemic stemming from H5N1 (avian flu) or BSE (mad cow disease) or any other animal-related disease strains could reduce the availability of poultry, meat or fish that is processed for the restaurant, food service, wholesale or retail consumer industries, or result in negative consumer perception of animal protein. Even if Marel’s customers are able to source their supply of unprocessed livestock from an alternative, uncontaminated population without material adverse price effects, an outbreak of disease may generate negative publicity that depresses demand for processed animal protein. Any limitation on the availability of raw materials or on the demand for processed animal protein could discourage or delay food processors from making capital investments in Marel equipment and services. Such a decrease in demand for Marel’s products and services or a shift in demand towards less profitable solutions could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, in the event an E.coli, listeria or other food borne illness causes a recall of meat or produce, the companies supplying those fresh, further processed or packaged forms of those products could be severely adversely affected. Any negative impact on the financial viability of Marel’s fresh or processed food provider customers could adversely affect its immediate and recurring revenue base. Marel also faces the risk of direct exposure to liabilities associated with product recalls to the extent that its products are determined to have caused an issue leading to a recall.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, particularly the U.S. dollar and ISK, could decrease Marel’s revenues and/or increase its costs.

Marel conducts operations in many areas of the world, involving transactions denominated in a variety of currencies, but its reporting currency is the Euro. Marel’s cash flows are subject to currency exchange rate risk to the extent that its costs and sources of funding are denominated in currencies other than those in which it earns revenues. While Marel generally seeks natural hedges in its operations by matching revenues and operational costs as economically as possible, it remains exposed in particular to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the USD, British pound sterling, ISK and Brazilian real, primarily with respect to the EUR. For example, whereas approximately 6% of costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2023 were in ISK, less than 1% of revenues for that period were earned in ISK. As a result, a strengthening of ISK against EUR (or other currencies in which Marel generates revenues) would negatively affect Marel’s profit margin by amplifying the magnitude of its costs relative to its revenues.

Furthermore, because Marel reports its financial results in EUR but generated a significant share of its revenues in USD in the year ended December 31, 2023, and has more USD revenues than USD costs, a strengthening of EUR against USD (or other currencies in which Marel earns revenues) will negatively impact Marel’s reported results of operations relative to prior or future reporting periods when EUR was or is weaker. Such currency exchange rate fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Marel is exposed to counterparty credit risk such that any significant deterioration in its customers’ ability to pay, or in the payment terms it can charge customers going forward, could negatively impact Marel’s business.

Marel contracts with a large number of parties in its business, including customer and suppliers. Marel is therefore exposed to the risk of default by, or the insolvency of, such counterparties, which may result in significant liability for Marel. As of March 31, 2024, Marel carried EUR 196.5 million in trade receivables on its balance sheet. Marel’s exposure to counterparty credit risk is enhanced with respect to greenfield and large projects due to the longer-term nature of such projects, particularly if general economic conditions deteriorate, relative to standard equipment and its aftermarket business, where this risk is less pronounced.

Marel seeks to mitigate the counterparty credit risk in part through customer payment terms that typically require customers to fund a significant part of the purchase price upfront in cash or provide coverage through a letter of credit at the time of confirmation of the orders. These favorable payment terms also positively impact Marel’s working capital cycle as Marel can use the cash portion received upfront to fund its production requirements. However, there can be no assurance that Marel will continue to be able to obtain favorable payment terms from its customers, the deterioration of which would expose it to increased counterparty credit risk and greater working capital requirements in the longer term, which may require it to increase its borrowings, which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms or at all. A failure to obtain similarly favorable payment terms in the future could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel’s results of operations could deteriorate if its manufacturing operations or distribution centers were substantially disrupted for an extended period of time, including due to equipment failure, industrial accidents, natural disasters or other incidents.

Marel operates a global manufacturing platform which enables it to respond to production requirements from its global customer base. As of December 31, 2023, Marel had a total of 18 manufacturing sites for equipment and spare parts across the globe, including locations in ten countries across four continents. In addition to manufacturing, these sites also warehouse inventory and handle delivery logistics for finished equipment and systems.

An interruption in production or service capabilities at any of Marel’s facilities for any reason could result in Marel’s inability to develop, manufacture or distribute its products. For example, spare parts manufactured and warehoused at Marel’s facility in the Netherlands may be needed to service and maintain a customer’s poultry processing facility in the United States, Latin America or another distant location. In the event of a stoppage in production at any of Marel’s facilities, even if only temporary, or if Marel experiences delays as a result of events that are beyond its control, delivery times to its customers could be severely affected. Natural disasters, pandemics, equipment failures, power outages or other unexpected events could result in physical damage to and complete or partial closure of one or more of Marel’s manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of component products from local or international suppliers, disruption in the transport of Marel’s products from manufacturing sites to distribution centers and/or delay in the delivery of products to customers. Any significant delay in deliveries to Marel’s customers could adversely affect Marel’s customer relationships.

Marel may also experience plant shutdowns or periods of diminished productivity as a result of equipment failure or catastrophic loss, which could cause its results of operations to deteriorate. Equipment failure, accidents and natural disasters are, by their nature, difficult to foresee, impossible to prevent entirely and costly to insure against. Marel currently insures against business interruption risks with an insurance policy underwritten by an independent insurance company ranging from 18 to 24 months. However, there can be no assurance that such insurance arrangements will provide cover for all of the costs that may arise in the event of a substantial disruption. Accordingly, any substantial disruption could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Marel’s manufacturing, distribution and service and maintenance activities are subject to health and safety risks.

Marel’s manufacturing, distribution and service and maintenance activities involve the use of industrial machinery to produce, assemble the parts of, and maintain and service its processing equipment and systems. Employees interacting with such machinery may be injured, or incur long-term medical costs as a result of other aspects of the work environment, which injury or costs could result in legal liability or increased personnel costs for Marel. Such liabilities, if severe enough, could increase Marel’s costs or tarnish its reputation, either of which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

Disruptions in the political, regulatory and social conditions of the countries in which Marel and its customers conduct business may have an adverse impact on Marel’s global business.

Marel’s global operations cover manufacturing in the Netherlands, the United States, Iceland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Slovakia and sales of equipment, systems, software and services around the world, including in countries with political and economic instability. Some countries have greater political and economic volatility and greater vulnerability to infrastructure and labor disruptions than others. Operating and seeking to expand business in a number of different regions and countries exposes Marel to a number of risks, including but not limited to:

 

   

multiple and potentially conflicting laws, regulations and policies that are subject to change;

 

   

burdens and costs of complying with foreign laws, treaties, and technical standards (e.g., export licenses and product certifications, such as the EU’s “CE” mark) and changes in those regulations;

 

   

imposition of currency restrictions, restrictions on repatriation of earnings, capital controls (including in Iceland) or other restraints;

 

   

nationalization, expropriation, or seizure of assets;

 

   

foreign ownership restrictions;

 

   

transportation delays and interruptions;

 

   

national and international conflict;

 

   

acts of terrorism or war, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East;

 

   

monitoring of local management and employees; and

 

   

political and economic instability or civil unrest that may severely disrupt economic activity in affected countries.

Marel is exposed to these events directly, because of its own manufacturing and distribution facilities around the world, but also indirectly through its customers’ exposure to such risks. When Marel’s customers are exposed to political or regulatory uncertainty or social instability, they may be inclined to reduce or limit investment in their processing facilities until greater certainty about their future operating environment can be achieved. Reduced or limited investment by its customers negatively affects Marel’s Equipment revenues. Thus, the direct and indirect repercussions of the occurrence of one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel’s Russian operations have been and may continue to be affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions imposed in response, and we may in the future choose or be required to further limit or shut down those operations entirely.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, Marel generated revenues of approximately EUR 15.1 million, EUR 311 thousand and EUR 13.8 million in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, respectively (representing in the aggregate 1.7% of total revenue), as compared to EUR 44.6 million, EUR 334 thousand and EUR 8.1 million (or an

 

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aggregate 3.9% of total revenue) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Marel ceased equipment sales activity in Russia and did not generate any new Equipment revenue in Russia for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to Equipment revenue of EUR 28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Marel continues to conduct business in Russia through a wholly-owned subsidiary in Russia and in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“FY23”), provided services and spare parts to Russian customers under existing SLAs and finalized outstanding Russian projects, as permitted under applicable U.S. and EU sanctions.

Marel may face risks associated with maintaining its subsidiary in Russia, or with any international operations in Russia or Belarus, including risks associated with its compliance with evolving international sanctions and potential reputational harm as a result of operations in Russia or Belarus. While Marel has policies and procedures in place designed to ensure compliance with applicable sanctions and trade restrictions, its employees or agents may take actions in violation of such policies and applicable law, and Marel could be held ultimately responsible. If Marel is held responsible for a violation of U.S. or EU sanctions laws, it may be subject to various penalties, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, Marel may in the future choose or be required to further limit or cease operations in Russia and/or Belarus entirely, in which case Marel will no longer receive revenue from those operations. Marel could also incur expenses as a result of the process of shutting down operations in Russia.

Marel’s international activities increase the compliance risks associated with economic and trade sanctions, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws, antitrust laws and other regulations imposed by the United States, the European Union and other jurisdictions.

Marel operates in over 30 countries around the world and serves customers across six continents, which increases its compliance risks, including, but not limited to, the following areas:

 

   

Trade Restrictions – Government policies on international trade and investment such as import quotas, capital controls or tariffs, whether adopted by individual governments or addressed by regional trade blocs, can affect the demand for Marel’s products and services, impact the competitive position of its products, prevent it from being able to sell or increase the cost of selling products in certain countries or raise the cost of some of its inputs such as stainless steel. The implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as more detailed inspections, higher tariffs or new barriers to entry, in countries where Marel sells large quantities of products and services could negatively impact its business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, a government’s adoption of “buy national” policies or retaliation by another government against such policies could have a negative impact on Marel’s results of operations, both directly and indirectly if its customers are affected. Marel’s business activities are also subject to economic and trade sanctions regulations maintained by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and regulatory authorities in other countries in which Marel operates or makes sales. If Marel fails to comply with these laws and regulations, Marel and certain of its employees could be subject to civil or criminal penalties and reputational harm. Obtaining the necessary authorizations, including any required license, for a particular transaction may be time-consuming, is not guaranteed, and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities. Furthermore, U.S. export control laws and economic sanctions laws in the U.S. and other countries prohibit certain transactions with U.S. embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments, persons and entities. Although Marel takes precautions to prevent transactions with sanction targets, the possibility exists that Marel could inadvertently provide its products or services to persons prohibited by sanctions. This could result in negative consequences for Marel, including government investigations, penalties, difficulty obtaining external financing or reputational harm.

 

   

Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering Laws – Because Marel has subsidiaries incorporated in the United States and serves customers there, it is potentially subject to the U.S. Foreign Anti-Corrupt

 

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Practices Act of 1977, which prohibits it from making corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or retain business anywhere in the world. In addition, Marel must ensure compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering laws and a number of other anti-corruption laws and conventions in force in and among other jurisdictions, including the OECD’s Anti-Bribery Convention, the UN Convention against Corruption, the Organization of American States Inter-American Convention against Corruption, and the Council of Europe’s Criminal and Civil Law Conventions on Corruption, among others. Any failure or apparent failure to comply with these or other laws or conventions could expose Marel to criminal or civil investigation, penalties or other enforcement measures that would be costly and generate adverse publicity.

 

   

Antitrust Laws – The European Commission, Europe’s national competition authorities, the U.S. Department of Justice and other competition regulators in the jurisdictions where Marel operates may have the power to block Marel from engaging in certain strategic acquisitions. Marel may also be subject to investigations, fines and approvals by those regulators and authorities which could delay or increase the costs of executing its growth strategy.

Any alleged or actual violations of these laws and/or other regulations may subject Marel to government scrutiny, investigation and civil and criminal penalties, and may limit Marel’s ability to import supplies from or export its products to certain markets, to conduct business with certain suppliers, agents or customer and to pursue strategic acquisitions. Moreover, Marel relies to a limited extent on sales agents, particularly in countries where Marel has less established operations and customer networks, which increases compliance risk and compliance costs associated with vetting these agents to verify compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, Marel is subject to laws regarding privacy, data protection, cybercrime, confidentiality and disclosure requirements, recordkeeping and financial reporting, price controls and exchange controls which may cause it to incur significant compliance costs. The nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which Marel’s operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted is unforeseeable and could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in food consumption patterns due to dietary, health or convenience trends may adversely affect Marel’s business and prospects.

The consumption of animal and plant protein is subject to dietary, health or convenience trends. Accordingly, food processors may have difficulty accurately forecasting their needed manufacturing capacity and the related investment in equipment. For example, in parts of the western world, a popular commitment to animal wellbeing combined with consumption trends towards vegetarianism and veganism may lead to reduced demand for animal protein. If these political or dietary preferences gain widespread acceptance among consumer populations, demand for animal protein by the end consumers of Marel’s customers may suffer a long-term decline. Relatedly, the rise of manufactured meat and meat substitutes may in the long term divert some consumer demand away from processed animal and plant protein, if these products can be successfully commercialized. In the event that a widespread consumer demand shift away from animal protein were to outweigh the growth of active animal and plant protein consumers worldwide, demand for Marel’s systems and services may weaken or there may be a less rapid increase in demand for Marel’s processing systems and services than historical consumption patterns currently suggest. Such a demand shift away from protein products could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel has a significant amount of goodwill and could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges.

As of March 31, 2024, Marel carried EUR 862.7 million of goodwill on its balance sheet relating to historical acquisitions, including the acquisitions of MPS (2016), Sulmaq (2017), MAJA (2018), TREIF Maschinenbau GmbH (“TREIF”) (2020), Valka (2021), Curio (2019-2022) and Wenger (2022), representing 33.7% of Marel’s total assets as of that date. Goodwill is recognized as an intangible asset and is subject to an impairment test which must be performed at least annually or if particular circumstances or changes in

 

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circumstances occur that indicate an impairment under IFRS. Impairment indicators include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and negative industry or economic trends. If such events were to occur, the carrying amount of Marel’s goodwill may no longer be recoverable and it may be required to record an impairment charge. A significant impairment of intangible assets could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Movements in interest rates may increase Marel’s financing costs.

Of Marel’s EUR 800.9 million of long-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2024, approximately 98.5% or EUR 788.9 million consisted of floating rate obligations, including EUR 10.0 million in floating rate Promissory Notes, EUR 351.0 million outstanding under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility of EUR 700.0 million and 428.0 million under other term loans. These floating rate obligations expose Marel to interest rate risk should the applicable interest rate fluctuate and increase Marel’s interest expense. To hedge this interest rate risk, Marel has entered into interest rate swaps in line with its hedging policy to ensure that 50 to 70% of its core long-term debt obligations are either fixed or hedged. As of March 31, 2024, EUR 434.9 million of such obligations remained unhedged. Accordingly, increases in interest rates may increase Marel’s interest expense relating to its unhedged debt obligations and reduce its net profits, which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

If Marel is unable to develop, preserve, and protect its intellectual property assets, or if Marel infringes on the intellectual property rights of third parties, Marel’s business may be negatively affected.

Marel strives to protect and enhance its proprietary intellectual property rights through patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws, as well as through technological safeguards and operating policies and procedures designed and implemented by its intellectual property team. As of December 31, 2023, Marel owned over 440 patent families with approximately 3,050 patent registrations in different countries relating to key technologies associated with industry-specific product clusters. To the extent it is not able to protect this

intellectual property from infringement, Marel’s business could be negatively impacted. Marel regularly opposes patent applications made by other companies in various jurisdictions, and its own patent applications are regularly opposed by other companies. In spite of its efforts, Marel may be unable to prevent third parties from using its technology without its authorization, or from independently developing technology that is similar to Marel’s equipment, systems, software and services, particularly in those countries where the laws do not protect proprietary rights as fully as in others. There is also a risk that third parties, including Marel’s current competitors, will claim that Marel’s products infringe on their intellectual property rights. These third parties may bring infringement claims against Marel or its customers, which may invalidate Marel’s intellectual property rights or force Marel to discontinue the offering of certain products, any of which may adversely affect Marel’s reputation, results of operations and customer relationships, even if such claims turn out to be without merit. Any failure to protect its intellectual property or adequately defend itself against allegations of infringement could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel is subject to risks associated with failures in information systems and cyber-security.

The operation of many of Marel’s business processes depends on the uninterrupted availability of its IT systems and, to maintain competitiveness, Marel is increasingly reliant on automation, centralized operation and new technologies to manage and monitor its complex production activities. As a consequence, any localized or widespread system failure, whether deliberate (such as an outage resulting from a cyber-attack) or unintentional (such as network, hardware or software failure), could have adverse effects at various levels. Threats to its control systems are not limited by geography as Marel’s digital infrastructure is inter-connected and accessible globally. Marel also uses third party suppliers of digital infrastructure, such as Microsoft, SAP, Oracle and Salesforce. This exposes Marel to the risk of system failures in, or attacks on, such third-party infrastructure, which may negatively impact or interrupt Marel’s business.

 

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Although Marel has security barriers, policies and risk management processes in place that are designed to protect its information systems and digital infrastructure against a range of security threats, there can be no assurance that such attacks will not occur, which would have an adverse impact on its operations.

Any failure to protect its information systems and digital infrastructure from any of the foregoing or other IT risks could affect the confidentiality, integrity or functionality of such systems, including those critical to Marel’s operations. In addition, Marel could face regulatory action, legal liability, damage to its reputation, a significant reduction in revenue or increase in costs, a shutdown of its operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel is subject to applicable regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates and changes to the regulatory environments, or any failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and codes of practice, may negatively affect its business.

The goods that Marel produces and the services it provides are subject to regulation and, in certain instances, supervision by various regulatory bodies, in particular in relation to industrial, health, safety and environmental standards. Existing laws and regulations, as well as potential future changes in such legal frameworks or the interpretation or enforcement of such, influence how Marel operates its business. Marel must comply with, and is affected by, these various regulations, which may reduce its operational flexibility and negatively affect its business. Marel’s failure to comply with these regulations, in particular those relating to the environment and health and safety, could result in the imposition of penalties and reputational damage, which could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel’s financial results may be affected by various legal and regulatory proceedings.

Marel is subject to litigation and regulatory proceedings in the normal course of business. Marel could experience additional claims in the future, some of which could be material. The outcomes of litigation and similar disputes are often difficult to predict reliably and may result in decisions or settlements more adverse to Marel than expected. Various factors and developments could lead Marel to make changes in estimates of liabilities and related insurance receivables, where applicable, or make additional estimates, including new or modified estimates as a result of a judicial ruling or judgment, a settlement, regulatory developments or changes in applicable law.

These types of claims and proceedings may expose Marel to monetary damages, direct or indirect costs, direct or indirect financial loss, civil and criminal penalties, or harm to its reputation, all of which could have an adverse effect on Marel’s business. Claims against Marel, regardless of merit, could subject it to costly litigation or proceedings and divert management’s attention from its regular responsibilities. Adverse regulatory actions against Marel or adverse judgments in litigation to which Marel is a party may lead to it being forced to suspend certain business activities or pay damages, or make it subject to enforcement orders. If any of the foregoing occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel is subject to certain tax risks, including unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings, which may adversely affect its tax expense and net profits.

Marel’s global operations expose it to a wide range of tax laws and authorities. Moreover, the tax laws applicable to Marel’s business activities are subject to interpretation. The taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which Marel operates may challenge Marel’s tax positions, which could increase Marel’s effective tax rate and harm its financial position. In addition, Marel’s future income taxes could be higher than expected if earnings are lower than anticipated in jurisdictions that have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions that have higher statutory tax rates, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles. Consequently, Marel’s future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the effective tax rate as a result of a change in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in Marel’s overall profitability, changes in tax laws or treaties or in their application or interpretation, changes in statutory tax rates, changes in generally accepted accounting principles, changes in the valuation of deferred tax

 

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assets (“DTAs”) and liabilities, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of Marel’s tax exposures. As of December 31, 2023, Marel had recognized a net DTA of EUR 38.9 million. There can be no assurance that Marel will be permitted to fully utilize its DTAs by the relevant local tax authority. Marel is also subject to the continuous examination of its income tax returns by tax authorities around the world. Marel regularly assesses the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations. If Marel’s effective tax rates were to increase for any reason, or if the ultimate determination of Marel’s tax liability exceeds amounts previously accrued, it could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The covenants contained in Marel’s financing arrangements may limit its financial and operating flexibility.

The agreements governing Marel’s borrowing under its Dutch Revolving Credit Facility and the Promissory Notes require it to comply with restrictive financial covenants that are customary for borrowers comparable to Marel, including leverage and interest cover covenants in the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility and a leverage-based margin step-up mechanism under the Promissory Notes. Failure to comply with those covenants may lead to Marel defaulting under its Dutch Revolving Credit Facility and the Promissory Notes, restrict the availability of credit to Marel and result in the acceleration of Marel’s obligations to repay its long-term debt, which may require raising additional capital or borrowings. There can be no assurance of the availability of such additional capital or borrowings at the relevant time or, if available, whether it would be on acceptable terms. This could have a material adverse impact on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Marel may sustain substantial losses not covered by, or exceeding the coverage limits of, its insurance policies, and its insurance premiums may increase.

Marel’s group-wide insurance policies include insurance to cover risks associated with its business, including general liability, freight insurance, business continuity and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. Marel uses insurance brokers to maintain coverage across jurisdictions. Marel believes that the types of amounts of insurance coverage that it maintains are consistent with customary industry standards in the jurisdictions where it operates. Marel’s insurance policies are, however, subject to exclusions and limitations of liability. Marel may, therefore, have limited or no coverage relating to certain risks. Marel also does not maintain separate funds or otherwise set aside reserves to cover losses or third-party claims from uninsured events. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of its insurance limits occur or be likely to occur, Marel may have to incur material costs to cover such loss or have make material reserves in its statement of financial position.

Following multiple claims or after one major claim, its insurance premiums may be increased or the terms and conditions of its insurance coverage may worsen. This may also occur following a general change in the insurance markets. There can be no assurance that Marel will continue to be able to obtain sufficient insurance for the risks incurred in connection with its business operations on terms and under conditions it believes are economically justifiable. If Marel sustains damages for which it has insufficient or no insurance coverage, this could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The requirements of being a dual-listed company may strain Marel’s resources and divert management’s attention.

As a dual-listed company listed on Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam, Marel is subject to reporting requirements and certain other applicable requirements under Dutch law, including, but not limited to, the Market Abuse Regulation and the Dutch Financial Supervision Act, in addition to its ongoing legal requirements under Icelandic law. The requirements of these rules and regulations increase its legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly, and in certain instances place additional strain on resources. In addition, the applicable legal requirements or the interpretation of such requirements by regulators and courts may differ or conflict between Iceland and the Netherlands, which could expose Marel to additional costs, sanctions and/or fines. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Marel’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in price, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

Marel’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in price, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Marel’s overall risk management program seeks to minimize potential adverse effects as noted below.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Marel operates internationally and is particularly exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates of the USD, the British pound sterling, ISK and the Brazilian real, primarily with respect to the EUR, as the EUR is Marel’s reporting currency. Marel generally seeks natural hedges in its operations by matching revenues and operational costs as much as possible, with its main exposure being to revenues earned in USD and costs incurred in ISK (approximately 6% of costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2023 were in ISK whereas less than 1% of revenues for that period were earned in ISK). Marel monitors foreign exchange risk arising from commercial transactions, recognized assets and liabilities (transaction risk) that are determined in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency. Currency exposure arising from net assets of Marel’s major foreign operations (translation risk) is managed primarily through funding denominated in the main operational currencies to create natural hedging in the balance sheet. If necessary, Marel seeks to hedge its financial exposure in accordance with its general policy within set limits. In line with Marel’s risk management policy, Marel hedges up to 80% of its estimated foreign currency exposure in ISK relating to forecasted transactions over the following 12 months.

Interest Rate Risk

Marel’s income and operating cash flows are impacted by changes in market interest rates. The interest rates of a majority of Marel’s leases, where it is lessee, are fixed at their inception. These leases expose the company to fair-value interest rate risk.

Marel’s cash-flow interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings at variable rates expose the company to cash-flow interest rate risk, while borrowings at fixed rates expose it to fair-value interest rate risk. Marel manages its cash-flow interest rate risk by using floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting floating-rate financing to fixed rates. Marel obtains long-term financing at floating rates and swaps a portion of this to fixed rates. The risk involved, measured as the potential increase in interest paid during the coming year based on a defined movement in interest rates, is monitored and evaluated regularly. To ensure the certainty of future interest cash flows and compliance with debt covenants, Marel maintains a hedging policy under which it hedges 50-70% of its exposure to interest rate risks associated with its core debt with an interest rate swap with a maximum maturity of five years.

Credit Risk

Marel is exposed to credit risk from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The following table sets forth Marel’s maximum exposure to credit risk for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,      Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million)    2024      2023      2023      2022  

Trade receivables – net

     196.5        231.7        215.2        218.3  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     3.2        4.0        1.7        3.3  

Other receivables and prepayments

     94.2        102.7        85.9        99.0  

Cash and cash equivalents

     35.9        63.8        69.9        75.7  

Total

     329.3        402.2        372.7        396.3  

 

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Marel has no significant concentrations of credit risk. Marel seeks to minimize credit risk by closely monitoring credit granted to customers and by obtaining security to cover potential losses. Marel has policies in place to ensure that sales of products and services are made to customers with an acceptable credit history and that products are not delivered until payments are secured.

Marel does its banking with a diversified set of financial institutions around the world. Marel has policies in place to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.

Liquidity Risk

Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Marel aims to maintain flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility, which can be used both as a revolver and to issue guarantees for down payments. As of March 31, 2024, Marel had EUR 351.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility as well as EUR 8.4 million issued guarantees, reflecting a utilization of EUR 359.4 million of the EUR 700.0 million available under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility, leaving a headroom of EUR 340.7 million. The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility is subject to interest cover and leverage covenants. As of March 31, 2024, Marel was in compliance with all covenants under its loan documents.

Cash flow forecasts are done by Marel Group Treasury. Group liquidity reports are viewed by management on a monthly basis. Marel has a cross-border notional cash pool with the aim of making better use of its cash position and to further decrease the amount of idle cash.

 

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THE SPECIAL MEETING

Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting

The Special Meeting will be held virtually by live webcast on    , 2024, at    , Central time. You can participate in the Special Meeting by visiting https://    , where you will be able to listen to the Special Meeting live and vote during the Special Meeting. Please log in to the website by   , Central time, on the day of the Special Meeting. There is no physical location for the Special Meeting. The purpose of the Special Meeting is for JBT Stockholders to:

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of JBT Offer Shares to Marel Shareholders in connection with the Transaction; and

 

   

consider and vote on a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal. The Adjournment Proposal will be presented to JBT Stockholders only if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of certain supplemental or amended disclosures.

The JBT Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal. For the reasons for these recommendations, see “The Transaction—JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction.”

Who Can Vote at the Special Meeting

Only holders of record of JBT Shares at the close of business on    , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. As of the record date, there were    JBT Shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. You are entitled to one vote for each JBT Share you own for each matter to be voted on at the Special Meeting. JBT Shares that are held in treasury are not entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

Votes Required

The Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. An abstention will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal. A failure to vote or a broker non-vote will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal.

The holders of a majority of the outstanding JBT Shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at a meeting of the stockholders. Broker non-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining the existence of a quorum at the Special Meeting.

Adjournments

Where a quorum is not present at the Special Meeting, the Special Meeting may be adjourned from time to time by the presiding officer of the Special Meeting or a majority of the JBT Stockholders so represented, without notice other than announcement at the Special Meeting, unless otherwise required by statute. If the presiding officer of the Special Meeting proposes to adjourn the Special Meeting and the Adjournment Proposal is approved by the JBT Stockholders, the Special Meeting will be adjourned. At any adjourned meeting of the

 

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Special Meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the Special Meeting as originally notified. In order for the Special Meeting to be adjourned, the Adjournment Proposal must be approved by a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. See “—Proposal No. 2: The Adjournment Proposal.” In addition, whether or not a quorum of the stockholders is present, the JBT Bylaws permit the presiding officer of the Special Meeting or a majority of the shares so represented to adjourn the Special Meeting to another place, date and time.

Manner of Voting

If you are a JBT Stockholder and you hold your JBT Shares in your own name, you may submit your vote for or against (or abstain in respect of) the proposals submitted at the Special Meeting or by proxy. Your vote is important. Because many stockholders cannot attend the Special Meeting, it is necessary that a large number be represented by proxy. If you were a holder of record of JBT Shares on    , 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting, you may vote with respect to the proposals presented at the Special Meeting by using any of the following methods:

 

   

Voting by Mail. By signing, dating and returning the proxy card in the postage pre-paid envelope provided to vote by mail, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your JBT Shares at the Special Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting so that your JBT Shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Special Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your JBT Shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your JBT Shares are voted. Votes submitted by mail must be received by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on    , 2024;

 

   

Voting in Person at the Meeting. If you attend the Special Meeting and plan to vote in person, you will be able to cast your vote on the meeting website during the Special Meeting;

 

   

Voting by Phone. Use the toll-free telephone number noted on your proxy card to vote by telephone; or

 

   

Voting via the Internet. Visit the website noted on your proxy card to vote online.

You are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your JBT Shares at the Special Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting so that your JBT Shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Special Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your JBT Shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your JBT Shares are voted. Votes submitted by mail must be received by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on    , 2024.

Information and applicable deadlines for voting by mail, voting by telephone or voting through the internet are set forth in the enclosed proxy card instructions. Alternatively, you may vote during the Special Meeting virtually by ballot.

If your JBT Shares are registered in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee (which is also known as being held in “street name”), that broker, bank or other nominee has enclosed or will provide a voting instruction form for you to direct the broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares. JBT Stockholders who hold shares in “street name” must return their instructions to their broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote their shares. If your JBT Shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record, to be able to attend the Special Meeting and vote in person.

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accordance with the information and procedures provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee. JBT believes that all of the proposals presented to the stockholders at the Special Meeting will be considered non-discretionary and, therefore, your broker, bank or other nominee cannot vote your shares without your instruction on any of the proposals presented at the Special Meeting. If you do not provide instructions with your proxy card, your broker, bank or other nominee may deliver a proxy card expressly indicating that it is NOT voting your shares. Your broker, bank or other nominee can vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to vote. You should instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares in accordance with directions you provide.

The failure of any JBT Stockholder to submit a signed proxy card, grant a proxy electronically over the internet or by telephone or vote online during the Special Meeting will have no effect on the outcome of the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal so long as a quorum is otherwise present. An abstention by any holder of JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal, as applicable. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal.

JBT urges you to mark each applicable box on the proxy card or voting instruction card to indicate how to vote your JBT Shares. All shares entitled to vote and represented by a properly completed proxy (either by internet, telephone or mail) will be voted at the Special Meeting as indicated on the proxy unless earlier revoked by you. If no instructions are indicated for a matter on an otherwise properly completed proxy from a stockholder of record, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted on that matter as recommended by the JBT Board. Execution of the proxy also confers discretionary authority on the proxy holders to vote your shares on other matters that may properly come before the Special Meeting.

You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by:

 

   

delivering a written notice revoking your proxy to JBT’s Corporate Secretary at JBT’s principal executive offices at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602 prior to the cut-off for voting;

 

   

sending a later-dated, signed proxy card at the address listed above so that it is received by JBT prior to the Special Meeting;

 

   

voting again by telephone or through the internet in accordance with the instructions provided to you for voting your shares prior to the cut-off for voting; or

 

   

attending the Special Meeting and voting electronically.

Attendance virtually at the Special Meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute revocation of a previously granted proxy. If the Special Meeting is adjourned or postponed, it will not affect the ability of JBT Stockholders to exercise their voting rights or to revoke any previously granted proxy using the methods described above.

Solicitation of Proxies

JBT management, at the direction of the JBT Board, is soliciting your proxy for use at the Special Meeting. It is expected that the solicitation will be primarily by mail or the internet, but proxies may also be solicited personally, by advertisement or by telephone, by directors, officers or employees of JBT without special compensation or by JBT’s proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali.

JBT will pay the cost of soliciting proxies for the Special Meeting. JBT has engaged Morrow Sodali to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. JBT has agreed to pay Morrow Sodali a fee of $25,000, plus disbursements, and will reimburse Morrow Sodali for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and indemnify

 

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Morrow Sodali and its affiliates against certain claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses. JBT will also reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries representing beneficial owners of JBT Shares for their expenses in forwarding soliciting materials to beneficial owners of JBT Shares and in obtaining voting instructions from those owners. The directors, officers and employees of JBT may also solicit proxies by telephone, by facsimile, by mail, on the internet or in person. They will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies.

Stockholders Sharing an Address

SEC rules permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements and notices with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement or a single notice addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” provides cost savings for companies.

If you share an address with another stockholder, you may receive only one set of printed proxy materials (including this proxy statement/prospectus) unless you have provided contrary instructions. If you wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials now or in the future, you may contact the bank or broker that manages your account or, if you are a stockholder of record, you may contact Morrow Sodali at (203) 658-9400 (banks and brokerage firms) and (800) 662-5200 (stockholders toll-free), or via email at JBT@info.morrowsodali.com. Similarly, if you share an address with another stockholder and have received multiple copies of the proxy materials, you may contact the bank or broker that manages your account or, if you are a stockholder of record, you may contact Morrow Sodali using the information above to request delivery of only a single copy of these materials to your household.

Submission of Stockholder Proposals

JBT Stockholders may make proposals to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. To be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2025 Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals must be received not later than November 28, 2024, at JBT’s principal executive offices at John Bean Technologies Corporation, 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Attention: Executive Vice President, General Counsel.

To properly bring other business before the annual meeting, a stockholder must deliver written notice thereof, setting forth the information specified in the JBT Bylaws, to the Secretary at JBT’s principal executive offices not later than the 90th day nor earlier than the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for stockholder action. In the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, however, a JBT Stockholder must deliver notice not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and (ii) the 10th day following the day on which JBT first makes public announcement of the date of such meeting. To properly bring business before the 2025 Annual Meeting, JBT must receive notice at its principal executive offices no earlier than January 10, 2025 and no later than February 9, 2025. A copy of the full text of the JBT Bylaw provisions discussed above may be obtained by writing to John Bean Technologies Corporation, c/o the Executive Vice President, General Counsel at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602.

In addition to complying with the requirements set forth in the JBT Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, JBT Stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than JBT’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act.

Proposal No. 1: The Share Issuance Proposal

The Transaction cannot be completed without the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal. The Share Issuance Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by

 

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proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. An abstention by any holder of JBT Shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on the Share Issuance Proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Share Issuance Proposal. A failure to vote or a broker non-vote will have no effect on the Share Issuance Proposal.

Under Rule 312.03(c) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, stockholder approval is required prior to the issuance of common stock in any transaction if (i) the common stock has, or will have upon issuance, voting power equal to or in excess of 20% of the voting power outstanding before the issuance of such stock or (ii) the number of shares of common stock to be issued is, or will be upon issuance, equal to or in excess of 20% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding before the issuance of the common stock.

The aggregate number of JBT Offer Shares that JBT will issue in connection with the Transaction will exceed 20% of both the voting power and the number of shares of common stock outstanding before such issuance, and for these reasons, JBT is seeking the approval of JBT Stockholders for the issuance of JBT Offer Shares in connection with the Transaction. For further details, see “The Transaction Agreement.”

The JBT Board unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal.

Proposal No. 2: The Adjournment Proposal

The Adjournment Proposal, if presented at the Special Meeting, would allow the JBT Board to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, (i) to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are insufficient votes for the approval of the Share Issuance Proposal, (ii) if there are insufficient JBT Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Special Meeting or (iii) to allow reasonable time for the filing or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosures that JBT has determined, based on the advice of outside legal counsel, is reasonably likely to be required under applicable law and for such supplemental or amended disclosures to be disseminated and reviewed by JBT Stockholders prior to the Special Meeting.

The Adjournment Proposal is not a condition to completion of the Transaction. The vote on the Adjournment Proposal in connection with the Transaction is a vote separate and apart from the vote to approve the Share Issuance Proposal. Accordingly, you may vote for the Share Issuance Proposal and vote against the Adjournment Proposal and vice versa.

The Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. An abstention will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Adjournment Proposal. A failure to vote and broker non-votes will have no effect on the Adjournment Proposal. In addition, whether or not a quorum of the stockholders is present, the JBT Bylaws permit the presiding officer of the meeting or a majority of the shares so represented to adjourn the meeting from time to time, whether or not there is such a quorum.

The JBT Board unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

 

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THE TRANSACTION

The following is a discussion of the Transaction and the material terms of the Transaction Agreement but does not purport to describe all of the terms of the Transaction Agreement. The following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Transaction Agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. JBT and Marel urge you to read the full text of the Transaction Agreement because it is the legal document that governs the Transaction.

Parties to the Transaction

JBT

JBT is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food and beverage industry. JBT designs, produces and services sophisticated products and systems for a broad range of end markets, generating roughly one-half of its annual revenue from recurring parts, service, rebuilds and leasing operations. As of December 31, 2023, JBT employed approximately 5,100 people worldwide and operated sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations in more than 25 countries.

The mailing address of JBT’s principal executive office is 70 West Madison, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, and its telephone number is (312) 861-5900.

Marel

Marel is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the food processing industry as well as a leading provider in processing solutions for pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed, with a presence in over 30 countries and six continents and around 7,300 employees. Marel designs, manufactures, sells and services technologically advanced processing solutions ranging from standard equipment to full-line processing systems, with sophisticated software capabilities and aftermarket services.

The mailing address of Marel’s principal executive office is Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland, and its telephone number is +354 563 8000.

The Offeror

The Offeror is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013, and a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT.

The mailing address of the Offeror’s principal executive office is Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its telephone number is +31 (0)20 6348 486.

Structure of the Transaction

In the Transaction, Marel’s business will be brought under JBT through the Offer. Following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may or will, as applicable, pursue post-Offer reorganizations (more specifically, the Merger or the Squeeze-Out) with respect to Marel.

For a more complete description of potential post-completion reorganization measures, see “—Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel.”

 

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Background of the Transaction

JBT management and the JBT Board regularly review JBT’s results of operations, future growth prospects and positions in the industries in which it operates, as well as strategic options for JBT’s business in light of industry, economic and other conditions. In connection with these reviews, JBT from time to time evaluates potential transactions that would further its strategic objectives, including by engaging with representatives of other companies in its industries, investment bankers and investors to explore potential opportunities to enhance shareholder value.

In or around late 2017 and early 2018, representatives of JBT management and Marel management held preliminary discussions on a potential strategic transaction between the parties. In early 2018, JBT submitted a non-binding indication of interest to Marel, which ultimately was rejected by Marel.

On October 27, 2023, JBT and Goldman Sachs discussed the M&A market in general following JBT’s recent disposition of its AeroTech business. Conversations included the possibility of reaching out to Marel in early 2024. Representatives of JBT management considered Goldman Sachs a valued financial advisor because of Goldman Sachs’ qualifications, expertise and reputation in providing strategic and financial advisory services in various industrial M&A transactions, its knowledge of the businesses and affairs of JBT and its knowledge of the industry in which JBT operates.

On November 7, 2023, Mr. Árni Oddur Thordarson resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Marel and Mr. Árni Sigurðsson was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Marel. On November 7, 2023, Mr. Brian Deck, President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT, emailed Mr. Sigurðsson to congratulate him on his appointment and suggested a virtual meeting.

On November 9, 2023, Mr. Friðrik Johannsson, chairman of the board of directors of Eyrir Invest, Marel’s largest shareholder, contacted Mr. Deck to discuss whether JBT was potentially interested in acquiring Eyrir Invest’s stake in Marel.

During the week of November 13, 2023, Messrs. Deck, Thordarson and Johannsson, along with their respective financial advisors, held multiple telephone conversations to discuss JBT purchasing Eyrir Invest’s stake in Marel. During that series of calls, Mr. Deck indicated to Mr. Johannsson that JBT was not interested in acquiring a minority ownership stake in Marel but noted that JBT might be interested in pursuing a business combination with Marel provided it would not be viewed as a hostile overture, which Mr. Johannsson indicated Eyrir Invest would potentially be supportive of, depending on the valuation.

On November 16, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting attended by JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs. JBT management provided an overview on a proposed business combination with Marel, including the rationale and potential structure. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented, based on publicly available information, a preliminary financial analysis of the proposed transaction. Following discussion, the JBT Board approved the submission to Marel of a non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding Marel Shares for EUR 3.15 per Marel Share (482 ISK per Marel Share based on an ISK/EUR exchange rate of 153.0 as of November 16, 2023), which represented a 32% premium to Marel’s closing share price on November 16, 2023 (the “Initial Proposal”). Also at the meeting, the JBT Board also formed a subcommittee of the JBT Board (the “JBT Subcommittee”), consisting of Alan D. Feldman, Mr. Deck, Maury Devine and Charles L. Harrington, to oversee JBT management in connection with the proposed business combination.

On November 18, 2023, the JBT Subcommittee held a meeting at which JBT management further discussed with the JBT Subcommittee the strategic rationale of a potential combination of JBT and Marel, and provided an update on its negotiations with Eyrir Invest, including with respect to Eyrir Invest providing an irrevocable commitment to support a potential business combination between JBT and Marel (the “Eyrir Undertaking”) as well as Eyrir Invest entering into an exclusivity agreement with JBT pursuant to which Eyrir Invest would agree not to transfer its shares in Marel or take certain other actions for a limited period of time.

 

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The Eyrir Undertaking was executed on November 19, 2023, and committed Eyrir Invest to support JBT’s proposal to acquire Marel by means of a voluntary takeover offer, subject to certain terms (including minimum price and valuation). The Eyrir Undertaking was accompanied by an exclusivity agreement, also dated November 19, 2023, pursuant to which Eyrir Invest agreed to an exclusivity period of two months during which it would not engage in any direct or indirect discussions or negotiations, or enter into any agreements, in each case with respect to, the transfer of its shares in Marel to a third party other than JBT.

On November 19, 2023, JBT submitted to Marel (i) the Initial Proposal and (ii) the Eyrir Undertaking.

On November 22, 2023, a subcommittee of the Marel Board, consisting of Arnar Þór Másson, Ton van der Laan and Dr. Svafa Grönfeldt (the “Marel Subcommittee”), met with Marel management and representatives of J.P. Morgan and BAA//Fjeldco (“BBA”), Marel’s legal advisor based in Iceland, to evaluate the terms of the Initial Proposal.

On November 24, 2023, following rumors concerning a potential takeover offer for Marel, Marel issued a press release disclosing that it had received a non-binding initial proposal regarding a potential offer for all of Marel’s shares, although the release did not disclose JBT’s name or any of the material terms of such proposal. Later that same day, after having received verbal guidance from the Icelandic FSA and Nasdaq Iceland, Marel issued a second press release which named JBT as the party that submitted the proposal and disclosed the material terms of the Initial Proposal. The second press release naming JBT triggered a requirement under Icelandic law that JBT announce its intention to launch an offer before January 5, 2024 (unless an extension of such period was granted by the Icelandic FSA). Also on November 24, 2023, JBT issued a press release confirming the Initial Proposal. Later that day, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel management and representatives of J.P. Morgan and BBA were present to discuss the Initial Proposal.

On November 27, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT management provided an overview of developments that occurred in the previous week, including in relation to the Eyrir Undertaking, the Initial Proposal and the subsequent press releases issued on November 24, 2023. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an update regarding the status of the transaction and discussed with the JBT Board potential next steps.

On November 27, 2023, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel management was present to further discuss the Initial Proposal. The Marel Subcommittee also met that day with Marel management and representatives of J.P. Morgan and BBA to further discuss the Initial Proposal. On November 28, 2023, Marel issued a press release announcing the Marel Board’s determination that the Initial Proposal was not in the best interest of Marel’s shareholders since it did not account for the intrinsic value of the business as well as the inherent risk of executing the proposed transaction.

On November 29, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting that JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, Goldman Sachs and LEX (JBT’s legal advisor in Iceland) attended. JBT management briefed the JBT Board on recent developments, including Marel’s rejection of the Initial Proposal. Following a presentation from representatives of Goldman Sachs of a preliminary financial analysis, LEX provided an overview of the likely considerations of Marel Shareholders from an Icelandic law perspective.

On December 5, 2023, Mr. Feldman, Chairman of the JBT Board, and Mr. Deck held a telephonic discussion with Mr. Sigurðsson to request that Marel engage in discussions with JBT on a potential transaction. Mr. Sigurðsson indicated that he would convey this request to and discuss it further with the Marel Board.

On December 6, 2023, following discussions with Mr. Arnar Þór Másson, Chairman of the Marel Board, Mr. Sigurðsson communicated to Mr. Deck by email that while Marel appreciated the outreach from Messrs. Feldman and Deck and would continue to comply with its fiduciary duties, Marel was not actively considering engaging in any material corporate transaction at that time.

 

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Also on December 6, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT management provided an overview of the potential synergies that could be achieved in connection with the proposed transaction with Marel. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an update regarding the status of the transaction and discussed with the JBT Board potential next steps, and LEX presented an overview on the role of boards and directors under Icelandic law. Following the departure of the representatives from Goldman Sachs from the meeting, the JBT Board discussed and approved the terms of the proposed engagement letter to be entered into with Goldman Sachs, which was executed on December 7, 2023.

On December 8, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT management presented on the global protein market, including the trends for the global protein food processing equipment market. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an overview of the status of the transaction and discussed potential next steps with the JBT Board. Following such discussion, JBT management informed the JBT Board that they would prepare a revised proposal for review at the next JBT Board meeting.

On December 10, 2023, Goldman Sachs delivered a disclosure letter to JBT regarding its relationships with JBT, Marel and Eyrir Invest.

On December 11, 2023, Marel announced the appointment of Mr. Sigurðsson as Chief Executive Officer.

Also on December 11, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT management presented on its valuation analysis and representatives of Goldman Sachs presented a preliminary financial analysis. There was a discussion on the terms of a revised proposal (the “Second Proposal”) to Marel for EUR 3.40 per Marel Share (ISK 511 per Marel Share based on an ISK/EUR exchange rate of 150.3 as of December 8, 2023), which represented a 46% premium to Marel’s unaffected share price as of November 23, 2023. Following discussion, the JBT Board instructed JBT management to submit the Second Proposal to Marel.

On December 13, 2023, JBT submitted the Second Proposal to Marel. In addition to the terms described above, the Second Proposal contemplated a secondary listing of JBT Shares on Nasdaq Iceland, proportional representation for Marel on the board of the combined company and a long-term commitment to a significant Icelandic presence to preserve Marel’s heritage. On the same day, the Marel Subcommittee and representatives of J.P. Morgan met to discuss the Second Proposal and related disclosure to be provided to the market. Later that day, each of JBT and Marel issued press releases confirming conveyance and receipt of the Second Proposal. In its press release, Marel indicated that it was evaluating the Second Proposal.

On December 14, 2023, the Marel Subcommittee met with representatives of J.P. Morgan to further discuss the Second Proposal. On December 15, 2023, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel management and representatives of J.P. Morgan were present to evaluate the Second Proposal.

On December 16, 2023, Mr. Sigurðsson confirmed to Mr. Deck that the Marel Board had approved further interaction with JBT in connection with a proposed transaction to gain more clarity on the terms of the Second Proposal and JBT’s undertakings expressed therein, although indicated that the proposed value of the Second Proposal was not sufficient.

On December 18, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present to discuss the steps required to announce an intention to launch an Icelandic voluntary takeover offer. In light of the January 5, 2024 deadline to publish an intention to make an offer, there was a discussion and agreement on seeking an extension from the Icelandic FSA, which request was made to the Icelandic FSA on December 21, 2023. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented a preliminary financial analysis and representatives of Kirkland provided an overview of the regulatory landscape and various other legal considerations in connection with a potential transaction.

 

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On December 18, 2023, Baker delivered a draft mutual non-disclosure agreement to Kirkland. Thereafter, Kirkland and Baker negotiated the terms of this agreement, which was executed on December 22, 2023. On January 5, 2024, Eyrir Invest executed a joinder to the non-disclosure agreement, pursuant to which it acknowledged and agreed to comply with the terms of such non-disclosure agreement as if it was a party thereunder.

Following execution by JBT and Marel of the non-disclosure agreement, JBT and Marel commenced sharing certain due diligence information (including holding discussions on potential synergies) and in January 2024, each opened up online data sites to facilitate the due diligence of each party. The due diligence review of each of JBT and Marel continued until the signing of the Transaction Agreement and included multiple due diligence calls held between the parties, together with their respective advisors.

On December 22, 2023, December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024, representatives of JBT and Marel held telephonic meetings to discuss JBT’s proposal, including, among other matters, JBT’s estimated financial projections for Marel.

During December 2023 and January 2024, (i) Messrs. Deck and Sigurðsson held various telephonic conversations to discuss certain governance and social matters, which ultimately resulted in certain statements in the January 19, 2024 intention statement described below and (ii) representatives of JBT and Marel and their respective advisors discussed, among other things, the estimated synergies that could reasonably be expected to result from the proposed transaction.

On January 3, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. Mr. Deck updated the JBT Board on the conversations with Mr. Sigurðsson. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a status update on the potential transaction and presented on potential next steps and key workstreams. The JBT Board discussed potential synergies between Marel and JBT.

On January 5, 2024, the Icelandic FSA formally granted an extension to the statutory deadline for JBT to announce its intention to launch a voluntary takeover offer from January 5, 2024 to January 19, 2024. Each of JBT and Marel issued respective press releases confirming the extension.

On January 11, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. At the meeting, (i) representatives of JBT management presented on the protein markets and strategic landscape, (ii) representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a transaction update, including JBT’s share price performance since January 2023 and analyst feedback, and a preliminary financial analysis and (iii) Kirkland presented on the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties and discussed the use of transaction agreements in Icelandic voluntary takeover offers and the potential terms of such agreements.

On January 12, 2024, representatives of Goldman Sachs, at the instruction of JBT management, verbally communicated to representatives of J.P. Morgan the possibility of JBT issuing a revised non-binding proposal of EUR 3.50 per Marel Share, with a consideration mix of 65% stock and 35% cash.

On January 15, 2024, in accordance with instructions of the Marel Board, representatives of J.P. Morgan held a telephonic discussion with representatives of Goldman Sachs, at which J.P. Morgan relayed Marel’s perspective that the Marel Board might support a proposal that would include (i) EUR 3.70 per Marel Share, (ii) an antitrust termination fee payable by JBT in the event of failure to obtain the required regulatory approvals, (iii) expense reimbursement by Marel in the event of a Marel change of recommendation and (iv) a number of directors of Marel to serve on the board of the combined company in proportion to the pro forma ownership of the combined company.

Also on January 15, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. At the meeting, Mr. Deck provided an update on a

 

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conversation with Mr. Sigurðsson in which Mr. Sigurðsson expressed Marel’s intention to reject the January 12 non-binding proposal unless it were improved. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented a situation update. After discussion, the JBT Board approved a revised offer of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share, based on an implied price per JBT Share of USD 96.25, which revised implied price reflected the JBT Board’s view of a more normalized trading price of JBT Shares based on JBT’s trailing stock price.

On January 17, 2024, Messrs. Deck and Sigurðsson held a telephone discussion at which Mr. Deck proposed a revised proposal with a headline price of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share, based on an implied price per JBT Share of USD 96.25, with a consideration mix of 65% stock and 35% cash (the “Third Proposal”). Messrs. Sigurðsson and Deck discussed the proposal at length, and Mr. Sigurðsson noted that he would elevate the conversation to the Marel Board.

Also on January 17, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. Mr. Deck provided an update on his discussions with Mr. Sigurðsson since the previous board meeting.

Additionally on January 17, 2024, the Marel Board also held a meeting attended by Marel management and representatives of J.P. Morgan. Following discussion, the Marel Board agreed to engage with JBT based on the terms of the Third Proposal.

On January 18, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. Following discussion, including questions addressed by JBT management and JBT’s advisors, the JBT Board approved the publication of an intention to launch the Offer on the terms of the Third Proposal.

Also on January 18, 2024, JBT formally submitted the Third Proposal to Marel. The Third Proposal provided that Marel Shareholders would have the flexibility to elect to receive, in exchange for each Marel Share, (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 and stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 JBT Offer Shares, subject to proration such that the aggregate consideration paid in the Offer was approximately 65% JBT Offer Shares and 35% in cash. The Third Proposal reconfirmed, among other things, JBT’s commitment to Marel’s Icelandic heritage and certain governance matters related to the combined company. In addition, the Third Proposal provided that the closing of the Offer would be subject to certain closing conditions, including the Minimum Acceptance Condition, JBT shareholder approval and regulatory approvals.

Also on January 18, 2024, representatives of Goldman Sachs, at the instruction of the JBT Board, met with representatives of J.P. Morgan to clarify the terms of the Third Proposal and each of JBT’s and Marel’s respective forthcoming announcements of the terms of the Third Proposal, as well as the next steps regarding a potential transaction.

On January 19, 2024, JBT announced its intention to launch the Offer on the terms set forth in the Third Proposal. Each of JBT and Marel issued a press release on January 19, 2024, confirming JBT’s announcement of its intention to launch the Offer, with Marel’s press release announcing the Marel Board’s decision to engage with JBT to further discussions and emphasizing the compelling logic of the combination and the attractiveness of the terms of the Third Proposal.

From January 19, 2024, until the signing of the Transaction Agreement, representatives of JBT and Marel and their respective advisors held multiple conversations to negotiate the terms of the Transaction Agreement and related documents and discuss the proposed transaction, including further discussion of potential synergies, the business strategy for the combined group, the optimal organizational structure and other matters. These conversations included in-person meetings in Iceland.

 

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On January 22, 2024, Kirkland shared an initial draft clean team agreement with Baker, and the parties negotiated the terms of this agreement until it was executed on February 2, 2024.

On February 15, 2024, Kirkland delivered an initial draft of the Transaction Agreement to Baker. From February 15, 2024 until the execution of the Transaction Agreement, Baker and Kirkland exchanged drafts of the Transaction Agreement and the form of draft exchange offer document and engaged in negotiations and discussion regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement and the Offer, including: (i) the ability of JBT to waive the Minimum Acceptance Condition and close the Offer with a lower percentage of the Marel Shares tendered in the Offer, (ii) the interim operating covenants applicable to each of JBT and Marel, (iii) the triggers for payment of expense reimbursement by each party (and the quantum of the cap on such expense reimbursement), (iv) the applicable Drop Dead Date and the final amount of the potential reverse termination fee that would be payable by JBT in the event of a failure to obtain regulatory approvals in certain circumstances, (v) the timing of signing of the Transaction Agreement relative to launch of the Offer and (vi) the scope of the mutual representations and warranties of the parties.

On February 28, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. At the meeting, JBT management provided the JBT Board with an update on the status of the transaction workstreams, including the timing of the launch of the Offer, governance matters, regulatory approvals and certain work required by Marel’s accountants to prepare financial information to be included in certain transaction documents, including the Form S-4.

On March 28, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland, Goldman Sachs and LEX were present. At the meeting, (i) JBT management provided the JBT Board with an update on the status of the transaction workstreams, including the timing of the signing of the Transaction Agreement and launch of the Offer, (ii) Goldman Sachs reviewed and discussed a preliminary financial analysis with respect to the Transaction and (iii) representatives of Kirkland presented on the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties and discussed certain key terms of the latest draft Transaction Agreement.

On April 1, 2024, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel management, Mr. Deck and representatives of each of Baker and BBA were present. The representatives of Baker, BBA and the Marel Board discussed the key terms of the Transaction Agreement, including further discussion on antitrust and corporate governance considerations. During the meeting, the representatives of Baker, BBA and the Marel Board also discussed the issuance of a reasoned statement on the Offer pursuant to Paragraph 5 of Article 104 of the Icelandic Takeover Act (the “Reasoned Statement”).

On April 2, 2024, the Marel Board held meetings at which Marel management and representatives of each of J.P. Morgan and Rabobank were present. At such meetings, J.P. Morgan and Rabobank reviewed with the Marel Board their respective preliminary financial analyses with respect to the proposed consideration payable in the Transaction.

Also on April 2, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. Representatives of Kirkland discussed the key terms of the latest draft Transaction Agreement and the proposed financing package, and Goldman Sachs presented a preliminary financial analysis with respect to the Transaction. Following further discussion with and questions from members of the JBT Board, to which representatives of each of Goldman Sachs and Kirkland responded, and on the basis of its considerations of, among other things, the matters set forth in the section titled “—JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction,” the JBT Board (i) determined that the Transaction, including the Offer and the issuance of the new JBT Offer Shares in connection therewith, was advisable and in the best interests of JBT and its stockholders and approved the entry into the Transaction Agreement (subject to any changes approved by the Transaction Agreement Committee) and (ii) established a committee comprised of Mr. Deck and Mr. Feldman to negotiate and approve the final terms of the Transaction Agreement, subject to the delivery of Goldman Sachs’ final opinion (the “Transaction Agreement Committee”).

 

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On April 4, 2024, the Transaction Agreement Committee held a meeting at which JBT management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. Representatives of Kirkland provided an update on the negotiations with respect to the Transaction Agreement since the prior JBT Board meeting and discussed the key terms of the final Transaction Agreement. Following a presentation by representatives of Goldman Sachs of a financial analysis with respect to the Transaction and at the request of the Transaction Agreement Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs rendered Goldman Sachs’ oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of April 4, 2024 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to JBT. For further discussion about Goldman Sachs’ opinion, see the section titled “—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor.” Following further discussion, the Transaction Agreement Committee approved the terms of and entry into the Transaction Agreement.

Also on April 4, 2024, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel management was present to discuss updates on the negotiations with respect to the Transaction Agreement since the prior Marel Board meeting and discussed the key terms of the final Transaction Agreement. The Marel Board also discussed updates to the offer documentation and the Reasoned Statement since the prior Marel Board meeting. Following further discussion, the Marel Board approved the terms of and entry into the Transaction Agreement. In connection with the execution of the Transaction Agreement, J.P. Morgan and Rabobank provided to the Marel Board their respective financial analyses of the proposed consideration and, at the request of the Marel Board, delivered separate written opinions each dated April 4, 2024 to the Marel Board to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, the consideration to be paid to Marel Shareholders in the proposed Transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (other than as set forth in such opinions). For further discussion regarding the various factors considered by the Marel Board in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction, see the section titled “—Marel Board’s Reasons for the Transaction.”

On April 5, 2024, each of JBT and Marel issued respective press releases announcing the execution of the Transaction Agreement.

JBT Board’s Reasons for the Transaction

After careful consideration, the JBT Board, in a special meeting held on April 2, 2024, (i) determined that the Transaction was advisable and in the best interests of JBT and the JBT Stockholders, (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance by JBT of the Transaction Agreement and the consummation of the Transaction and (iii) unanimously recommended that JBT Stockholders vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

As described under “—Background of the Transaction,” in evaluating the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, the JBT Board held a number of meetings and consulted with senior management and outside legal and financial advisors. In reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, the JBT Board considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following (which are not necessarily presented in order of their relative importance to JBT):

 

   

the Transaction would create a leading and diversified global food and beverage technology solutions provider by bringing together two renowned companies with long histories and complementary product portfolios, highly respected brands and impressive technology;

 

   

the combined company would have an expanded global footprint, which will enable global customers to more efficiently access industry leading technology worldwide;

 

   

the belief that the combined company will offer beneficial outcomes for customers through expanded product offerings and application knowledge, leveraged research and development capabilities and enhanced global customer care support, including a focus on improving equipment uptime and efficiency through its comprehensive and differentiated digital solutions, OmniBlu and Innova;

 

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the belief that the combined company will better cater to the trend towards automation solutions in the food and beverage industry and make a greater impact on customer sustainability objectives by offering solutions that provide more responsible use of the world’s precious food, beverage, water and energy resources;

 

   

the belief that operating efficiencies would create meaningful run-rate cost synergies of more than $125 million within three years following the completion of the Transaction across areas such as procurement, manufacturing and operating expenses;

 

   

the belief that the combined company would benefit from additional revenue synergies given attractive cross-selling, go-to-market effectiveness, scaled innovation and enhanced global customer care capabilities;

 

   

the structure and resulting leverage of this highly strategic merger does not over-leverage the combined company and, assuming a transaction close by year-end 2024, the combined company is expected to have a pro forma net leverage ratio of less than 3.5x at year-end 2024, which is prior to anticipated synergies, and be well below 3.0x net leverage by year-end 2025, providing significant financial flexibility to the combined company to pursue further strategic initiatives;

 

   

that the combined company will integrate the skill sets and capabilities of JBT and Marel’s management teams, and that (i) Brian Deck, current President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT and member of the JBT Board, will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and member of the board of directors of the combined company, (ii) the board of directors of the combined company will consist of ten members, including Mr. Deck, five directors to be designated by JBT and four directors to be designated by Marel and (iii) the headquarters of the combined company will be JBT’s current headquarters in Chicago;

 

   

the favorable results of the due diligence review of JBT’s legal advisors and financial advisors, as well as Marel’s historical and projected financial performance;

 

   

the recommendation of JBT’s senior management in favor of the Transaction;

 

   

the belief that the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, including the covenants, Closing Conditions and termination provisions, are favorable to completing the Offer and the Transaction;

 

   

the terms of the proposed financing for the Transaction;

 

   

the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not fluctuate in the event that the market price of Marel Shares increases relative to the market price of JBT Shares prior to the closing of the Offer, creating certainty as to the number of JBT Shares to be issued;

 

   

the oral opinion of Goldman Sachs, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of April 4, 2024 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to JBT, as more fully described in the section titled “—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor”; and

 

   

Eyrir Invest, Marel’s largest shareholder, has signed an irrevocable undertaking to support an offer for Marel by JBT in respect of its shares in Marel (representing approximately    % of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares as of    , 2024).

The JBT Board weighed these advantages and opportunities against a number of potentially negative factors, uncertainties and risks identified in its deliberations concerning the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, including:

 

   

that the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not fluctuate in the event that the market price of JBT Shares increases relative to the market price of Marel Shares prior to closing of the Offer;

 

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the dilution of the ownership interests of current JBT Stockholders that would result from settlement of the Offer;

 

   

the risk that Marel’s financial performance may not meet JBT’s expectations;

 

   

the risk that the Transaction may not be completed or may be delayed despite the parties’ efforts, including the possibility that conditions to the Offer may not be satisfied or waived, as applicable;

 

   

the potential length of the regulatory approval process and the possibility that Governmental Authorities may not approve the Transaction or may seek to require certain actions of JBT or Marel or impose certain terms, conditions or limitations on JBT’s or Marel’s businesses in connection with granting approval of the Transaction that would either materially impair the business operations of the combined group or adversely impact the ability of the combined company to realize the anticipated synergies or other benefits that are projected to occur in connection with the Transaction or may delay the Transaction;

 

   

the fact that under certain specific circumstances JBT could be required to pay Marel a reverse termination fee of (i) EUR 85 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Initial Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination or (ii) EUR 110 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Extended Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination;

 

   

the potential challenges and difficulties, foreseen and unforeseen, in integrating the operations of JBT and Marel, including potential difficulties in retaining key personnel;

 

   

the risk that the additional debt incurred in connection with the Transaction could have a negative impact on the combined company’s operational flexibility;

 

   

the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the Transaction may not be realized or may not be realized in the timeframe currently anticipated, recognizing the many potential management and other challenges associated with successfully combining the businesses of JBT and Marel, including the risk of not capturing all of the anticipated cost savings, synergies, revenue growth and operational efficiencies;

 

   

the potential effects of the Transaction on the overall business of JBT, including its relationships with customers and suppliers and regulators;

 

   

the potential litigation that may arise in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

the risk that Marel Shareholders may not tender their shares in the Offer or that JBT Stockholders may not approve the Share Issuance Proposal at the Special Meeting;

 

   

the possibility of diversion of management attention during the pendency of the Transaction and the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the Transaction (including those incurred regardless of whether the Transaction is consummated);

 

   

the terms of the Transaction Agreement, including those that restrict JBT’s business and provide Marel with the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement under certain circumstances, including if Marel receives a superior offer from a third party; and

 

   

the risks of the type and nature described under the section titled “Risk Factors” and the matters described in the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

The JBT Board considered all of these factors as a whole and on balance, concluded that the potential benefits of the Transaction outweighed the risks and uncertainties.

The foregoing discussion of information and factors that the JBT Board considered is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather is meant to include the principal factors that the JBT Board considered. The JBT Board collectively reached the conclusion to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction in light of the

 

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various factors described above and other factors that the members of the JBT Board believed were appropriate. In view of the complexity and wide variety of factors, both positive and negative, that the JBT Board considered in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction, the JBT Board did not find it useful, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative or specific weights or values to any of the factors it considered in reaching its decision and did not undertake to make any specific determination as to whether any particular factor, or any aspect of any particular factor, was favorable or unfavorable to the ultimate determination of the JBT Board. In considering the factors discussed above, individual directors may have given different weights to different factors.

In considering the recommendation of the JBT Board, you should be aware that certain directors and executive officers of JBT may have interests in the Transaction that are different from, or in addition to, interests of JBT Stockholders generally and may create potential conflicts of interest. The JBT Board was aware of these interests and considered them when evaluating, negotiating and approving the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, and in recommending to JBT Stockholders that they vote in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal. See “—Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction.”

The explanation for the reasoning of the JBT Board and certain information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Marel Board’s Reasons for the Transaction

After careful consideration, the Marel Board, at a special meeting held on April 4, 2024, authorized and approved the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, and declared the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction to be advisable and in the best interests of Marel and its shareholders.

As described under “—Background of the Transaction,” in evaluating the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, the Marel Board held a number of meetings and consulted with Marel’s senior management and its outside legal and financial advisors. In reaching its decision to approve the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, the Marel Board considered a number of factors that the Marel Board believed supported its decision, including the following, non-exhaustive list of material factors (which are not necessarily presented in the order of their relative importance to the Marel Board):

 

   

the Transaction is structured as a voluntary public takeover offer in which Marel Shareholders may receive, as consideration for their respective Marel Shares, JBT Offer Shares, cash or a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash, based on their respective elections pursuant to, and subject to applicable proration pursuant to, the Offer terms. The Transaction consideration provides Marel’s Shareholders with the opportunity to have a continuing ownership stake in the combined company. Upon the Transaction closing, after giving effect to applicable prorations, Marel Shareholders are expected to represent approximately 38% of the outstanding shares of the combined company. The continuing ownership interest of Marel Shareholders in the combined company is expected to provide a number of significant potential strategic opportunities and benefits that could create additional value, including the following:

 

   

assuming a transaction close by year-end 2024, JBT expects the combined company to have a pro forma net leverage ratio of less than 3.5x at year-end 2024, which is prior to anticipated synergies, and well below 3.0x by year-end 2025, providing significant financial flexibility to the combined company to pursue further strategic initiatives;

 

   

the combined company will have the benefit of the combined skill sets and capabilities of JBT and Marel’s management teams. Four members of the ten-member board of directors of the combined company will be independent directors selected from the current Marel Board, helping to oversee

 

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the ongoing investment of Marel Shareholders and preservation of Marel’s Icelandic heritage and brand as well as providing an opportunity for the combined company to benefit from the insights and experience of these incoming directors;

 

   

the operating efficiencies projected by JBT should create meaningful run-rate cost synergies estimated to total more than $125 million within three years following the completion of the Transaction across areas such as procurement, manufacturing and operating expenses; and

 

   

the combined company could benefit from additional revenue synergies given attractive cross-selling, go-to-market effectiveness, scaled innovation and enhanced global customer care capabilities;

 

   

the current and recent market prices of the Marel Shares, including the market performance of the Marel Shares relative to those of other participants in Marel’s industry and included in general market indices, and the fact that the Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per share (ISK 538 per share, based on an ISK / EUR exchange rate of 149.5) represents a compelling premium to the recent market prices of the Marel Shares, including an approximately 54% premium to the closing price of Marel Shares on the Nasdaq Iceland stock exchange as of November 23, 2023 of ISK 350, such date being the last trading day prior to Marel’s disclosure of JBT’s submission of its initial non-binding proposal and an approximately 16% premium to the closing price of Marel Shares on the Nasdaq Iceland stock exchange as of January 18, 2024, of ISK 464, being the last trading day prior to JBT’s announcement of its intention to launch a voluntary takeover offer for all issued and outstanding Marel Shares;

 

   

the belief of the Marel Board, after a thorough review of possible strategic alternatives reasonably available to Marel (including continuing to operate on a standalone basis), in each case taking into account the potential benefits, risks and uncertainties associated with those alternatives, that the Offer represents Marel’s best reasonably available prospect for maximizing shareholder value;

 

   

at the closing, the corporate name of JBT will be changed to “JBT Marel Corporation”;

 

   

following the closing, Marel’s current headquarters in Garðabær, Iceland will be designated as the combined company’s European headquarters and a global technology center of excellence;

 

   

JBT intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland. Marel Shareholders who elect to receive JBT Offer Shares or a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash as the Transaction consideration can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland);

 

   

a portion of the Transaction consideration will be paid in JBT Offer Shares, which will provide Marel Shareholders electing to receive such consideration with the opportunity to participate in any potential share price appreciation of JBT Shares, including the JBT Offer Shares, following the Transaction;

 

   

the Marel Board considered its knowledge of the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of both Marel and JBT, taking into account the results of Marel’s due diligence review of JBT, as well as its knowledge of the current and prospective environment in which Marel and JBT operate, including economic and market conditions;

 

   

the Marel Board determined the Transaction would create a leading and diversified global food and beverage technology solutions provider by bringing together two renowned companies with long histories and complementary product portfolios, highly respected brands and impressive technology, which will enable global customers to more efficiently access industry leading technology worldwide;

 

   

the Marel Board considered that the combined company will offer beneficial outcomes for customers through expanded product offerings and application knowledge, leveraged research and development capabilities and enhanced global customer care support;

 

   

the Marel Board determined that the combined company will better cater to the trend towards automation solutions in the food and beverage industry and make a greater impact on customer

 

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sustainability objectives by offering solutions that provide more responsible use of the world’s precious food, beverage, water and energy resources;

 

   

the Marel Board determined it is highly likely that the Transaction will be completed in a timely manner because the covenants, Closing Conditions and termination provisions are favorable to completing the Offer, because of the commitment of both parties to complete the Transaction pursuant to their respective obligations under the Transaction Agreement, the fact that JBT has obtained firm commitments from one or more reputable lenders for the financing of the Transaction and the EUR 85 to 110 million reverse termination fee payable to Marel if the Transaction Agreement is terminated by JBT in certain circumstances;

 

   

the Marel Board considered that the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not change in the event that the market price of JBT Shares increases relative to the market price of Marel Shares prior to the closing of the Offer;

 

   

the Marel Board considered current market and industry trends, Marel’s future prospects as an independent company and the challenges and risks that could affect Marel’s future performance;

 

   

the Marel Board considered the separate written opinions, each dated April 4, 2024, of J.P. Morgan and Rabobank to the Marel Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinions, to holders of Marel Shares (other than as set forth in such opinions) of the consideration to be paid to such holders in the proposed Transaction, which opinions were based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, as more fully described below under “—Opinions of Marel’s Financial Advisors”; and

 

   

the Marel Board considered that the Transaction Agreement provides Marel with sufficient operating flexibility between the signing of the Transaction Agreement and the closing of the Transaction for Marel to use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

The Marel Board also considered various risks, uncertainties and other potentially negative factors concerning the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction, including the following:

 

   

the Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not change in the event that the market price of Marel Shares increases relative to the market price of JBT Shares prior to closing of the Offer;

 

   

the risk that the agreed termination fee of EUR 85 to 110 million payable by JBT to Marel if the Transaction Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances may not be sufficient to fully compensate Marel for its losses in such circumstances;

 

   

the risk that a different strategic alternative potentially could be more beneficial to Marel Shareholders than the Transaction;

 

   

the risk that Marel and JBT may be obligated to complete the Transaction without having obtained appropriate consents, approvals or waivers from the counterparties under certain of Marel’s contracts that require consent or approval to consummate the Transaction, and the risk that such consummation could trigger the termination of, or default under, such contracts or the exercise of rights by the counterparties under such contracts;

 

   

the possibility that the Transaction or the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement may not be completed, or that completion may be delayed for reasons that are beyond the control of Marel or JBT, including the failure of Marel Shareholders to tender their shares in the Offer or the failure of JBT Stockholders to approve the Share Issuance Proposal, or the failure of Marel or JBT to satisfy other requirements that are conditions to closing of the Offer;

 

   

the risk that failure to complete the Transaction could negatively affect the price of Marel Shares and/or the future business and financial results of Marel;

 

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the potential length of the regulatory approval process and the possibility that Governmental Authorities may not approve the Transaction or may seek to require certain actions of JBT or Marel or impose certain terms, conditions or limitations on JBT’s or Marel’s businesses in connection with granting approval of the Transaction that would either materially impair the business operations of the combined company or adversely impact the ability of the combined company to realize the anticipated synergies or other benefits that are projected to occur in connection with the Transaction or may delay the Transaction;

 

   

the potential diversion of management focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the Transaction;

 

   

the risk of not realizing all of the anticipated operating synergies, efficiencies, cost savings or other anticipated benefits of the Transaction within the expected time frame or at all;

 

   

the potential litigation that may arise in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the Transaction, including the costs of integrating the businesses of Marel and JBT, the transaction expenses arising from the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement and the costs of the change in control and severance payments to be paid in connection with the Transaction;

 

   

the terms of the Transaction Agreement placing certain limitations on the ability of Marel to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer by or with a third party with respect to an Acquisition Proposal and to furnish non-public information or data to, or engage in discussions or negotiations with, a third party interested in pursuing an alternative transaction (unless such third party has made an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal and such third party enters into a confidentiality agreement with Marel having provisions that are no more favorable to such party than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between JBT and Marel);

 

   

that provisions in the Transaction Agreement placing certain restrictions on the operation of Marel’s business during the period between the signing of the Transaction Agreement and closing of the Transaction may delay or prevent Marel from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or other actions it would otherwise take with respect to its operations absent the pending completion of the Transaction;

 

   

that following the Transaction, the current JBT directors will comprise a majority of the board of directors of the combined company and the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the combined company will be members of the current JBT management team; and

 

   

the other relevant factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors.”

In addition to the factors described above, the Marel Board considered the fact that certain Marel directors and executive officers may have other interests in the Transaction that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of Marel Shareholders generally and may create potential conflicts of interest.

The Marel Board concluded that the potentially negative factors associated with the Transaction were outweighed by the potential benefits that it expected Marel Shareholders would achieve as a result of the Transaction. Accordingly, the Marel Board unanimously declared that the Transaction Agreement and the Transaction are advisable and in the best interests of Marel and its shareholders, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement.

The foregoing discussion of the factors considered by the Marel Board is not intended to be exhaustive, but does set forth material factors considered by the Marel Board. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction and the complexity of these matters, the Marel Board did not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative or specific weight or values

 

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to any of these factors, and individual directors may have held varied views of the relative importance of the factors considered. The Marel Board viewed its position and recommendation as being based on an overall review of the totality of the information available to it and overall considered these factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination regarding the Transaction.

This explanation of Marel’s reasons for approving and recommending the Transaction and other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and should be read in light of the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Certain JBT Unaudited Prospective Financial Information

The unaudited prospective financial information below includes projections prepared by JBT management. JBT does not, as a matter of course, make public forward-looking financial projections as to future revenues, earnings, or other results, other than providing estimated ranges of expected earnings and earnings growth as disclosed in regular press releases and investor materials. However, in connection with its consideration of the Transaction, JBT management prepared and approved for use certain projections of future financial projections for JBT (as used in this section, the “JBT financial projections”) and Marel (as used in this section, the “JBT financial projections for Marel”). The JBT financial projections, on a standalone basis and pro-forma giving effect to the proposed Transaction, and the JBT financial projections for Marel were provided by JBT management to, and considered by, the JBT Board in connection with its review and evaluation of the proposed Transaction and were also provided by JBT management to Goldman Sachs, and approved for its use by JBT, for purposes of its financial analysis and opinion, as described in “—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor.” A summary of certain significant elements of this information is set forth below and is included in this proxy statement/prospectus solely for the purpose of providing JBT stockholders access to certain nonpublic information made available to the JBT Board and Goldman Sachs and is not being included in this proxy statement/prospectus to influence a stockholder’s decision whether to vote for the Share Issuance Proposal or any other proposal.

In preparing the JBT financial projections, JBT management relied on a number of factors and undertook a number of actions, including (i) a detailed analysis by business and a review of third party research on market-based growth factors to forecast revenue, such as inflation driven pricing, population growth, and food and beverage specific industry trends related to changes in consumption, process automation, and increased demand for sustainability and (ii) in developing EBITDA margins, JBT management evaluated the current strategic sourcing program and future opportunities to continue to deliver product cost reduction benefits, along with historical business performance trends related to the impact of volume growth, product mix, continuous improvement efforts provided by the JBT operating system and investments required to achieve the expected growth rates. In preparing the JBT financial projections for Marel, JBT management relied on certain guidance and information provided by Marel during discussions with JBT management in December 2023 and January 2024. Additionally, given the complimentary nature of Marel’s participation in the food industry, JBT management leveraged (i) the market-based growth factors to inform and validate assumptions for revenue growth of Marel and (ii) JBT management’s industry and business experience in the industry. Although, in the view of JBT management, the prospective financial information was prepared on a reasonable basis, JBT does not endorse prospective financial information as a reliable indication of future results. Furthermore, although presented with numeric specificity, the JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel reflect numerous estimates and assumptions made by JBT management at the time such prospective financial information was prepared or approved for use and represents JBT management’s evaluation of expected future financial performance on a stand-alone basis, without reference to the Transaction. In addition, since the JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel cover multiple years, such information by its nature becomes subject to greater uncertainty with each successive year. These and the other estimates and assumptions underlying the prospective financial information involve judgments with respect to, among other things, economic, competitive, regulatory and financial market conditions and future business decisions that may not be realized and that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory

 

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uncertainties and contingencies, including, among other things, the inherent uncertainty of the business and economic conditions affecting the industries in which JBT and Marel operate. JBT stockholders are urged to review the SEC filings of JBT, Marel’s financial statements and the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this proxy statement/prospectus, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside the control of JBT and Marel and will be beyond the control of the combined company. The JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel should be read together with the historical statements of JBT and Marel respectively and the information regarding JBT and Marel contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel were not prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor were they prepared with a view toward compliance with the published guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information, GAAP or IFRS. The JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel included in this proxy statement/prospectus have been prepared by JBT management. PwC and KPMG have not audited, reviewed, examined, compiled nor applied agreed-upon procedures with respect to the accompanying JBT financial projections and JBT financial projections for Marel and, accordingly, PwC and KPMG do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The PwC report incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to the previously issued financial statements of JBT. The KPMG report included in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to Marel’s financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years then ended. They do not extend to the JBT financial projections or the JBT financial projections for Marel and should not be read to do so. The JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel include certain financial measures that are not consistent with GAAP (in the case of the JBT financial projections) or IFRS (in the case of the JBT financial projections for Marel). Financial measures that are not consistent with GAAP and IFRS should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP and IFRS, and financial measures that are not consistent with GAAP or IFRS as used by JBT or Marel may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts used by other companies. The footnotes to the tables below provide certain supplemental information with respect to the calculation of these financial measures that are not consistent with GAAP or IFRS. The JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel do not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date the applicable projections were prepared and do not give effect to the Transaction nor is it indicative for future results of the combined company.

The inclusion of the JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel in this proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that JBT or any of its affiliates, advisors (including Goldman Sachs), officers, directors or representatives considered or considers the JBT financial projections or the JBT financial projections for Marel to be necessarily predictive of actual future events, and neither the JBT financial projections nor the JBT financial projections for Marel should be relied upon as such.

In light of the foregoing factors and the uncertainties inherent in the JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel, JBT stockholders are cautioned that future results may be materially different than the JBT financial projections and the JBT financial projections for Marel.

Summary of the JBT financial projections

The following table presents a summary of the JBT financial projections on a standalone basis.

 

(US$ in millions)    2024E     2025E     2026E     2027E     2028E     Terminal
Year
 

Revenue

   $ 1,785     $ 1,899     $ 2,023     $ 2,155     $ 2,299     $ 2,414  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   $ 307     $ 344     $ 381     $ 422     $ 464     $ 487  

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

     17.2     18.1     18.8     19.6     20.2     20.2

Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow(2)

   $ 251     $ 211     $ 237     $ 266     $ 296     $ 313  

 

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(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is calculated as net income from continuing operations plus interest expense, plus income taxes, plus interest expense plus depreciation and amortization, plus pension expense (other than service cost) plus M&A related costs, but excluding one-time restructuring costs, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance.

(2)

Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow is Adjusted EBITDA less taxes (at an assumed rate of 22.5%), capital expenditures and any changes in net working capital. Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as a measure of liquidity.

The following table presents a summary of the JBT financial projections on a pro-forma basis giving effect to the proposed Transaction.

 

(US$ in millions)(1)    2024E     2025E     2026E     2027E     2028E     Terminal
Year
 

Pro Forma Total Revenue

   $ 3,693     $ 3,998     $ 4,332     $ 4,603     $ 4,870     $ 5,113  

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA (including Estimated Synergies)(2)

   $ 544     $ 647     $ 783     $ 909     $ 1,023     $ 1,088  

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Margin (including Estimated Synergies and cost to achive)

     14.7     16.2     18.1     19.7     21     21.3

Pro Forma Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow(3)

   $ 429     $ 406     $ 506     $ 601     $ 683     $ 733  

 

(1)

Pro Forma values were determined by adding, as applicable, the applicable line items for JBT and Marel and assumes an exchange rate of EUR to USD of 1.09 as of April 4, 2024 and a blended tax rate of approximately 22.3%.

(2)

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is calculated as net income from continuing operations plus interest expense, plus income taxes, plus interest expense plus depreciation and amortization, plus pension expense (other than service cost) plus M&A related costs, but excluding one-time restructuring costs, and includes the impact of the Estimated Synergies (as defined and described below in the sub-section captioned “—Certain Estimated Synergies Attributable to the Transaction”) and the costs to achieve the Estimated Synergies, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance.

(3)

Pro Forma Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow is Adjusted EBITDA (including the impact of the Estimated Synergies and the cost to achieve the Estimated Synergies) less taxes (at an assumed rate of approximately 22.3%), capital expenditures and any changes in net working capital. Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as a measure of liquidity.

Summary of the JBT financial projections for Marel

The following table presents a summary of the JBT financial projections for Marel.

 

(€ in millions)    2024E      2025E      2026E      2027E      2028E      Terminal
Year
 

Revenue

   1,756      1,932      2,125        €2,252      2,365      2,483  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   218      275      335        €363      391      410  

Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow(2)

   163      176      220      241      260      276  

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is net income plus interest expense, plus income taxes, plus interest expense plus depreciation and amortization, plus pension expense (other than service cost) plus M&A related costs, but excluding one-time restructuring costs. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP non-IFRS measure and should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance. JBT management adjusted Marel’s adjusted EBITDA for differences between IFRS and GAAP by subtracting from adjusted EBITDA Marel’s capitalized R&D, which must be expensed under GAAP, subtracting lease depreciation and interest expenses, which would be expensed under GAAP, and adding software development costs related to cloud-based software development costs, which would be capitalized under GAAP.

 

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(2)

Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow is Adjusted EBITDA less taxes (at an assumed rate of 22.0%), capital expenditures and any changes in net working capital. Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP non-IFRS financial measure and should not be considered as a measure of liquidity.

Certain Estimated Synergies Attributable to the Transaction

JBT management also estimated certain cost synergies that were expected to result from the Transaction and be realized by the combined company (as used in this section, the “Estimated Synergies”). The Estimated Synergies were provided by JBT management to, and considered by, the JBT Board in connection with its review and evaluation of the proposed Transaction and were also provided by JBT management to Goldman Sachs, and approved for its use by JBT, for purposes of its financial analysis and opinion, as described in “—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor.”

The Estimated Synergies assumed that the Transaction will result in recurring pre-tax gross cost synergies for the combined company starting at $37 million in 2025 and exceeding $125 million by the end of 2027, excluding any potential synergy reinvestment and associated benefits. JBT management prepared Estimated Synergies for outer years for use by Goldman Sachs for purposes of its financial analysis and opinion, as described in “—Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor,” which Estimated Synergies assumed that the Transaction will result in recurring pre-tax gross cost synergies for the combined company exceeding $150 million in the terminal year, excluding any potential synergy reinvestment and associated benefits. No such synergy benefits were factored into the JBT financial projections on a standalone basis or the JBT financial projections for Marel.

The Estimated Synergies are estimated to accrue as a direct result of the Transaction and would not be achieved on a standalone basis. Aside from integration costs, no material dis-benefits are expected to arise in connection with the Transaction. The Estimated Synergies assumed that the expected benefits of the Transaction would be realized, including that no restrictions, terms or other conditions would be imposed in connection with the receipt of any necessary governmental, regulatory or other approvals or consents in connection with the closing of the Transaction.

See the section above titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for further information regarding the uncertainties and assumptions underlying the Estimated Synergies, as well as the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” for further information regarding the uncertainties and factors associated with realizing the Estimated Synergies in connection with the Transaction.

JBT DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE THE ABOVE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AFTER THE DATE WHEN MADE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF FUTURE EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING SUCH UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION ARE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

Certain Marel Unaudited Prospective Financial Information

Marel Management Projections

Although Marel publicly issues limited short-term guidance concerning certain aspects of its expected financial performance, it does not, as a matter of course, publicly disclose financial projections given, among other reasons, the uncertainty, unpredictability and subjectivity of the underlying assumptions and estimates. As a result, Marel does not endorse unaudited projections as necessarily predictive of actual future results. However, in connection with the Transaction, prior to the execution of the Transaction Agreement, Marel’s management prepared and provided to the Marel Board in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction and to J.P. Morgan

 

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and Rabobank, Marel’s financial advisors, for their use and reliance in connection with their respective financial analyses and opinions described above under the section titled “—Opinions of Marel’s Financial Advisors,” certain non-public, internal financial projections regarding Marel’s future operations for fiscal years ending December 31, 2024 through December 31, 2026 and as extrapolated, at J.P. Morgan’s request for purposes of its financial analyses and opinion, through December 31, 2034 per the management of Marel, and as extrapolated by Rabobank, based on Rabobank’s assumptions and with guidance from Marel’s management, through December 31, 2029 (such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by Marel’s management as reasonable for Rabobank’s use in connection with its fairness opinion and financial analyses) (the “Marel Standalone Projections”). As described below, certain of these projections also were provided to JBT and to its financial advisor, Goldman Sachs, in connection with their evaluation of the Transaction. For more information, see “– Background of the Transaction.” In addition, Marel’s management prepared and provided to the Marel Board in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction and to J.P. Morgan and Rabobank, for their use and reliance in connection with their respective financial analyses and opinions, financial projections for JBT for fiscal years ending December 31, 2024 through December 31, 2028 incorporating certain adjustments thereto and as extrapolated, at J.P. Morgan’s request for purposes of its financial analyses and opinion, through December 31, 2034 per the management of Marel, and as extrapolated by Rabobank, based on Rabobank’s assumptions and with guidance from Marel’s management, through December 31, 2029 (such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by Marel’s management as reasonable for Rabobank’s use in connection with its fairness opinion and financial analyses) (the “JBT Standalone Projections” and, together with the Marel Standalone Projections, the “Marel Management Projections”).

The Marel Management Projections do not give effect to the Transaction or entry into the Transaction Agreement, including any potential synergies that may be achieved by the combined company as a result of the Transaction, any changes to Marel’s strategy or operations that may be implemented after the consummation of the Transaction or any costs incurred in connection with the Transaction. Furthermore, the Marel Management Projections do not take into account the effect of any failure of the Transaction to be completed and should not be viewed as relevant or continuing in that context.

Marel has included below a summary of the Marel Management Projections for the purpose of providing shareholders access to certain non-public information that was furnished to certain parties in connection with the Transaction. Such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, and is not included to influence your decision, as a JBT stockholder, to vote for the Share Issuance Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal, if necessary, or to influence any Marel Shareholder or any other person to make any investment decision with respect to the Transaction or otherwise.

The Marel Management Projections should be read together with the historical financial statements of Marel and JBT, respectively, and the other information regarding Marel and JBT contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer document, including the draft exchange offer prospectus. None of the Marel Management Projections were prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor were they prepared with a view toward compliance with the published guidelines of the SEC or the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for the preparation and presentation of prospective financial information. This information is not fact and should not be relied upon as necessarily predictive of actual future results, and readers of this proxy statement/prospectus are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Marel Management Projections. The Marel Management Projections included in this proxy statement/prospectus have been prepared by Marel’s management. KPMG and PwC have not audited, reviewed, examined, compiled nor applied agreed upon procedures with respect to the accompanying Marel Management Projections and, accordingly, KPMG and PwC do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The PwC report incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to the previously issued financial statements of JBT. The KPMG report included in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to Marel’s financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years then ended. They do not extend to Marel Management Projections and should not be read to do so.

 

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While presented with numerical specificity, the Marel Management Projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions (including, but not limited to, assumptions related to industry performance and general business, economic, market and financial conditions and additional matters specific to Marel’s and JBT’s businesses, as applicable) that are inherently subjective and uncertain and are beyond the control of Marel’s and JBT’s management. Important factors that may affect actual results and cause the Marel Management Projections to not be achieved include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to Marel’s and JBT’s businesses (including their ability to achieve strategic goals, objectives and targets over applicable periods), industry performance, general business, economic, competitive, regulatory and financial market conditions and other factors described in the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” and the risks described in the periodic reports filed by JBT with the SEC, which reports can be found as described under “Where You Can Find More Information.” The Marel Management Projections also reflect numerous variables, expectations and assumptions available at the time they were prepared as to certain business decisions that are subject to change. As a result, actual results may differ materially from those contained in the Marel Management Projections. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the projected results summarized below will be realized.

The inclusion of a summary of the Marel Management Projections in this proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that any of Marel, JBT or their respective officers, directors, affiliates, advisors or other representatives considered the Marel Management Projections to necessarily be predictive of actual future events, and the Marel Management Projections should not be relied upon as such nor should the information contained in the Marel Management Projections be considered appropriate for other purposes. None of Marel, JBT or their respective officers, directors, affiliates, advisors or other representatives can give you any assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the Marel Management Projections.

MAREL UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE OR RECONCILE THE MAREL MANAGEMENT PROJECTIONS TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AFTER THE DATE THE MAREL MANAGEMENT PROJECTIONS WERE GENERATED OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF FUTURE EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THE MAREL MANAGEMENT PROJECTIONS ARE SHOWN NOT TO BE APPROPRIATE, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAWS. SINCE THE MAREL MANAGEMENT PROJECTIONS COVER MULTIPLE YEARS, SUCH INFORMATION BY ITS NATURE BECOMES LESS PREDICTIVE WITH EACH SUCCESSIVE YEAR.

Marel has not made, and does not make, any representation to JBT, any shareholder or any other third party in the Transaction Agreement concerning the Marel Management Projections or regarding Marel’s or JBT’s ultimate performance compared to the information contained in the Marel Management Projections or that the projected results will be achieved.

 

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Marel Standalone Projections

As Provided by Marel Management to J.P. Morgan

The following table presents a summary of the Marel Standalone Projections, as provided by Marel’s management to J.P. Morgan, with all figures rounded to the nearest million. The table reflects projections under two alternative business scenarios, referred to as the upper case and lower case business scenarios.

 

     Year Ending December 31,  
     2024E      2025E      2026E  
     Upper
Case
     Lower
Case
     Upper
Case
     Lower
Case
     Upper
Case
     Lower
Case
 
     (in millions)  

Revenue

   1,730      1,730      1,925      1,925      2,118      2,118  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   247      247      318      318      385      381  

Adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16)(2)

   213      213      280      280      344      340  

Adjusted EBITDA – Capex(3)

   154      154      214      214        —         —   

Unlevered Free Cash Flow(4)

   138      138      177      177      225      222  

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as results from operations before depreciation, impairment and amortization further adjusted for certain non-recurring and / or non-cash items, including Purchase Price Allocation (“PPA”) related costs, acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs.

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) is defined as Adjusted EBITDA, less capitalized research and development costs less leases accounted for under IFRS 16.

(3)

Adjusted EBITDA – Capex is defined as Adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16), less capital expenditures. In connection with the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus, it was determined that the adjusted EBITDA-Capex estimates for calendar years 2024 and 2025 as summarized above and utilized by J.P. Morgan for purposes of its selected public companies analysis had overstated the effect of lease expenses when adjusting from IFRS to GAAP. As corrected, the estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex for calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 would be €169 million and €231 million, respectively, in both the upper case and lower case business scenarios and would have resulted in approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges for Marel of ISK 255 to ISK 322 and ISK 380 to ISK 449, respectively, and corresponding approximate implied exchange ratio reference ranges of 0.017x to 0.026x and 0.024x to 0.032x, respectively, based on such analysis as compared to the exchange ratio implied by the Consideration assuming all-stock consideration of 0.0407x.

(4)

Unlevered Free Cash Flow is defined as EBITDA, less taxes paid, less payments of leases, less net investments in property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) and intangible assets, less change in net working capital.

The Marel Standalone Projections as presented by the management of Marel to J.P. Morgan assumed, among other assumptions, (i) Adjusted EBITDA margin would reach approximately 18%+ by 2026 for each of the lower and upper cases, (ii) a tax rate of 20.5% and (iii) that capital expenditures would normalize toward 3.6% of revenue by 2026.

As Provided by Marel Management to Rabobank

The following table presents a summary of the Marel Standalone Projections, as provided by Marel’s management to Rabobank, with all figures rounded to the nearest million.

 

     Year Ending December 31,  
     2024E      2025E      2026E  
     (in millions)  

Revenue

   1,730      1,925      2,118  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   247      318      385  

Free Cash Flow(2)

   143      182      230  

 

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(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as results from operations before depreciation, impairment and amortization further adjusted for certain non-recurring and / or non-cash items, including PPA-related costs, acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs.

(2)

Free Cash Flow is defined as EBITDA, less taxes paid, less payments of leases, less net investments in PP&E and intangible assets, less change in net working capital.

The Marel Standalone Projections as presented by the management of Marel to Rabobank assumed, among other assumptions, (i) Adjusted EBITDA margin would reach approximately 18%+ by 2026, (ii) an average long-term tax rate of 21.0% and (iii) that capital expenditures would normalize towards 3.6% of revenue in 2026.

JBT Standalone Projections

As Provided by Marel Management to J.P. Morgan

The following table presents a summary of the JBT Standalone Projections, as provided by Marel’s management to J.P. Morgan, with all figures rounded to the nearest million and reflecting the currency exchange rates in effect as of April 3, 2024 of 1 EUR per 0.92 USD.

 

     Year Ending December 31,  
     2024E      2025E      2026E      2027E      2028E  
     (in millions)  

Revenue

   1,631      1,737      1,850      1,970      2,098  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   280      310      343      380      420  

Unlevered Free Cash Flow(2)

   175      214      236      261      288  

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for certain non-recurring and non-cash items, including costs incurred as a direct result of JBT’s restructuring program, pension expenses (other than service cost) and M&A expenses.

(2)

Unlevered Free Cash Flow is defined as EBITDA, less taxes paid, less net investments in PP&E and intangible assets, less change in net working capital.

The JBT Standalone Projections as presented by the management of Marel to J.P. Morgan assumed, among other assumptions, (i) sales growth at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2025-2028, (ii) Adjusted EBITDA margin improving to 20% through 2028, (iii) an average long-term tax rate of 22.5% and (iv) that capital expenditures would remain at approximately 2% of revenue through 2028.

As Provided by Marel Management to Rabobank

The following table presents a summary of the JBT Standalone Projections, as provided by Marel’s management to Rabobank, with all figures rounded to the nearest million.

 

     Year Ending December 31,  
     2024E      2025E      2026E      2027E      2028E  
     (in millions)  

Revenue

   $ 1,621      $ 1,727      $ 1,839      $ 1,959      $ 2,086  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   $ 278      $ 308      $ 342      $ 378      $ 417  

Free Cash Flow(2)

   $ 191      $ 215      $ 239      $ 265      $ 291  

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for certain non-recurring and non-cash items, including costs incurred as a direct result of JBT’s restructuring program, pension expense (other than service cost) and M&A expenses.

 

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(2)

Free Cash Flow is defined as EBITDA, less taxes paid, less net investments in PP&E and intangible assets, less change in net working capital.

The JBT Standalone Projections as presented by the management of Marel to Rabobank assumed, among other assumptions, (i) sales growth at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2025 through 2028, (ii) Adjusted EBITDA margin improving to 20% through 2028, (iii) an average long-term tax rate of 21.0% and (iv) that capital expenditures would remain at approximately 2.0% of revenue through 2028.

Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor

Goldman Sachs rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, to the JBT Board that, as of April 4, 2024 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to JBT.

The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs dated as of April 4, 2024, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Goldman Sachs in rendering its opinion, is attached as Annex B. The summary of Goldman Sachs’ opinion contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Goldman Sachs’ written opinion. Goldman Sachs’ advisory services and its opinion were provided for the information and assistance of the JBT Board in connection with its consideration of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of JBT Shares should vote with respect to the Transaction or any other matter.

In connection with rendering the opinion described above and performing its related financial analyses, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other things:

 

   

the Transaction Agreement;

 

   

annual reports to stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, of JBT and Marel and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of JBT for the five years ended December 31, 2023;

 

   

certain interim reports to stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, of JBT and Marel and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of JBT;

 

   

certain other communications from JBT and Marel to their respective stockholders or shareholders, as applicable;

 

   

certain publicly available research analyst reports for JBT and Marel; and

 

   

certain financial analyses and forecasts for Marel (referred to in this section as the “JBT financial projections for Marel” and which are summarized in the section titled “Certain JBT Unaudited Prospective Financial Information”) and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for JBT standalone and pro forma for the Transaction, in each case, as prepared by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT (referred to in this section as the “JBT financial projections” and which are summarized in the section titled “Certain JBT Unaudited Prospective Financial Information,” and together with the JBT financial projections for Marel theProjections”), including certain operating synergies projected by the management of JBT to result from the Transaction, as approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT (referred to in this section as the “Estimated Synergies” and which are summarized in the section titled “Certain JBT Unaudited Prospective Financial Information”).

Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior management of JBT and Marel regarding their assessment of the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of Marel

 

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and with the members of senior management of JBT regarding their assessment of the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of JBT and the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the Transaction; reviewed the reported price and trading activity for JBT Shares and Marel Shares; reviewed the financial terms of certain recent Transactions in the food processing equipment and solutions industries and in other industries; and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as it deemed appropriate.

For purposes of rendering its opinion, Goldman Sachs, with the consent of the JBT Board, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by, it, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed with the consent of the JBT Board that the Projections, including the Estimated Synergies, were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best then available estimates and judgments of the management of JBT. Goldman Sachs did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of JBT or Marel or any of their respective subsidiaries and it was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. Goldman Sachs assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on JBT or Marel or on the expected benefits of the Transaction in any way meaningful to its analysis. Goldman Sachs also assumed that the Transaction will be consummated on the terms set forth in the Transaction Agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to its analysis.

Goldman Sachs’ opinion does not address the underlying business decision of JBT to engage in the Transaction or the relative merits of the Transaction as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to JBT; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. Goldman Sachs’ opinion addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view to JBT, as of the date of its opinion, of the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. Goldman Sachs does not express any view on, and its opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the Transaction Agreement or the Transaction or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or entered into or amended in connection with the Transaction, including the Squeeze-Out or Merger or any similar transaction following the Offer, any allocation of the aggregate consideration, the fairness of the Transaction to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, the holders of any class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of JBT; nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of JBT or Marel, or any class of such persons in connection with the Transaction, whether relative to the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement or otherwise. Goldman Sachs does not express any opinion as to the prices at which JBT Shares or Marel Shares will trade at any time, as to the potential effects of volatility in the credit, financial and stock markets on JBT or Marel or the Transaction, or as to the impact of the Transaction on the solvency or viability of JBT or Marel or the ability of JBT or Marel to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Goldman Sachs’ opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Goldman Sachs as of, the date of its opinion and Goldman Sachs assumes no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming its opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date of its opinion. Goldman Sachs’ opinion was approved by a fairness committee of Goldman Sachs.

Summary of Financial Analyses

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses delivered by Goldman Sachs to the JBT Board in connection with rendering the opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Goldman Sachs, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Goldman Sachs. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read

 

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together with the full text of each summary and are alone not a complete description of Goldman Sachs’ financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before April 4, 2024, the last trading day before the JBT Board approved the Transaction and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

For purposes of its analysis, Goldman Sachs calculated €3.72 as the implied value of the consideration per Marel Share to be paid to Marel Shareholders pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, by adding €1.26, the cash consideration, to €2.46, the implied value of the stock consideration, which was calculated by multiplying €93.00, the price of JBT Shares as of April 4, 2024, by the fixed exchange ratio of 0.0265.

Illustrative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis for Marel on a Standalone Basis

Using the JBT financial projections for Marel, Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative discounted cash flow analysis of Marel to derive a range of illustrative equity values per Marel Share, both without taking into account the Estimated Synergies and taking into account the Estimated Synergies. Using the mid-year convention for discounting cash flows and discount rates ranging from 9.5% to 11.0%, reflecting estimates of Marel’s weighted average cost of capital, Goldman Sachs discounted to present value, as of December 31, 2023, (i) estimates of the unlevered free cash flows to be generated by Marel on a standalone basis, both without taking into account the Estimated Synergies and taking into account the Estimated Synergies, for the period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2028, as reflected in the JBT financial projections for Marel and (ii) a range of illustrative terminal values for Marel, which were calculated by applying a range of enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) over the next twelve month period (“NTM”) multiples (“EV/NTM EBITDA”) ranging from 11.5x to 13.5x, to an estimate of adjusted EBITDA to be generated by Marel in the terminal year, both without taking into account the Estimated Synergies and taking into account the Estimated Synergies, as reflected in the JBT financial projections for Marel (which analysis implied perpetuity growth rates ranging from 3.2% to 5.5% without taking into account the Estimated Synergies, and 2.9% to 5.2% taking into account the Estimated Synergies). The range of EV/NTM EBITDA multiples was estimated by Goldman Sachs utilizing its professional judgment and experience, taking into account historical trading multiples of JBT and Marel. Goldman Sachs derived such discount rates by application of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”), which requires certain company-specific inputs, including Marel’s target capital structure weightings, the cost of long-term debt, future applicable marginal tax rate and a beta for Marel, as well as certain financial metrics for the Eurozone financial markets generally.

Goldman Sachs derived a range of illustrative enterprise values for Marel by adding the ranges of present values it derived above. Goldman Sachs then subtracted from the range of illustrative enterprise values it derived for Marel the amount of Marel’s net debt as of December 31, 2023, as reflected in Marel’s consolidated annual financial statements and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, to derive a range of illustrative equity values for Marel, both without taking into account the Estimated Synergies and taking into account the Estimated Synergies. Goldman Sachs then divided the range of illustrative equity values it derived by the number of fully diluted outstanding Marel Shares as of April 3, 2024, as provided by Marel and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, using the treasury stock method, to derive a range of illustrative equity values per Marel Share of €3.79 to €4.76 without taking into account the Estimated Synergies, and a range of illustrative equity values per Marel Share of €5.23 to €6.53 taking into account the Estimated Synergies.

Selected Precedent Transactions Analysis

Goldman Sachs analyzed certain publicly available information relating to the selected acquisition transactions announced since January 1, 2018 listed below involving target companies in the food processing equipment and solutions industries. For each of the selected transactions, Goldman Sachs calculated the implied enterprise value of the target company, calculated using the consideration paid in the applicable transaction as a multiple of the target company’s EBITDA for the twelve-month period ended prior to announcement of each applicable transaction (“LTM EV/EBITDA”), as disclosed in public company filings and other publicly available

 

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information. The selected transactions and the implied LTM EV/EBITDA multiples calculated for the transactions are set forth below.

 

Announcement Date

  

Target

  

Acquiror

   LTM
EV/EBITDA
January 2018    Key Technology, Inc.    Duravant LLC    13.9x
May 2018    Taylor Company    The Middleby Corporation    15.4x
July 2021    Welbilt, Inc.    Ali Holding S.r.l.    21.0x
April 2022    Wenger Manufacturing, LLC    Marel    14.0x
Median          14.7x

While none of the selected transactions or companies that participated in the selected transactions is directly comparable to JBT, Marel or the Transaction, the transactions included as selected transactions were chosen because the target companies that participated in the selected transactions are companies with certain operations, financial characteristics and/or growth characteristics that, for the purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain operations, financial characteristics and/or growth characteristics of Marel.

Based on the results of the foregoing calculations and Goldman Sachs’ analyses of the various transactions and its professional judgment and experience, Goldman Sachs applied a range of LTM EV/EBITDA multiples of 13.9x to 21.0x to Marel’s EBITDA for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023, as provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, to derive a range of implied enterprise values for Marel. Goldman Sachs then subtracted from the range of illustrative enterprise values it derived for Marel the amount of Marel’s net debt as of December 31, 2023, as reflected in Marel’s consolidated annual financial statements and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, to derive a range of illustrative equity values for Marel. Goldman Sachs then divided the range of illustrative equity values it derived by the number of fully diluted outstanding Marel Shares as of April 3, 2024, as provided by Marel and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, using the treasury stock method, to derive a range of illustrative equity values per Marel Share of €2.23 to €3.87.

Premia Paid Analysis

Goldman Sachs reviewed and analyzed, using publicly available information, the acquisition premia paid in mixed cash and stock acquisition transactions announced during the period from January 1, 2014 through April 4, 2024 involving European publicly traded target companies with a transaction value between $500 million and $10 billion (excluding all transactions in the financial institutions and real estate sectors). For the entire period, using publicly available information, Goldman Sachs calculated the median, 25th percentile and 75th percentile average premia of the price paid in the observed transactions relative to the target’s last undisturbed closing share price prior to the announcement of the respective transaction. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

Average Premia Paid   Undisturbed
25th Percentile   14%
Median   25%
75th Percentile   43%

Based on Goldman Sachs’ review of the foregoing data and its professional judgment and experience, Goldman Sachs applied a reference range of illustrative premia of 14% to 43% to the undisturbed closing price of Marel Shares on November 23, 2023 of €2.33. This analysis resulted in a range of implied equity values per Marel Share, converted from ISK to Euro using the spot FX rate, of €2.65 to €3.33.

Illustrative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis of JBT on a Standalone Basis and Pro Forma

Using the JBT Projections, Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative discounted cash flow analysis of JBT to derive ranges of illustrative equity values per JBT Share both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving

 

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effect to the Transaction assuming that each Marel Share is exchanged for 0.0265 JBT Shares and €1.26 in cash pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. Using the mid-year convention for discounting cash flows and discount rates ranging from 9.5% to 10.5%, reflecting estimates of JBT’s weighted average cost of capital, Goldman Sachs discounted to present value, as of December 31, 2023, (i) estimates of the unlevered free cash flows to be generated by JBT both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (taking into account the Estimated Synergies) for the period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2028, in each case as reflected in the JBT Projections and (ii) a range of illustrative terminal values for JBT both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (taking into account the Estimated Synergies), which, in each case, were calculated by applying a range of EV/NTM EBITDA multiples ranging from 11.5x to 13.5x to an estimate of adjusted EBITDA to be generated by JBT in the terminal year, in each case, as reflected in the JBT Projections (which analysis implied perpetuity growth rates for (a) JBT on a standalone basis ranging from 3.4% to 5.2% and (b) JBT pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (taking into account the Estimated Synergies) ranging from 3.2% to 5.0%). The range of EV/NTM EBITDA multiples was estimated by Goldman Sachs utilizing its professional judgment and experience, taking into account historical trading multiples of JBT and Marel. Goldman Sachs derived such discount rates by application of the CAPM, which requires certain company-specific inputs, including JBT’s target capital structure weightings, the cost of long-term debt, future applicable marginal tax rate and a beta for JBT, as well as certain financial metrics for the United States financial markets generally.

Goldman Sachs derived ranges of illustrative enterprise values for JBT both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (taking into account the Estimated Synergies) by adding the ranges of present values it derived above. Goldman Sachs then subtracted from the ranges of illustrative enterprise values it derived (i) for JBT on a standalone basis, the amount of JBT’s net debt and (ii) for JBT pro forma giving effect to the Transaction, the amount of JBT’s pro forma net debt, in each case as of December 31, 2023, in each case, as provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, to derive ranges of illustrative equity values for JBT both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction. Goldman Sachs then divided the ranges of illustrative equity values it derived (a) for JBT on a standalone basis by the implied number of fully diluted JBT Shares estimated to be outstanding as of April 3, 2024 and (b) for JBT pro forma giving effect to the Transaction estimated to be outstanding as of December 31, 2023 plus the estimated number of JBT Shares to be issued giving effect to the Transaction, in each case as provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, using the treasury stock method, to derive ranges of illustrative equity values per JBT Share on a standalone basis of $130 to $155 and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the Transaction of $142 to $176, in each case, rounded to the nearest dollar.

Illustrative Present Value of Future Share Price Analysis of JBT on a Standalone Basis and Pro Forma

Using the JBT Projections, Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative analysis of the implied present value of an illustrative future value per JBT Share, both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction assuming that each Marel Share is exchanged for 0.0265 JBT Shares and €1.26 in cash pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. For this analysis, Goldman Sachs first calculated the implied enterprise value of JBT both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (taking into account the Estimated Synergies) as of December 31 for each of the calendar years 2024 through 2026, by applying a range of illustrative EV/NTM EBITDA multiples of 11.5x to 13.5x to estimates of JBT’s NTM EBITDA as of December 31 for each of the calendar years 2024 through 2026 (i) on a standalone basis as reflected in the JBT Projections and (ii) pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (taking into account the Estimated Synergies) as provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT. The illustrative range of EV/NTM EBITDA multiple estimates was derived by Goldman Sachs utilizing its professional judgment and experience, taking into account current and historical EV/NTM EBITDA multiples for JBT and Marel.

Goldman Sachs then subtracted the amount of JBT’s projected net debt (i) for JBT on a standalone basis and (ii) for JBT pro forma giving effect to the Transaction, in each case for each of the calendar years 2024 through 2026, in each case as provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, from

 

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the respective implied enterprise values in order to derive ranges of illustrative equity values for JBT on a standalone basis and for JBT pro forma giving effect to the Transaction as of December 31 for each of the calendar years 2024 through 2026. Goldman Sachs then divided these implied equity values by the projected year-end number of fully diluted outstanding JBT Shares on both a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction for each of the calendar years 2024 through 2026, in each case, calculated using information provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, using the treasury stock method, to derive ranges of implied future values per JBT Share both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (excluding dividends). Goldman Sachs then added the cumulative dividends per JBT Share expected to be paid to holders of JBT Shares through the end of each of calendar years 2024 through 2026, using information provided by the management of JBT and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by JBT, to derive ranges of implied future values per JBT Share both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction (including dividends). By applying an illustrative discount rate of 11.5%, reflecting an estimate of JBT’s cost of equity, and, for the dividends only, using a mid-year convention, Goldman Sachs discounted to present value as of December 31, 2023 both the theoretical future values per JBT Share it derived for JBT and the estimated dividends to be paid per JBT Share through the end of each of calendar years 2024 through 2026, both on a standalone basis and pro forma giving effect to the Transaction. Goldman Sachs derived such discount rate by application of the CAPM, which requires certain company-specific inputs, including a beta for JBT, as well as certain financial metrics for the United States financial markets generally. This analysis resulted in a range of implied equity values per JBT Share on a standalone basis of $113 to $139 and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the Transaction of $125 to $164, in each case, rounded to the nearest dollar.

General

The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Goldman Sachs’ opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, Goldman Sachs made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to JBT, Marel or the Transaction.

Goldman Sachs prepared these analyses for purposes of providing its opinion to the JBT Board as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Because these analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of JBT, the Offeror, Marel, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes responsibility if future results are materially different from those forecast.

The aggregate consideration was determined through arm’s-length negotiations between JBT and Marel and was approved by the JBT Board. Goldman Sachs provided advice to JBT during these negotiations. Goldman Sachs did not, however, recommend any specific amount of consideration to JBT or the JBT Board or that any specific amount of consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the Transaction.

As described above, Goldman Sachs’ opinion to the JBT Board was one of many factors taken into consideration by the JBT Board in making its determination to approve the Transaction Agreement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs in connection with the fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached as Annex B.

 

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Goldman Sachs and its affiliates are engaged in advisory, underwriting, lending and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities they manage or in which they invest or have other economic interests or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of JBT, Marel, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including Eyrir Invest or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the Transaction. Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisor to JBT in connection with, and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the Transaction. At JBT’s request, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs has entered into financing commitments and agreements to provide JBT with a bridge loan and bank guarantee in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, in each case subject to the terms of such commitments and agreements. The actual amount of aggregate fees to be received by Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with such debt financing is contingent upon the consummation of the debt financing and will depend upon, among other things, the aggregate amount and form of debt financing incurred by JBT, timing of closing the debt financing and market conditions. JBT estimates that Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will in the aggregate receive approximately $7.5 million to $9.0 million in fees in connection with the debt financing. This estimate is based on various assumptions, including that JBT will incur the full amount of the permanent debt financing contemplated at the time of the commitment and not another form of permanent financing. During the two-year period ended April 4 2024, Goldman Sachs Investment Banking has not been engaged by JBT, Marel, Eyrir Invest or any of their respective affiliates to provide financial advisory or underwriting services for which Goldman Sachs has recognized compensation. Goldman Sachs may also in the future provide financial advisory and/or underwriting services to JBT, Marel, Eyrir Invest and their respective affiliates for which Goldman Sachs Investment Banking may receive compensation. Affiliates of Goldman Sachs also may have co-invested with Eyrir Invest and its affiliates from time to time and have invested in limited partnership units of affiliates of Eyrir Invest from time to time and may do so in the future.

JBT selected Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because it is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar to the Transaction. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated December 7, 2023, JBT engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with the Transaction. The engagement letter between JBT and Goldman Sachs provides for a transaction fee of $40 million, $37.5 million of which is payable upon consummation of the Transaction. In addition, JBT has agreed to reimburse Goldman Sachs for certain of its expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs and related persons against various liabilities, including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Opinions of Marel’s Financial Advisors

Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities plc

Pursuant to an engagement letter, Marel retained J.P. Morgan as a financial advisor to Marel in connection with the proposed Transaction. As part of such engagement, J.P. Morgan delivered a written opinion dated April 4, 2024 to the Marel Board to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in preparing the opinion, the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares in the proposed Transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (other than shareholders executing irrevocable undertakings in connection with the Transaction and, as applicable, JBT, the Offeror, and their respective affiliates). For purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis and opinion, the term “Transaction” refers to the Offer and Squeeze-Out or Merger, taken together as a single integrated transaction, and J.P. Morgan assumed that the same consideration would be paid in the Squeeze-Out or Merger, as the case may be, for Marel Shares not tendered into the Offer as payable in the Offer. The issuance of J.P. Morgan’s opinion was approved by a fairness opinion committee of J.P. Morgan.

 

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The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan dated April 4, 2024, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in preparing the opinion, is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. Marel Shareholders are encouraged to read the opinion in its entirety. J.P. Morgan’s written opinion was addressed to the Marel Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the proposed Transaction and was directed only to the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares in the proposed Transaction (to the extent expressly specified therein), without regard to individual circumstances of holders of Marel Shares (whether by virtue of control, voting, liquidity, contractual arrangements or otherwise) that may distinguish such holders or the securities of Marel held by such holders, and J.P. Morgan’s opinion did not in any way address proportionate allocation or relative fairness. J.P. Morgan’s opinion did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the Transaction. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the Transaction, or any consideration paid in connection therewith, to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Marel or as to the underlying decision by Marel to engage in the proposed Transaction. J.P. Morgan’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to whether such shareholder should tender its shares into the Offer or how any shareholder should vote or act with respect to the proposed Transaction or any other matter.

J.P. Morgan’s opinion related to the relative values of Marel and JBT. In connection with preparing its opinion, J.P. Morgan, among other things:

 

   

reviewed an execution version, provided to J.P. Morgan on April 4, 2024, of the Transaction Agreement;

 

   

reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning Marel and JBT and the industries in which they operate;

 

   

compared, for informational purposes, the proposed financial terms of the Transaction with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;

 

   

compared the financial and operating performance of Marel and JBT with publicly available information concerning certain other companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of Marel Shares and JBT common stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;

 

   

reviewed certain financial analyses and forecasts provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the managements of Marel and JBT relating to the respective businesses of Marel and JBT, including certain financial analyses and forecasts relating to Marel under two alternative business scenarios provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of Marel and certain financial forecasts relating to JBT provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of JBT as reviewed and approved by Marel, in each case as extrapolated per the management of Marel, as well as the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings expected by the management of Marel to result from the Transaction (collectively, the “Synergies”); and

 

   

performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as J.P. Morgan deemed appropriate for the purposes of its opinion.

In addition, J.P. Morgan attended discussions with certain members of the managements of Marel and JBT with respect to certain aspects of the Transaction, and the past and current business operations of Marel and JBT, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of Marel and JBT, the effects of the Transaction on the financial condition and future prospects of Marel and JBT, and certain other matters J.P. Morgan believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry.

 

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In giving its opinion, J.P. Morgan relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the managements of Marel and JBT or otherwise reviewed by or for J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan did not independently verify any such information or its accuracy or completeness and, pursuant to J.P. Morgan’s engagement letter with Marel, J.P. Morgan did not assume any obligation to undertake any such independent verification. J.P. Morgan did not conduct and was not provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor did J.P. Morgan evaluate the solvency, of Marel, JBT, the Offeror or any other entity under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. J.P. Morgan also did not consider any actual or potential arbitration, litigation, claims or possible unasserted claims, audits, investigations or other proceedings involving or affecting Marel, JBT, the Offeror or any other entity. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to J.P. Morgan or derived therefrom, including the Synergies, that J.P. Morgan was directed to utilize for purposes of its analysis and opinion, J.P. Morgan assumed that they were reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by the managements of Marel and JBT, as the case may be, as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of Marel and JBT to which such analyses or forecasts relate. J.P. Morgan expressed no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based and Marel confirmed that J.P. Morgan may rely upon such analyses and forecasts (including the Synergies) in the delivery of its opinion. J.P. Morgan’s opinion noted that the financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information relating to Marel or otherwise used in J.P. Morgan’s analysis were prepared in accordance with IFRS and that the financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information relating to JBT or otherwise used in J.P. Morgan’s analysis were prepared in accordance with GAAP. J.P. Morgan assumed that any reconciliations or other differences with respect to such financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information between IFRS and GAAP would not be material to its analysis. With respect to financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information utilized in J.P. Morgan’s analysis that were prepared in foreign currencies and converted based on certain exchange rates, J.P. Morgan also assumed that such exchange rates were reasonable to utilize for purposes of its analysis and J.P. Morgan expressed no view as to currency or exchange rate fluctuations or the impact thereof on its analysis or opinion.

J.P. Morgan assumed that the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement will be consummated as described in the Transaction Agreement, and that the definitive Transaction Agreement would not differ in any material respects from the execution version thereof furnished to J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan also assumed that the representations and warranties made by Marel, JBT and the Offeror in the Transaction Agreement were and will be true and correct in all respects material to its analysis, and that any proration of the consideration as contemplated by the Transaction Agreement would not be material to J.P. Morgan’s analysis. J.P. Morgan is not a legal, regulatory or tax expert and relied on the assessments made by advisors to Marel with respect to such issues. J.P. Morgan further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction would be obtained without any adverse effect on Marel, JBT, the Offeror or on the contemplated benefits of the Transaction. In giving its opinion, J.P. Morgan relied on Marel’s commercial assessments of the Transaction. The decision as to whether or not Marel enters into a Transaction (and the terms on which it does so) is one that can only be taken by Marel.

J.P. Morgan’s opinion was necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the date of such opinion. J.P. Morgan’s opinion noted that subsequent developments may affect J.P. Morgan’s opinion and that J.P. Morgan does not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm such opinion. As the Marel Board was aware, the industries in which Marel and JBT operate and the securities of Marel and JBT have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and disruptions, and J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to any potential effects of such volatility or disruptions on Marel, JBT or the Transaction.

J.P. Morgan’s opinion was limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Shares in the proposed Transaction (to the extent expressly specified therein),

 

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without regard to individual circumstances of holders of Marel Shares (whether by virtue of control, voting, liquidity, contractual arrangements or otherwise) that may distinguish such holders or the securities of Marel held by such holders, and J.P. Morgan’s opinion did not in any way address proportionate allocation or relative fairness. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to any other terms, aspects or implications of the Transaction, including, without limitation, the form or structure of the consideration or the Transaction, any proration of the consideration, governance arrangements or irrevocable undertakings or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding to be entered into in connection with or contemplated by the Transaction or otherwise. J.P. Morgan also expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the Transaction, or any consideration paid in connection therewith, to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Marel or as to the underlying decision by Marel to engage in the Transaction. Furthermore, J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the Transaction, or any class of such persons, relative to the consideration to be paid to holders of Marel Shares in the Transaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the prices at which Marel Shares or JBT Shares will trade at any future time. J.P. Morgan noted that, as a result, other factors after the date of its opinion may affect the value of the businesses of Marel and JBT after consummation of the Transaction, including but not limited to (i) the total or partial disposition of the share capital of JBT by stockholders of JBT within a short period of time after the effective date of the Transaction, (ii) changes in prevailing interest rates and other factors which generally influence the price of securities, (iii) adverse changes in the current capital markets, (iv) the occurrence of adverse changes in the financial condition, business, assets, results of operations or prospects of Marel or JBT, (v) any necessary actions by or restrictions of governmental agencies or regulatory authorities, and (vi) timely execution of all necessary agreements to complete the Transaction on terms and conditions that are acceptable to all parties at interest. No opinion was expressed as to whether any alternative transaction might be more beneficial to Marel.

J.P. Morgan noted that it was not authorized to and did not solicit third-party indications of interest with respect to the acquisition of all or any part of Marel or any other alternative transaction.

The terms of the Transaction Agreement, including the consideration, were determined through arm’s-length negotiations between Marel and JBT, and the decision to enter into the Transaction Agreement was solely that of the Marel Board and the JBT Board. J.P. Morgan’s opinion and financial analyses were only one of the many factors considered by the Marel Board in its evaluation of the proposed Transaction and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Marel Board or the management of Marel with respect to the proposed Transaction or the consideration.

Financial Analyses

In accordance with customary investment banking practices, J.P. Morgan employed generally accepted valuation methodologies in delivering its written opinion dated April 4, 2024 and contained in the presentation for the Marel Board delivered on such date in connection with the delivery of such opinion. The following summary of the material financial analyses utilized by J.P. Morgan does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data provided by J.P. Morgan. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables are not intended to stand alone, and in order to more fully understand the financial analyses used by J.P. Morgan, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary. Considering the data set forth below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of J.P. Morgan’s analyses. For purposes of the financial analyses described below, (i) the term “adjusted EBITDA” generally refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted for certain non-recurring and non-cash items, (ii) the term “adjusted EBITDA-Capex” generally refers to adjusted EBITDA, less capital expenditures and (iii) with respect to Marel, stock-based compensation was treated as a cash expense.

In calculating approximate implied exchange ratio reference ranges as reflected in the financial analyses described below, J.P. Morgan divided the low-ends (or high-ends, as the case may be) of the approximate implied

 

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equity value per share reference ranges derived for Marel from such analyses by the high-ends (or low-ends, as the case may be) of the approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges derived for JBT from such analyses in order to calculate the low-ends (or high-ends) of the approximate implied exchange ratio reference ranges.

Selected Public Trading Multiples Analyses.

J.P. Morgan performed separate selected public trading multiples analyses of Marel and JBT in which J.P. Morgan reviewed selected financial data relating to Marel, JBT and the selected publicly traded companies listed below.

Marel. In its selected public trading multiples analysis of Marel, using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan compared selected financial data of Marel with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses that J.P. Morgan deemed sufficiently analogous to those engaged in by Marel (such selected publicly traded companies, the “Marel selected companies”). The companies selected by J.P. Morgan were as follows:

 

   

ATS Corporation

 

   

GEA Group AG

 

   

John Bean Technologies Corporation

 

   

The Middleby Corporation

None of the Marel selected companies reviewed is identical to Marel and certain of these companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of Marel. However, these companies were selected because they are publicly traded companies that J.P. Morgan considered relevant for purposes of analysis. The analysis necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies differently than they would affect Marel.

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan reviewed, among other information, firm values (calculated as implied equity values based on closing stock prices on April 3, 2024 (or, in the case of JBT, November 23, 2023, the last trading day prior to public announcement of JBT’s initial non-binding proposal to acquire Marel) plus total debt, unfunded pension obligations, preferred equity and non-controlling interests (as applicable) and less cash, cash equivalents and investments in unconsolidated affiliates (as applicable)) as multiples of calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA and calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 adjusted EBITDA-Capex. Financial data of the Marel selected companies were based on publicly available research analysts’ estimates, public filings and other publicly available information (except, in the case of JBT, which was based on financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of JBT as extrapolated per the management of Marel). Financial data of Marel was based on financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of Marel.

The overall low to high calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiples observed for the Marel selected companies were 9.7x to 12.0x (with a mean of 11.2x and a median of 11.5x) and 9.3x to 10.9x (with a mean of 10.4x and a median of 10.7x), respectively. The overall low to high calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex multiples observed for the Marel selected companies were 12.3x to 14.2x (with a mean of 13.4x and a median of 13.6x) and 11.5x to 13.2x (with a mean of 12.1x and a median of 11.9x), respectively.

J.P. Morgan applied selected ranges of calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiples derived from the Marel selected companies of 10.0x to 12.0x and 9.0x to 11.0x, respectively,

 

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and selected ranges of calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex multiples derived from the Marel selected companies of 12.0x to 14.0x and 11.5x to 13.0x, respectively, to corresponding data of Marel, in each case based on financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of Marel. This analysis indicated approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges for Marel of ISK 275 to ISK 360 and ISK 353 to ISK 464 based on calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiples, respectively, and ISK 219 to ISK 280 and ISK 341 to ISK 405 based on calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex multiples, respectively.

JBT. In its selected public trading multiples analysis of JBT, using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan compared selected financial data of JBT with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses that J.P. Morgan deemed sufficiently analogous to those engaged in by JBT (such selected publicly traded companies, the “JBT selected companies”). The companies selected by J.P. Morgan were as follows:

 

   

ATS Corporation

 

   

GEA Group AG

 

   

Marel hf.

 

   

The Middleby Corporation

None of the JBT selected companies reviewed is identical to JBT and certain of these companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of JBT. However, these companies were selected because they are publicly traded companies that J.P. Morgan considered relevant for purposes of analysis. The analysis necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies differently than they would affect JBT.

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan reviewed the same information referred to above under “—Selected Public Trading Multiples AnalysesMarel.” Financial data of the JBT selected companies were based on publicly available research analysts’ estimates, public filings and other publicly available information (except, in the case of Marel, which was based on financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of Marel). Financial data of JBT was based on financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan and as extrapolated per the management of Marel.

The overall low to high calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiples observed for the JBT selected companies were 9.7x to 11.8x (with a mean of 11.1x and a median of 11.5x) and 9.3x to 10.9x (with a mean of 9.9x and a median of 10.0x), respectively. The overall low to high calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex multiples observed for the JBT selected companies were 12.3x to 14.8x (with a mean and a median of 13.7x) and 10.8x to 13.2x (with a mean of 11.8x and a median of 11.5x), respectively.

J.P. Morgan applied selected ranges of calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiples derived from the JBT selected companies of 10.0x to 12.0x and 9.0x to 11.0x, respectively, and selected ranges of calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex multiples derived from the JBT selected companies of 12.0x to 14.0x and 11.5x to 13.0x, respectively, to corresponding data of JBT, in each case based on financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of JBT as extrapolated by the management of Marel. This analysis indicated approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges for JBT of USD 88 to USD 107 and USD 88 to USD 109 based on calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiples, respectively, and USD 91 to USD 107 and USD 101 to USD 114 based on calendar year 2024 and calendar year 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA-Capex multiples, respectively.

 

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Utilizing the approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges derived for Marel and JBT as described above, J.P. Morgan calculated the following approximate implied exchange ratio reference ranges, as compared to the exchange ratio implied by the consideration assuming all-stock consideration:

 

Implied Exchange Ratio Reference Ranges Based On:

   All-Stock
Exchange Ratio

FV/2024E Adjusted

EBITDA

  

FV/2025E Adjusted
EBITDA

  

FV/2024E Adjusted
EBITDA-Capex

   FV/2025E Adjusted
EBITDA-Capex
    

0.019x – 0.029x

   0.023x – 0.038x    0.015x – 0.022x    0.021x – 0.029x    0.0407x

Discounted Cash Flow Analyses

J.P. Morgan conducted separate discounted cash flow analyses of Marel and JBT.

Marel. J.P. Morgan conducted a discounted cash flow analysis of Marel by calculating the estimated present value of the unlevered free cash flows expected to be generated by Marel during the fiscal years ending December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2034 based on financial forecasts and other information and data relating to Marel under two alternative business scenarios, referred to as the upper and lower business scenarios, provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of Marel. J.P. Morgan calculated a range of terminal values for Marel at the end of this period by applying a perpetuity growth rate ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% to the unlevered free cash flows of Marel during the terminal period of the forecasts. The unlevered free cash flows and the range of terminal values were discounted to present values as of December 31, 2024 using a discount rate ranging from 9.25% to 9.75%. This analysis indicated approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges for Marel of ISK 663 to ISK 752 (under the upper business scenario) and ISK 577 to ISK 655 (under the lower business scenario).

JBT. J.P. Morgan conducted a discounted cash flow analysis of JBT by calculating the estimated present value of the unlevered free cash flows expected to be generated by JBT during the fiscal years ending December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2034 based on financial forecasts and other information and data relating to JBT provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan and as extrapolated per the management of Marel. J.P. Morgan calculated a range of terminal values for JBT at the end of this period by applying a perpetuity growth rate ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% to the unlevered free cash flows of JBT during the terminal period of the projections. The unlevered free cash flows and the range of terminal values were discounted to present values as of December 31, 2024 using a discount rate ranging from 8.25% to 8.75%. This analysis indicated an approximate implied equity value per share reference range for JBT of USD 145 to USD 164.

Utilizing the approximate implied equity value per share reference ranges derived for Marel and JBT as described above, J.P. Morgan calculated the following approximate implied exchange ratio reference ranges, as compared to the exchange ratio implied by the consideration assuming all-stock consideration:

 

Implied Exchange Ratio Reference Ranges Based On:

  

All-Stock Exchange Ratio

Marel Upper Business Scenario

Financial Forecasts

  

Marel Lower Business Scenario Financial
Forecast

    

0.029x – 0.037x

   0.025x – 0.033x    0.0407x

Intrinsic Theoretical Value Creation Analysis

J.P. Morgan conducted an analysis of the implied theoretical per share value creation of the Transaction to existing holders of Marel Shares based on the pro forma equity ownership of such holders in the combined company upon consummation of the Transaction, assuming a consideration mix of 65% in JBT Shares and 35% in cash, relative to the implied equity value per share of Marel on a standalone basis, in each case based on financial forecasts and other information and data relating to Marel under the alternative upper and lower business scenarios provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by the management of Marel and financial forecasts and other information and data relating to JBT provided to or discussed with J.P. Morgan, in each case as extrapolated per the management of Marel.

 

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J.P. Morgan calculated the implied pro forma equity value per share to holders of Marel Shares by taking into account (i) (a) the midpoints of the respective approximate implied equity values for Marel and JBT, each on a standalone basis as derived from the discounted cash flow analyses for Marel and JBT described above under “—Discounted Cash Flow Analyses,” and (b) the estimated present value of the midpoint of the potential Synergies estimates provided by the management of Marel, offset by (ii) an assumed aggregate cash amount of the consideration of €950 million. Based on the implied pro forma equity ownership of holders of Marel Shares in the combined company upon consummation of the Transaction of 38%, this indicated that the Transaction could create a hypothetical incremental implied equity value uplift for holders of Marel Shares of approximately 14.8% (under the upper business scenario for Marel) or 26.2% (under the lower business scenario for Marel) relative to the midpoint of the approximate implied equity value for Marel on a standalone basis. There can be no assurance that the projected financial information and impacts from the Transaction will not be substantially greater or less than those estimated by the management of Marel or as described above.

Certain Additional Information

J.P. Morgan observed the following additional information that was not considered part of J.P. Morgan’s financial analyses with respect to its opinion but was noted for informational purposes:

 

   

volume-weighted average closing prices for Marel Shares and JBT Shares during the three-month, six-month and 12-month periods prior to April 3, 2024, which indicated, for Marel Shares, volume-weighted average closing prices for Marel common stock of ISK 471, ISK 439 and ISK 449 per share, respectively, and for JBT Shares of USD 101, USD 102 and USD 106 per share, respectively, and approximate implied exchange ratios of 0.034x, 0.031x and 0.031x, respectively;

 

   

historical intraday prices for Marel Shares and JBT Shares during the 52-week period prior to April 3, 2024, which indicated low and high intraday prices for Marel Shares and JBT Shares of ISK 327 and ISK 620 per share and USD 90 and USD 126 per share, respectively, during such period, and approximate low and high implied exchange ratios of 0.019x and 0.050x, respectively;

 

   

certain publicly available equity research analysts’ price targets for Marel Shares and JBT Shares, which indicated median price targets for Marel Shares of ISK 515 per share on November 23, 2023 (the last trading day prior to public announcement of JBT’s initial non-binding proposal to acquire Marel) and ISK 540 per share on April 3, 2024 and median price targets for JBT Shares of USD 110 per share on November 23, 2023 and USD 121 per share on April 3, 2024, and corresponding approximate implied exchange ratios of 0.031x and 0.035x;

 

   

latest 12 months firm value to adjusted EBITDA multiples implied by the consideration paid in selected precedent transactions that J.P. Morgan considered generally relevant as involving target companies with operations in the broader industrial machinery packaging equipment industry based on publicly available information and to the extent deemed meaningful, which indicated an overall low to high range of latest 12 months adjusted EBITDA multiples of 13.0x to 15.0x and, when applying such observed multiples range to Marel’s estimated adjusted EBITDA for calendar year 2024, an approximate implied equity value per share reference range for Marel of ISK 501 to ISK 600; and

 

   

implied premiums paid in selected mergers and acquisition transactions with all-cash consideration involving Nordic target companies; applying a selected range of implied premiums of 26% to 38% (reflecting the overall low to high implied premiums derived from such transactions based on the closing or unaffected stock prices, as applicable, of the target companies involved in such transactions one day and 30 days prior to public announcement of such transactions or speculation of a potential transaction) to the closing price of Marel common stock on November 23, 2024 of ISK 350 per share indicated an approximate implied equity value per share reference range for Marel of ISK 441 to ISK 483.

 

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Miscellaneous

The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. J.P. Morgan believes that the foregoing summary and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the foregoing summary and these analyses, without considering all of its analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying the analyses and its opinion. As a result, implied reference ranges from any particular analysis, combination of analyses or as otherwise described above were merely utilized to create points of reference for analytical purposes and should not be taken to be the view of J.P. Morgan with respect to the actual value of Marel or JBT. The order of analyses described does not represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by J.P. Morgan. In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan did not attribute any particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it and did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative), considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, J.P. Morgan considered the totality of the factors and analyses performed in determining its opinion.

Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are inherently uncertain, as they are subject to numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties and their advisors. Accordingly, forecasts and analyses utilized by J.P. Morgan are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses. Moreover, J.P. Morgan’s analyses are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which businesses actually could be acquired or sold. None of the selected companies reviewed as described in the above summary is identical to Marel or JBT, and none of the selected transactions reviewed was identical to the Transaction and certain of the selected companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of Marel or JBT. However, the companies selected were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar to those of Marel and/or JBT. The transactions selected were similarly chosen because their participants, size and other factors, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar to the Transaction. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies compared to Marel and JBT and the transactions compared to the Transaction.

As a part of its investment banking business, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates are continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control purposes, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements, and valuations for corporate and other purposes. J.P. Morgan was selected as a financial advisor to Marel with respect to the Transaction on the basis of, among other things, such experience and its qualifications and reputation in connection with such matters and its familiarity with the industries in which Marel and JBT operate.

For services rendered in connection with the Transaction, Marel has agreed to pay J.P. Morgan an aggregate fee of approximately EUR 21.4 million, of which a portion was payable in connection with the announcement of the Transaction and approximately EUR 18.4 million is contingent and payable upon the closing of the Transaction. In addition, Marel has agreed to reimburse J.P. Morgan for expenses incurred in connection with its services, including fees and disbursements of counsel, and will indemnify J.P. Morgan against certain liabilities arising out of J.P. Morgan’s engagement. During the two years preceding the date of J.P. Morgan’s opinion, neither J.P. Morgan nor its affiliates had any material financial advisory or other material commercial or investment banking relationships with Marel, Eyrir Invest (a significant shareholder of Marel) or JBT. In addition, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, approximately 2% of the outstanding JBT Shares and less than 1% of the outstanding Marel Shares. In the ordinary course of their businesses, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities or financial instruments (including derivatives, bank loans or other obligations) of Marel or JBT for their own accounts or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, they may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or other financial instruments.

 

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Opinion of Rabobank

Pursuant to an engagement letter, Marel retained Rabobank as its financial advisor to provide a fairness opinion to the Marel Board in connection with the Transaction.

As part of such engagement, Rabobank delivered a written opinion, dated as of April 4, 2024 (the “Rabobank Fairness Opinion”), to the Marel Board to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Rabobank in preparing the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, the consideration to be paid to the holders of the Marel Shares, other than holders of Excluded Shares, in the Transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

The full text of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Rabobank in preparing the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such Rabobank Fairness Opinion. Any recipient of this summary of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion is encouraged to read the Rabobank Fairness Opinion in its entirety. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion was addressed to the Marel Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Transaction and without regard to individual circumstances of holders of Marel Shares (whether by virtue of control, voting, liquidity, contractual arrangements or otherwise) that may distinguish such holders or the securities of Marel held by such holders, and the Rabobank Fairness Opinion did not in any way address proportionate allocation or relative fairness. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion was directed only to the consideration to be paid to the holders of the Marel Shares, other than holders of Excluded Shares, in the Transaction and did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the Transaction. Rabobank expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to be paid in connection with the Transaction to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Marel, or as to the underlying decision by Marel to engage in the Transaction. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Marel as to whether such shareholder should tender its Marel Shares in the Offer or how such shareholder should make decisions relating to the Transaction, including, among other things, with respect to the consideration or any proration of the consideration, or any other matter.

In arriving at its opinion, Rabobank, among other things:

 

   

reviewed certain publicly available financial and business information relating to Marel and JBT which Rabobank deemed relevant for the purposes of providing the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, including, but not limited to, annual reports, company presentations, press releases and research analyst reports relating to the expected future financial performance of Marel and JBT;

 

   

reviewed certain (i) internal (unaudited) financial and operating information provided to Rabobank by Marel’s management, (ii) financial forecasts for Marel and JBT provided to Rabobank by Marel’s management and approved by Marel’s management for Rabobank’s use in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s analyses and, based on Rabobank’s assumptions and with guidance from Marel’s management, extrapolated such forecasts for Marel and JBT for certain fiscal years (such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by Marel’s management as reasonable for Rabobank’s use in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s analyses), and (iii) assumptions relating to the business, operations and commercial prospects of Marel and JBT;

 

   

considered current and historical market prices of the Marel Shares and the JBT Shares;

 

   

reviewed certain publicly available external research reports concerning the lines of business Rabobank believed to be generally comparable to the business of Marel and JBT;

 

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reviewed certain publicly available financial and other information about certain publicly traded companies engaged in business comparable to Marel and JBT that Rabobank deemed to be relevant;

 

   

reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain recent transactions involving companies Rabobank deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;

 

   

reviewed the Transaction Agreement; and

 

   

conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations and considered such other information as Rabobank deemed appropriate for the purposes of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion.

In addition, Rabobank held discussions with certain representatives of management of Marel with respect to certain aspects of the Transaction, the past and current business operations of Marel, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of Marel, and certain other matters Rabobank believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry.

In giving the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, Rabobank has assumed and relied upon the accuracy, completeness and correctness of all the financial and other information used by it, which includes information that is publicly available as well as all information supplied, made available to, discussed with, or reviewed by Rabobank, without conducting any independent verification of such information, and has assumed such accuracy, completeness and correctness. Rabobank has further relied on certain assurances of Marel’s management, in particular that Marel has not omitted to provide Rabobank with any information relating to Marel, JBT or the Offeror that would render the provided information inaccurate, incomplete or misleading or may reasonably have a material impact on the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, and consequently, Rabobank does not accept any responsibility regarding the verification of such information’s accuracy, completeness or correctness, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to such information’s accuracy, completeness or correctness. Rabobank has not provided, obtained or reviewed on Marel’s behalf any specialist advice, including but not limited to, legal, accounting, regulatory, actuarial, environmental, information technology or tax advice and as such assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith. Accordingly, in providing the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, Rabobank has not taken into account the possible implications of any such advice. Rabobank has not made any evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including, but not limited to, any derivative or off-balance sheet assets, liabilities, and assets or businesses held for sale or disposal) of Marel or JBT. Rabobank has not conducted a physical inspection of the properties and facilities of Marel or JBT. Rabobank has not evaluated the solvency or fair value of Marel or JBT under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. Rabobank has assumed that the representations and warranties made by Marel, JBT and the Offeror in the Transaction Agreement are and will be true and correct in all respects material to the Rabobank Fairness Opinion. Rabobank has assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other approvals and consents required in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, if any, will be obtained without any impact on the financial benefits of the Transaction.

The projections furnished by Marel to Rabobank for Marel (as used in this section, the “Marel Management Case”) and for JBT (as used in this section, the “JBT Base Case”) were each prepared by Marel’s management, as discussed more fully under “—Marel Management Projections.” Marel does not publicly disclose internal management projections of the type provided to Rabobank in connection with Rabobank’s analysis of the proposed Transaction, and such projections were not prepared with a view toward public disclosure. These projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and may be beyond the control of Marel’s management, including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions and prevailing interest rates. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in such projections. For more information regarding the use of projections and other forward-looking statements, please refer to the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “—Marel Management Projections.” Rabobank has assumed that the Marel Management Case and the JBT Base Case have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgements of Marel’s management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of

 

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Marel and JBT and that no event subsequent to the date of any such financial forecasts and undisclosed to Rabobank has had a material effect to Marel or JBT. Rabobank extrapolated the Marel Management Case and the JBT Base Case, in each case through December 31, 2029, based on Rabobank’s assumptions and with guidance from Marel’s management (such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by Marel’s management as reasonable for Rabobank’s use in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s financial analyses). Rabobank does not accept or assume any liability or responsibility whatsoever for the foregoing information, forecasts or extrapolations thereof and does not express any view thereto or to the assumptions on which such forecasts or extrapolations were made.

The Rabobank Fairness Opinion was necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as prevailing on, and the information made available to Rabobank up to, and including, the date of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion noted that subsequent developments or circumstances and any other information that becomes available after such date may affect the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, and that Rabobank expressly disclaims any undertaking or obligation to advise any person of any change in any fact or matter affecting the Rabobank Fairness Opinion of which Rabobank becomes aware after the date of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, and Rabobank has not assumed any responsibility to update, revise or reaffirm the Rabobank Fairness Opinion. As a result, other factors after the date of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion may affect the value of the business of Marel after the consummation of the Transaction, including but not limited to (i) the total or partial disposition of the share capital of Marel and/or JBT by shareholders of Marel and/or JBT within a short period of time after the effective date of the Transaction, (ii) changes in prevailing interest rates and other factors which generally influence the price of securities, (iii) adverse changes in the current capital markets, (iv) the occurrence of adverse changes in the financial condition, business, assets, results of operations or prospects of Marel and/or JBT, (v) any necessary actions by or restrictions of governmental agencies or regulatory authorities and (vi) timely execution of all necessary agreements to complete the Transaction on terms and conditions that are acceptable to all parties at interest.

The Rabobank Fairness Opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Marel Shares, other than holders of Excluded Shares, as of the date of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, of the consideration to be paid to such holders in the Transaction, and Rabobank does not express any view on, and the Rabobank Fairness Opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the Transaction Agreement, or any other documents in relation to the Transaction, or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or any such other transaction documents or entered into or amended in connection with the Transaction, including without limitation, the fairness of the Transaction to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, JBT, the Offeror, Eyrir Invest or any of their respective affiliates, the holders of any class of securities of Marel other than Marel Shares, creditors, or other constituencies of Marel (other than the holders of Marel Shares, other than holders of Excluded Shares); nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any officers, directors or employees of Marel, or class of such persons, in connection with the Transaction. In the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, Rabobank noted that it expressed no opinion as to the price at which the Marel Shares, the JBT Shares or the JBT Offer Shares will trade at any future time.

Rabobank’s financial analyses and the opinion expressed in the Rabobank Fairness Opinion were provided solely for the information and assistance of the Marel Board in connection with the consideration by the Marel Board of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to whether or not a holder of Marel Shares should tender its Marel Shares in connection with the Offer or how a holder of Marel Shares should make decisions relating to the Transaction, including, but not limited to, with respect to the consideration or any proration of the consideration. Rabobank has also not been requested to opine on, and no opinion is expressed on, and the Rabobank Fairness Opinion does not in any other manner address, any alternatives available to the Transaction and whether any alternative transaction might be more beneficial to Marel other than the Transaction. Rabobank has also not been requested to opine as to, and the Rabobank Fairness Opinion does not in any manner address, the likelihood of the consummation of the Transaction. In giving the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, Rabobank has relied on Marel’s commercial assessments of the Transaction. The decision as to whether

 

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or not Marel enters into a Transaction (and the terms on which it does so) is one that can only be taken by Marel. The terms of the Transaction Agreement, including the consideration to be paid to the holders of the Marel Shares, were determined through arm’s length negotiations between Marel and JBT, and the decision to enter into the Transaction Agreement was solely that of the Marel Board. The Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s financial analyses were only one of the many factors considered by the Marel Board in its evaluation of the Transaction and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Marel Board or Marel’s management with respect to the Transaction or the consideration to be paid to the holders of the Marel Shares.

In accordance with customary investment banking practice, Rabobank employed generally accepted valuation methodologies in delivering the Rabobank Fairness Opinion, and in the presentation of its financial analyses for the Marel Board delivered on such date in connection with the delivery of such Rabobank Fairness Opinion.

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses utilized by Rabobank in connection with rendering its opinion to the Marel Board and does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by Rabobank in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables are not intended to stand alone, and in order to more fully understand the financial analyses used by Rabobank, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary. Considering the data set forth below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Rabobank’s analyses.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

Rabobank conducted a discounted cash flow analysis for the purpose of determining an implied equity value for the Marel Shares. Rabobank calculated the unlevered free cash flows that Marel is expected to generate during fiscal years 2024E through the end of 2029E (based on the Marel Management Case for the period FY24E – FY26E provided to Rabobank and approved by Marel’s management for Rabobank’s use in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s analyses, complemented with an extrapolation period until FY29E based on Rabobank’s assumptions and with guidance from Marel’s management, such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by Marel’s management as reasonable for Rabobank’s use in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s analyses) and into the estimated steady state of Marel’s operations. Rabobank then discounted the unlevered free cash flow estimates to present value as per an assumed valuation date of April 1, 2024 using discount rates ranging from 8.1% to 9.1%, which ranges were chosen by Rabobank in its professional judgment based upon a fundamental analysis of the weighted average cost of capital. The present value of the unlevered free cash flow estimates was then adjusted for net debt and other cash-like and/or debt-like adjustments based on Marel’s balance sheet position as per December 31, 2023 to derive the equity value for all Marel Shares. This analysis indicated the following ranges of implied equity value per Marel Share:

 

     Implied Equity Value per Marel Share  
     9.1% discount rate      8.1% discount rate  

Marel Discount Rate Sensitivity

     EUR 2.94        EUR 3.44  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the per share Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share.

Rabobank also conducted a discounted cash flow analysis for the purpose of determining an implied equity value for the JBT Shares. Rabobank calculated the unlevered free cash flows that JBT is expected to generate during fiscal years 2024E through the end of 2029E (based on the JBT Base Case for the period FY24E – FY28E as provided to Rabobank and approved by Marel’s management for Rabobank’s use in connection with the Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s analyses, complemented with an extrapolation period until FY29E based on Rabobank’s assumptions and with guidance from Marel’s management, such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by Marel’s management as reasonable for Rabobank’s use in connection with the

 

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Rabobank Fairness Opinion and Rabobank’s analyses) and into the estimated steady state of JBT’s operations. Rabobank then discounted the unlevered free cash flow estimates to present value as per an assumed valuation date of April 1, 2024 using discount rates ranging from 8.0% to 9.0%, which ranges were chosen by Rabobank in its professional judgment based upon a fundamental analysis of the weighted average cost of capital. The present value of the unlevered free cash flow estimates was then adjusted for net debt and other cash-like and/or debt-like adjustments based on JBT’s balance sheet position as per December 31, 2023 to derive the equity value for all JBT Shares. This analysis indicated the following ranges of implied equity value per JBT Share:

 

     Implied Equity Value per JBT Share  
     9.0% discount rate      8.0% discount rate  

JBT Discount Rate Sensitivity

     USD 99.62        USD 113.06  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the reference price per JBT Offer Share of USD 96.25.

Public Trading Comparables Analysis

For reference purposes only, Rabobank performed a public trading comparables analysis, which is designed to provide an implied value of a company by comparing it to similar companies that are publicly traded. Rabobank reviewed and compared certain financial estimates for Marel and JBT with comparable publicly available consensus equity analyst research estimates for selected companies that, in Rabobank’s professional judgement, share certain similar business characteristics and have certain comparable operating characteristics including, among other things, product characteristics, similarly sized revenue and/or revenue growth rates, market capitalization, profitability, scale and/or other similar operating characteristics (which companies are referred to as the comparable companies).

For purposes of this analysis, using publicly available financial information, Rabobank analyzed the ratios of enterprise value, which Rabobank defined as fully diluted market capitalization plus total debt (including lease liabilities), plus preferred stock, plus non-controlling interest, plus debt-like items, less cash and cash equivalents (including marketable securities), less cash-like items, to EBITDA, which Rabobank defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization plus adjustments for non-recurring items for the calendar years 2024 and 2025, which ratios Rabobank referred to as “EV/2024E EBITDA” and “EV/2025E EBITDA,” respectively. In addition, Rabobank analyzed the ratios of enterprise value to EBIT, which Rabobank defined as operating income plus adjustments for non-recurring items for the calendar years 2024 and 2025, which ratios Rabobank referred to as “EV/2024E EBIT” and “EV/2025E EBIT,” respectively.

The below table summarizes the multiples resulting from this analysis:

 

     Consensus
EV/2024E
EBITDA
     Consensus
EV/2025E
EBITDA
     Consensus
EV/2024E
EBIT
     Consensus
EV/2025E
EBIT
 

Low

     7.1x        6.2x        10.0x        8.2x  

Median

     8.9x        8.6x        13.4x        12.6x  

High

     18.6x        15.2x        30.2x        23.7x  

Based on its analysis and its professional judgement, Rabobank selected a reference range of EV/2024E EBITDA of 7.9x – 9.9x (median of 8.9x ± 1.0x), EV/2025E EBITDA of 7.6x – 9.6x (median of 8.6x ± 1.0x), EV/2024E EBIT of 12.4x – 14.4x (median of 13.4x ± 1.0x) and EV/2025E EBIT of 11.6x – 13.6x (median of 12.6x ± 1.0x) for Marel and JBT.

 

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Marel valuation: Rabobank applied the selected reference range to the adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT for Marel reflected in the Marel Management Case. Rabobank’s analysis resulted in the following implied fully diluted share price for the Marel Shares:

 

Metric

   Implied Marel Share price value  

EV/2024E EBITDA

     EUR 1.53 – EUR 2.19  

EV/2025E EBITDA

     EUR 2.12 – EUR 2.97  

EV/2024E EBIT

     EUR 1.79 – EUR 2.25  

EV/2025E EBIT

     EUR 2.65 – EUR 3.28  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the per share Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share.

JBT valuation: Rabobank also applied the selected reference range to the adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT for JBT reflected in the JBT Base Case. Rabobank’s analysis resulted in the following implied fully diluted share price for the JBT Shares:

 

Metric

   Implied JBT Share price value  

EV/2024E EBITDA

     USD 67.03 – USD 85.64  

EV/2025E EBITDA

     USD 70.95 – USD 91.50  

EV/2024E EBIT

     USD 68.71 – USD 80.85  

EV/2025E EBIT

     USD 74.98 – USD 89.04  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the reference price per JBT Offer Share of USD 96.25.

No company utilized in the public trading comparables analysis is identical to Marel or JBT or directly comparable in business mix, size or other metrics. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing analysis necessarily involves complex considerations and judgements concerning differences between Marel, JBT and the companies being compared and other factors that would affect the value of the companies to which Marel and JBT are being compared. In selecting comparable companies, Rabobank made numerous judgements and assumptions with respect to size, business mix, industry performance, general business, regulatory, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Marel and JBT. These include, among other things, the impact of competition on Marel’s and JBT’s business and the industry generally, industry growth, and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of Marel and JBT, the industry, or in the financial markets in general, which could affect the public trading value of Marel, JBT or the companies to which it is being compared.

Comparable Transaction Analysis

For reference purposes only, Rabobank performed a comparable transaction analysis, which is designed to provide an implied value of a company by comparing it to similar precedent acquisition transactions. Rabobank reviewed certain publicly available financial information concerning completed or pending acquisition transactions that Rabobank deemed relevant based on its professional judgment and experience.

For each transaction, Rabobank calculated the multiple by dividing each company’s enterprise value by its EBITDA, which Rabobank defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization plus (to the extent publicly available) adjustments for non-recurring items, and EBIT, which Rabobank defined as operating income plus (to the extent publicly available) adjustments for non-recurring items, during the most recently available last twelve month (“LTM”) period prior to each transaction, which multiples Rabobank referred to as “EV/LTM EBITDA” and “EV/LTM EBIT,” respectively. Enterprise value and historical financial information for the selected transactions was based on publicly available information as of the announcement date of each respective transaction.

 

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The below table summarizes the multiples resulting from this analysis:

 

     EV/LTM EBITDA      EV/LTM EBIT  

Low

     6.6x        7.0x  

Median

     12.5x        16.4x  

High

     22.1x        32.5x  

Based on its analysis and its professional judgement, Rabobank selected a reference range of EV/LTM EBITDA of 11.5x – 13.5x (median of 12.5x ± 1.0x) and EV/LTM EBIT of 15.4x – 17.4x (median of 16.4x ± 1.0x) for Marel and JBT.

Marel valuation: Rabobank applied the selected reference range to the adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT reflected in the Marel Management Case for the last twelve months as per an assumed valuation date of April 1, 2024 for Marel. Rabobank’s analysis resulted in the following implied fully diluted share price for the Marel Shares:

 

Metric

   Implied Marel Share price value  

LTM as per April 1, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA

     EUR 2.35 – EUR 2.95  

LTM as per April 1, 2024, Adjusted EBIT

     EUR 2.17 – EUR 2.59  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the per share Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share.

JBT valuation: Rabobank also applied the selected reference range to the adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT reflected in the JBT Base Case for the last twelve months as per an assumed valuation date of April 1, 2024 for JBT. Rabobank’s analysis resulted in the following implied fully diluted share price for the JBT Shares:

 

Metric

   Implied JBT Share price value  

LTM as per April 1, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA

     USD 89.06 – USD 105.74  

LTM as per April 1, 2024, Adjusted EBIT

     USD 79.56 – USD 90.73  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the reference price per JBT Offer Share of USD 96.25.

Rabobank chose these acquisition transactions based on a review of completed and pending acquisition transactions involving target companies that possessed general business, operating and financial characteristics representative of companies in the industry in which Marel and JBT operate. No company utilized in the comparable transaction analysis is identical to Marel or JBT or directly comparable in business mix, size or other metrics. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing analysis necessarily involves complex considerations and judgements concerning differences between Marel, JBT and the companies being compared and other factors that would affect the value of the companies to which Marel and JBT are being compared. In selecting comparable transactions, Rabobank made numerous judgements and assumptions with respect to size, business mix, industry performance, general business, regulatory, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Marel and JBT. These include, among other things, the impact of competition on Marel’s and JBT’s business and the industry generally, industry growth, and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of Marel and JBT, the industry, or in the financial markets in general, which could affect the public trading value of Marel, JBT or the companies to which it is being compared.

Precedent Offer Premia Analysis

For reference purposes only, Rabobank has reviewed, based on publicly available information, the premiums paid in selected public offer transactions in the Netherlands. Rabobank considered premiums paid in completed public offers for Dutch companies with a listing on Euronext Amsterdam since 2015. Public offers

 

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involving mandatory offers, distressed situations and asset deals have been excluded from the analysis. The premiums paid in such transactions represented a median offer premium of 34.0% with respect to the one-day spot premiums to the unaffected share price.

Based on this analysis and its professional judgement, Rabobank selected a reference one-day premium range of 29.0% to 39.0% (median of 34.0% ± 5.0%) to apply to the unaffected share price of EUR 2.26 per Marel Share as of November 23, 2023 (the last trading day prior to the announcement of JBT’s Initial Proposal announcement). Based on its calculations, Rabobank observed an implied equity value of EUR 2.92 – EUR 3.14 per Marel Share. Rabobank compared this range to the per share Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share.

No company or transaction utilized as comparison in the analysis of the precedent premia is identical or directly comparable to Marel or to the Transaction in business mix, timing, size or other metrics. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing necessarily involves complex considerations and judgements concerning differences between Marel, the Transaction and the other companies or transactions analyzed that would affect the value of the companies and transaction to which Marel and the Transaction are being compared. In evaluating the precedent premia transactions, Rabobank made numerous judgements and assumptions with regard to the applicable transactions, size, business mix, governance matters, industry performance, geographic mix, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters many of which are beyond the control of Marel. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the mean or median) are not in themselves a meaningful method of using comparable data.

Rabobank has not included a valuation analysis based on premiums paid in selected public offer transactions in Iceland given the limited number of recent and representable public offer transactions on Nasdaq Iceland.

Supplemental Price Activity Information

For reference purposes only, Rabobank reviewed certain historical price and trading activity of the Marel Shares and noted that the high and low closing prices for the Marel Shares in the last 12 months up to and including November 23, 2023 (the last trading day prior to JBT’s Initial Proposal announcement) were EUR 2.17 and EUR 4.11, respectively.

Rabobank also calculated the premiums that the Offer Price represented over the unaffected closing price of the Marel Shares as per November 23, 2023 (the last trading day prior to JBT’s Initial Proposal announcement) as well as the volume-weighted average prices of the Marel Shares for various time periods ranging from 1 month to 12 months prior to November 24, 2023 (day of JBT’s Initial Proposal announcement). These premiums, that Rabobank identified based on publicly available information, are summarized in the table below.

 

As of November 24, 2023 (EUR)

 
     Marel Share price      Implied premium by the Offer Price  

1-day prior closing price

     2.26        59.3

52-week high closing price

     4.11        (12.4 %) 

52-week low closing price

     2.17        65.9

VWAP 1 month prior

     2.34        53.9

VWAP 3 months prior

     2.54        41.6

VWAP 6 months prior

     2.67        34.7

VWAP 12 months prior

     2.97        21.4

 

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Rabobank also reviewed certain historical price and trading activity of the JBT Shares. The below table summarizes the reviewed share price information:

 

As of November 24, 2023 (USD)

 
     JBT Share price  

1-day prior closing price

     106.68  

VWAP 1 month prior

     104.13  

VWAP 3 months prior

     105.15  

VWAP 6 months prior

     110.39  

VWAP 12 months prior

     105.81  

Rabobank compared these ranges to the reference price per JBT Offer Share of USD 96.25.

Broker Target Prices

For reference purposes only, Rabobank reviewed broker target prices for Marel Shares prepared and published by selected equity research analysts as of November 23, 2023 (the last trading day prior to JBT’s Initial Proposal announcement). The indicative value range of the research analyst’s price targets was EUR 2.70 to EUR 3.90 per Marel Share. Rabobank compared this range to the per share Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share.

Rabobank also reviewed broker target prices for JBT Shares prepared and published by selected equity research analysts as of November 23, 2023 (the last trading day prior to JBT’s Initial Proposal announcement). The indicative value range of the research analyst’s price targets was USD 85.00 to USD 125.00 per JBT Share. Rabobank compared these ranges to the reference price per JBT Offer Share of USD 96.25.

The broker target prices published by equity research analysts do not necessarily reflect the current market trading prices for Marel and JBT Shares, and these estimates are subject to uncertainties, including the future financial performance of Marel and JBT as well as future market conditions.

Miscellaneous

The foregoing summary of certain material financial analyses does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by Rabobank. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Rabobank believes that the foregoing summary and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the foregoing summary and these analyses, without considering all of its analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying the analyses and its opinion. As a result, the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis or combination of analyses described above were merely utilized to create points of reference for analytical purposes and should not be taken to be the view of Rabobank with respect to the actual value of either Marel or JBT. The order of analyses described does not represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Rabobank. In arriving at its opinion, Rabobank did not attribute any particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it and did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative), considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, Rabobank considered the totality of the factors and analyses performed in determining its opinion. Rabobank was selected to advise Marel with respect to the proposed Transaction and deliver an opinion to the Marel Board with respect to the proposed Transaction on the basis of, among other things, such experience and its qualifications and reputation in connection with such matters and its familiarity with Marel, JBT and the industries in which they operate.

Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are inherently uncertain, as they are subject to numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties and their advisors. Accordingly, forecasts and analyses used or

 

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made by Rabobank are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses. Moreover, Rabobank’s analyses are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which businesses actually could be acquired or sold.

Rabobank is involved in a wide range of banking and other financial services business, both for its own account and for the account of its clients, out of which a conflict of interest or duties may arise. Rabobank may, from time to time, (i) provide financial advisory services and/or financing to Marel, JBT, the Offeror, and/or parties involved with the foregoing, (ii) maintain a banking or other commercial relationship with Marel, JBT, the Offeror, and/or parties involved with the foregoing and (iii) trade shares and other securities of Marel, JBT, the Offeror and/or parties involved with the foregoing in the ordinary course of business for Rabobank’s own account and for the accounts of Rabobank’s customers and may, therefore, from time to time hold long or short positions in such securities. Within Rabobank, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to, customary information barriers, are maintained, designed to help ensure the independence of advice and to restrict the flow of information and to manage such conflicts of interests or duties.

For the financial analyses conducted in connection with the Transaction, Marel has agreed to pay Rabobank an opinion fee of EUR 0.8 million, which became due and payable upon the issuance of the Rabobank Fairness Opinion. In addition, in the event Marel requests that Rabobank perform certain advisory services in connection with the Transaction, Marel has agreed to pay Rabobank an advisory fee of EUR 0.375 million plus a discretionary fee to be determined at the sole discretion of Marel of up to EUR 0.75 million, which (if due) are contingent and payable upon the consummation of the proposed Transaction. Marel has up to the date of this filing not requested Rabobank to deliver such advisory services. In addition, Marel has agreed to reimburse Rabobank for certain of its expenses incurred in connection with its services, including the fees and disbursements of counsel, and will indemnify Rabobank against certain liabilities arising out of Rabobank’s engagement. During the two years preceding the date of its opinion, Rabobank and its affiliates have provided commercial and corporate banking services to each of Marel and JBT, for which Rabobank and such affiliates have received customary compensation. Such services during such period have included corporate lending, export/trade financing, leasing, hedging, cash management and guarantee services. Among other things, Rabobank acted as bookrunning mandated lead arranger alongside six other international banks in connection with the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility described elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, Rabobank and its affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, less than 1% of the outstanding Marel Shares and JBT Shares.

Interests of JBT’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction

In considering the recommendation of the JBT Board to vote in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal, JBT Stockholders should be aware that aside from their interests as stockholders, JBT’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Transaction that are different from, or in addition to, those of other JBT Stockholders generally. The JBT Board was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating, negotiating and approving the Transaction, and in recommending to JBT Stockholders that they approve the Share Issuance Proposal. JBT Stockholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to approve the Share Issuance Proposal. These interests include the continued service of certain directors and executive officers following the completion of the Transaction, rights to receive cash severance payments, accelerated vesting of equity awards and other benefits upon completion of the Transaction if their employment is terminated under certain circumstances in connection with the Transaction and the right to continued indemnification by the combined company. The following discussion contains further information regarding certain of these interests in the Transaction of each executive officer or non-employee director of JBT.

Treatment of JBT Equity-Based Awards in the Transaction

The Transaction Agreement does not provide for any treatment of JBT equity-based awards. The completion of the Transaction will be a “change in control” under the JBT 2017 Incentive Compensation and Stock Plan (the

 

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2017 Plan”) and the change in control executive severance agreements that JBT has entered into with certain of its executive officers as further described below under “—Change in Control Payments and Benefits.”

For purposes of this disclosure, amounts have been calculated assuming (i) a Settlement Date of April 1, 2024 (which is the assumed date of settlement of the Offer solely for the purpose of the disclosure in this section) (the “Estimated Settlement Date”), (ii) the price of a JBT Share is $96.02 (the “Estimated Closing Value”), which is equal to the average closing market price of a JBT Share over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the Transaction, (iii) outstanding equity incentive awards as of the Estimated Settlement Date and (iv) each executive officer or director remains continuously employed or engaged with JBT or a subsidiary thereof until the completion of the Transaction. Some of the assumptions used in the disclosure below are based upon information not currently available (including any incentive awards that may be granted after the Estimated Settlement Date) and, as a result, the actual amounts to be received by any of JBT’s executive officers and directors, if any, may materially differ from the amounts set forth below. As of the Settlement Date, David Burdakin is not an executive officer of JBT and Emmanuel Lagarrigue is not a director of JBT and they will not receive any payments or benefits in connection with the Transaction and, as such, are not included in the disclosures below. For additional information regarding treatment of awards held by JBT’s executive officers upon a “qualifying termination” (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) upon or following the Transaction pursuant to JBT employment agreements, see “—Change in Control Payments and Benefits” and “Quantification of Potential Payments and Benefits to JBT’s Executive Officers” below.

JBT Director Restricted Stock Unit Awards

Pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreement, each outstanding JBT director restricted stock unit award, together with any accrued dividend equivalent rights, will automatically become fully vested upon the completion of the Transaction as the transaction will be a “change in control” (as defined in the 2017 Plan).

The following table sets forth, for each JBT non-employee director, the aggregate number of JBT Shares subject to unvested JBT director restricted stock unit awards held by such non-employee director as of the Estimated Settlement Date and the aggregate value of such JBT director restricted stock unit awards assuming the Estimated Closing Value, together with any accrued dividend equivalent rights. None of JBT’s executive officers hold unvested JBT director restricted stock unit awards.

 

Non-Employee Director
Name

   Number of Shares
Subject to Outstanding
Director Restricted Stock
Unit Awards
(#)
     Value of Outstanding
Director Restricted
Stock Unit Awards
($)
     Sum of Accrued Cash
Dividends
($)
 

Barbara L. Brasier

     1,258        120,793        503  

C. Maury Devine

     1,258        120,793        503  

Alan D. Feldman

     1,258        120,793        503  

Charles L. Harrington

     2,096        201,258        838  

Lawrence V. Jackson

     1,677        161,026        671  

Polly B. Kawalek

     2,096        201,258        838  

JBT Restricted Stock Unit Awards

Each outstanding JBT restricted stock unit award will remain outstanding after the Transaction and will continue to vest and be payable on the same terms and conditions (including “double-trigger” vesting provisions) as are set forth in the applicable award agreement.

The following table sets forth, for each of JBT’s current executive officers who have served at any time since January 1, 2023, the aggregate number of JBT Shares subject to unvested JBT restricted stock unit awards held by such executive officers as of the Estimated Settlement Date and the aggregate value of such awards

 

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assuming the Estimated Closing Value, together with any accrued dividend equivalent rights. None of JBT’s non-employee directors hold unvested JBT restricted stock unit awards that are not JBT director restricted stock unit awards as of the Estimated Settlement Date.

 

Executive Officer Name

   Number of Shares
Subject to
Outstanding
Restricted Stock Unit
Awards
(#)
     Value of Outstanding
Double-Trigger
Restricted Stock Unit
Awards
($)
     Sum of Accrued Cash
Dividends
($)
 

Brian A. Deck

     36,894        3,542,562        17,140  

Matthew J. Meister

     7,591        728,888        3,556  

Robert J. Petrie

     5,316        510,442        2,485  

Luiz “Augusto” Rizzolo

     5,004        480,484        2,035  

James L. Marvin

     5,155        494,983        2,528  

Shelley Bridarolli

     5,628        540,401        3,496  

Kristina L. Paschall

     3,882        372,750        1,885  

Jack E. Martin

     3,643        349,801        1,867  

Jessi L. Corcoran

     1,563        150,079        650  

JBT Performance Restricted Stock Unit Awards

Each outstanding JBT performance restricted stock unit awards will remain outstanding after the Transaction and will continue to vest and be payable on the same terms and conditions (including “double-trigger” vesting provisions) as are set forth in the applicable award agreement.

The following table sets forth, for each of JBT’s current executive officers who have served at any time since January 1, 2023, the aggregate number of unvested JBT Shares subject to JBT performance restricted stock unit awards based on the deemed achievement of target performance (100%) held by such executive officers as of the Estimated Settlement Date and the aggregate value of such awards assuming the Estimated Closing Value, together with any accrued dividend equivalent rights. None of JBT’s non-employee directors hold JBT performance restricted stock unit awards as of the Estimated Settlement Date.

 

Executive Officer Name

   Number of Shares
Subject to
Outstanding
Performance Unit
Awards

(Based on Target)
(#)
     Value of Outstanding
Double-Trigger
Performance Unit
Awards
(Based on Target)
($)
     Sum of Accrued Cash
Dividends
($)
 

Brian A. Deck

     90,114        8,652,709        26,365  

Matthew J. Meister

     18,674        1,793,075        5,475  

Robert J. Petrie

     13,109        1,258,701        3,827  

Luiz “Augusto” Rizzolo

     9,978        958,115        2,141  

James L. Marvin

     12,677        1,217,264        3,888  

Shelley Bridarolli

     10,386        997,237        3,228  

Kristina L. Paschall

     9,566        918,571        2,901  

Jack E. Martin

     5,190        498,303        820  

Jessi L. Corcoran

     1,781        170,994        676  

Change in Control Payments and Benefits

JBT has entered into a change in control executive severance agreement with Brian Deck and each of his direct reports (Matthew Meister, Shelley Bridarolli, James Marvin, Kristina Paschall, Jack Martin, Luiz Rizzolo and Robert Petrie (collectively with Mr. Deck, the “Executive Leadership Team”)). Under the change in control executive severance agreements, if there has been a “change in control” (as defined in the applicable change in

 

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control executive severance agreement) of JBT and within 24 calendar months following the change in control (i) an executive officer voluntarily terminates his or her employment for “good reason” (as defined in the applicable change in control executive severance agreement), (ii) an executive officer’s employment is involuntarily terminated other than for “cause” (as defined in the applicable change in control executive severance agreement) or due to disability (as defined in the applicable change in control executive severance agreement) or death or (iii) JBT or its successor company breaches any material provisions of an executive officer’s change in control executive severance agreement (such termination, a “qualifying termination”), then such executive officer would be eligible to receive the following severance benefits: a lump sum payment equal to the sum of an amount equal to (a) three times (for Mr. Deck) or two times (for the rest of the Executive Leadership Team) the highest rate of the executive’s annualized base salary, (b) three times (for Mr. Deck) or two times (for the rest of the Executive Leadership Team) the executive’s highest annual target cash management incentive award, (c) the unpaid salary and other accrued and earned but unpaid payments and (d) the prorated portion of the target annual cash incentive award for the plan year in which the termination occurs, and additionally, the accelerated vesting of time-based equity awards and performance-based equity awards with performance metrics for any completed years in the performance period deemed earned based on actual performance and for any years that have not been completed, the performance metrics will be deemed earned at target performance. Each change in control executive severance agreement provides that JBT will, as soon as practicable after JBT has knowledge that a change in control is imminent, but no later than the day immediately preceding the date of the change in control, deposit assets in a grantor trust for each executive officer in an amount equal to the estimated aggregate severance benefits which may become due to such executive officer under the change in control executive severance agreements. Additionally, each executive would be entitled to continued participation in certain health and welfare benefits from the employment termination date until the earliest of the expiration of 24 months or until he or she is afforded a substantially similar benefit at comparable cost by a subsequent employer. The change in control executive severance agreements also provide that in the event of a qualifying termination, the executive officers will receive credit for two additional years of service (three years for Mr. Deck) solely for purposes of calculating vesting under JBT’s non-qualified retirement plans. An executive officer’s receipt of any payments, benefits or vesting under the change in control executive severance agreements is subject to such executive officer’s execution of a general release of any and all potential claims. Additionally, under the change in control executive severance agreements, each executive officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for two years after a termination of employment and a perpetual confidentiality covenant.

Other than with respect to awards held by our non-employee directors and the grantor trust funding provisions, the payments and benefits described above are “double trigger” in nature and will be paid only in the event the executive officer experiences a qualifying termination during the 24 calendar months following the change in control.

All outstanding awards held by executive officers under the 2017 Plan will remain outstanding after the Offer Closing Time and, for the Executive Leadership Team, will be eligible for double-trigger vesting under the change in control executive severance agreements.

For any executive officer who is not a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the equity-based awards outstanding under the 2017 Plan will remain subject to the terms of the 2017 Plan and the applicable grant agreements, which provide that such awards will vest after the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 2017 Plan) only if (i) the awards are not assumed by the successor company on the effective date of such transaction or (ii) within a period of 24 months following the month in which a change in control occurs, the executive officer’s employment is involuntarily terminated by JBT for reasons other than for “cause” (as defined in the 2017 Plan). For any outstanding performance-based restricted stock units under the 2017 Plan that vest due to a qualified termination within 24 months following a change in control, the performance metrics (a) for any completed years in the performance period will be deemed earned based on actual performance and (b) for any years that have not been completed in the performance period will be deemed earned at target performance.

 

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The value of change in control payments and benefits payable to each named executive officer of JBT in the event of a qualifying termination immediately following the completion of the Transaction is summarized below in “—Quantification of Potential Payments and Benefits to JBT’s Executive Officers.

Quantification of Potential Payments and Benefits to JBT’s Executive Officers

If each executive officer experiences a qualifying termination immediately following the completion of the Transaction, each would receive benefits as follows:

 

Name

   Cash
($)
     Equity
($)
     Health and
Welfare Benefits
($)
     Total
($)
 

Brian A. Deck

     6,347,769        12,195,271        33,136        18,576,176  

Matthew J. Meister

     2,089,346        2,521,962        12,134        4,623,442  

Robert J. Petrie

     1,714,150        1,769,144        68,659        3,551,953  

Luiz “Augusto” Rizzolo

     1,826,023        1,438,599        35,294        3,299,916  

James L. Marvin

     1,734,331        1,712,247        22,995        3,469,573  

Shelley Bridarolli

     1,640,788        1,537,637        33,129        3,211,554  

Kristina L. Paschall

     1,530,135        1,291,321        32,997        2,854,453  

Jack E. Martin

     1,401,115        848,104        0        2,249,219  

Jessi L. Corcoran

     0        321,074        0        321,074  

Interests of Marel’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction

In considering the recommendation of the Marel Board for Marel Shareholders to tender their Marel Shares into the Offer, Marel Shareholders should be aware that aside from their interests as shareholders, Marel’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the Transaction that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Marel Shareholders generally.

Four of Marel’s current directors will serve as independent directors on the board of directors of the combined company and Árni Sigurdsson, current Chief Executive Officer of Marel, will serve as President of the combined company. In addition, members of the Marel executive management have in place remuneration agreements that were negotiated prior to the launch of the Offer. The remuneration of such executives will, as before, be determined in accordance with Marel’s remuneration policy, subject to any restrictions in the Transaction Agreement.

Transaction Bonuses

Certain members of Marel’s executive management and other of Marel’s employees are, subject to certain conditions, eligible to receive a cash bonus to be paid in a single lump sum at the Offer Closing Time (the “Transaction Bonus”). Subject to applicable law, the right to the Transaction Bonus will be fully forfeited in the event of an eligible employee’s resignation or dismissal with fault prior to the time of payment of the Transaction Bonus. Marel currently expects to award Transaction Bonuses to approximately 12 employees. The aggregate amount of the Transaction Bonuses is expected to be around €3.0 million.

Retention Bonuses

Certain members of Marel’s executive management and other Marel employees are also eligible for a retention bonus subject to remaining employed with Marel for the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, payable in January 2026 (the “Retention Bonus”). Subject to applicable law, the right to the Retention Bonus will be fully forfeited in the event of an eligible employee’s resignation or dismissal with fault prior to the time of payment of the Retention Bonus. In the event of a redundancy within the first 12 months after

 

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the grant of a Retention Bonus, such Retention Bonus will be pro-rated. The Retention Bonus will be paid in full in the event of redundancy after 12 months of the grant date. Marel currently expects to award Retention Bonuses to approximately 150 employees and the aggregate amount of the Retention Bonuses is expected to be around €3.3 million.

Treatment of Marel Equity Awards

At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Stock Option that was granted prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time with an exercise price per share less than the Marel Closing Price, whether vested or unvested, will automatically be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product of (i) the number of Marel Shares subject to such Marel Stock Option as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Marel Closing Price over the exercise price per share of such Marel Stock Option. Each Marel Stock Option with an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the Marel Closing Price will be cancelled without any cash payment being made in respect thereof. Marel Interim Period Awards will not vest by virtue of the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time. At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Interim Period Award will cease to represent an award with respect to Marel Shares and be automatically converted into an award with respect to JBT Shares of comparable value and in such form as determined by JBT in good faith consultation with Marel. Immediately following the Offer Closing Time, each such converted award will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions regarding vesting and forfeiture as were applicable to the corresponding Marel Interim Period Award immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, no Marel Interim Period Awards have been granted.

Listing of JBT Offer Shares; Delisting of Marel Shares

The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction under the symbol “JBT,” and JBT intends to submit the Supplemental Listing Application to the NYSE with respect to the JBT Offer Shares. JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland. In connection with the Transaction and the Merger or Squeeze-Out, JBT, through the Offeror, and Marel intend to delist the Marel Shares from Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland as soon as practicable after the Offer Closing Time. JBT, the Offeror and Marel may initiate a delisting of the Marel Shares depending on the stake of JBT, prevailing market conditions and other economic considerations. A delisting would require the approval of Marel Shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting in respect of the Nasdaq Iceland Shares, and following such a meeting, an application would be submitted to Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland to delist. A delisting would result in the revocation of trading of Marel Shares on the regulated market and, thus, could make Marel Shares effectively illiquid. The Offeror does not intend to compensate for such adverse effect.

The tender of Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of Marel Shares that might otherwise trade publicly and will reduce the number of Marel Shareholders, which could adversely affect the liquidity and market value of the remaining Marel Shares held by the public. The extent of the public listing and market for Marel Shares and the availability of quotations reported in the open market depend upon the number of publicly held Marel Shares, the aggregate market value of the publicly held Marel Shares at such time, the interest of maintaining a market in the Marel Shares on the part of any securities firms and other factors beyond the control of JBT and Marel.

Regulatory Approvals

As described in “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Offer,” the Offer is subject to the Regulatory Approvals Condition. In accordance with the Transaction Agreement, the parties must make filings and obtain

 

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authorizations, approvals or consents pursuant to (i) antitrust laws in the Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions and (ii) Foreign Investment Laws in the Specified FDI Jurisdictions.

The parties have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to avoid or eliminate any impediment and obtain all consents under the laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions, so as to enable the parties to consummate the Transaction prior to the Drop Dead Date. In addition, each party has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to (i) cooperate in all respects with each other in connection with any filing or submission with a Governmental Authority in connection with the Transaction and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry by or before a Governmental Authority relating to the Transaction, including any proceeding initiated by a private person and (ii) subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information, and to the extent reasonably practicable, consult with the other parties with respect to information relating to the other parties that appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third person or any Governmental Authority in connection with the Transaction.

Notwithstanding the above, JBT and its affiliates are not required (and Marel cannot, and must cause its subsidiaries not to, agree to any of the following without the express written consent of JBT): (i) (A) to offer, agree or consent to sell, divest, lease, license, transfer, dispose of or otherwise encumber or hold separate (before or after the closing) any assets (including any equity securities), licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interests therein of JBT or Marel or any of their respective affiliates, (B) to offer, agree or consent to terminate any (x) existing relationship, contractual right or obligation of JBT, Marel or any of their respective affiliates or (y) venture or other similar arrangement of JBT, Marel or any of their respective affiliates, (C) to offer, agree or consent to create any relationship, contractual right or obligation of JBT, Marel or any of their respective affiliates, (D) to offer, agree or consent to any change (including through a licensing arrangement) to or restriction on (including any access or other requirements), or other impairment of, JBT’s or Marel’s, or any of their respective affiliates’, ability to own or operate, any of their assets (including any equity securities), licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interests or JBT’s ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to the equity securities or other ownership interests of Marel or any of its subsidiaries, or (E) to commit or agree to obtain any “prior approval” or other affirmative approval from a Governmental Authority to carry out any future transaction or make any notification or provide prior notice to any Governmental Authority regarding any future transaction, or (ii) to commit to or effect any action that is not conditioned upon the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time.

JBT, after consideration in good faith of Marel’s views, has the right to (i) direct, devise and implement the strategy for obtaining any necessary approvals from any Governmental Authority and (ii) control the defense and settlement of any action brought by or before any Governmental Authority with the authority to enforce any antitrust law or Foreign Investment Law.

HSR Act and U.S. Antitrust Matters

Under the HSR Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, the Transaction may not be completed until JBT and Marel each files a Notification and Report Form with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and the applicable waiting period (and any extension thereof) has expired or been terminated. A transaction notifiable under the HSR Act may not be completed until the expiration of a 30-calendar-day waiting period following the parties’ filings of their respective HSR Act notification and report forms. If the FTC or DOJ issues a request for additional information and documents (a “Second Request”) prior to the expiration of the initial waiting period, the parties must observe a second 30-day waiting period, which would begin to run only after both parties have substantially complied with the Second Request, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier or the parties otherwise agree to extend the waiting period.

On April 8, 2024, JBT and Marel each filed a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the Transaction. The HSR waiting period expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time on May 8, 2024.

 

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At any time before or after consummation of the Transaction, notwithstanding the termination or expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act, the FTC, the DOJ or any state could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the completion of the Transaction, seeking divestiture of substantial assets of the parties, or seeking to require the parties to license or hold separate assets or terminate existing relationships and contractual rights. Private parties may also seek to take legal action under the antitrust laws under certain circumstances. We cannot be certain that a challenge to the Transaction will not be made or that, if a challenge is made, we will prevail.

Other Regulatory Approvals

The Transaction is also subject to clearance or approval under certain other antitrust laws, including within the EU. The Transaction cannot be completed until all applicable waiting periods (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction under the Specified Antitrust Laws have expired or otherwise been terminated, or all requisite clearances, consents and approvals pursuant thereto have been obtained.

The Transaction is subject to the expiration or otherwise termination of the applicable review periods (and any extensions) under, or the receipt of approvals, clearances, consents and approvals under, the Foreign Direct Investment Laws of the Specified FDI Jurisdictions.

Any Governmental Authority may take such actions under the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to prevent the completion of the Transaction or integration of the parties’ businesses, and/or seeking divestiture of substantial assets of the parties, or seeking to require the parties to license or hold separate assets or terminate existing relationships and contractual rights, as a condition of their approval.

General

Although we expect that all required regulatory clearances and approvals will be obtained, we cannot assure you that these regulatory clearances and approvals will be timely obtained, obtained at all or that the granting of these regulatory clearances and approvals will not involve the imposition of additional conditions on the completion of the Transaction. These conditions or changes could result in the conditions to the Transaction not being satisfied. Please see “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Transaction—The Transaction is conditioned on the receipt of certain required governmental and regulatory approvals and clearances, which, if delayed, not granted or granted with unfavorable conditions, may delay or jeopardize the completion of the Transaction, result in additional costs and expenses and/or reduce the anticipated benefits of the Transaction.”

Description of Financing

JBT estimates that it will need approximately EUR 1.9 billion in order to have the Offeror pay Marel Shareholders the cash consideration due to them in connection with the Offer, refinance certain of Marel’s existing debt and pay related fees, premiums, costs and expenses in connection with the Transaction. JBT anticipates that the funds needed to pay the foregoing amount will be derived from (i) cash on hand, (ii) borrowings under its existing and/or new credit facilities, including as described below, (iii) the proceeds from the sale of debt securities or (iv) any combination of the foregoing. This proxy statement/prospectus is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any debt securities of JBT. No offer of debt securities will be made in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.

In connection with the Transaction, JBT entered into the Bridge Credit Agreement. Under the Bridge Credit Agreement, the lenders party thereto have committed to provide JBT with secured bridge financing in an aggregate principal amount of EUR 1.9 billion. The commitments under the Bridge Credit Agreement are

 

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available to support the issuance of one or more Bank Guarantees issued by Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE in connection with the Transaction, and the proceeds of such commitments, if drawn, will be used to purchase the Marel Shares tendered into the Offer, refinance certain of Marel’s existing debt, reimburse drawings under the initial Bank Guarantee, which is being issued substantially concurrently with the launch of the Offer in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, and pay fees and expenses related to the foregoing.

On April 4, 2024, JBT also entered into a backstop commitment letter pursuant to which Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Goldman Sachs Bank USA have committed to provide and arrange, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of the backstop commitment letter, the JBT Revolving Credit Facility to the extent that the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not amended to expressly permit the Transaction and make certain other amendments as set forth in the backstop commitment letter, which JBT Revolving Credit Facility would be available to pay fees and expenses related to the Transaction and for general working capital purposes. If the amendment to the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not achieved, the backstop revolving credit facility would be on substantially the same terms as the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility if it were successfully amended in the manner as contemplated in the backstop commitment letter.

Summary of the Terms of the Bridge Credit Agreement

The funding of the loans under the Bridge Credit Agreement, but not the issuance of the Bank Guarantee or the funding of loans to reimburse draws in respect of such Bank Guarantee, is conditioned on, among other things, the closing of the Offer (including the satisfaction or waiver of the Minimum Acceptance Condition). The commitments under the Bridge Credit Agreement automatically terminate on the earliest of (i) the Drop Dead Date, (ii) the date the Transaction Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13 thereof and the sum of (a) the maximum amount that may be drawn under each Bank Guarantee at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of payments by an issuing bank pursuant to a Bank Guarantee that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of JBT at such time (such amount, the “Bank Guarantee Exposure”) is reduced to zero, (iii) the date on which JBT determines and announces or otherwise notifies the lenders under the Bridge Credit Agreement in writing that the Offer has been irrevocably withdrawn, lapsed or has been otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of the draft exchange offer document and the Icelandic Takeover Act and the Bank Guarantee Exposure is reduced to zero, (iv) 11:59 p.m. (New York City time) on the date on which Marel becomes a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of JBT and JBT has paid all sums due pursuant to or in connection with the Transaction and (v) the maturity date of the Bridge Credit Agreement. The maturity date of the Bridge Credit Agreement is 364 days after the initial borrowing of loans thereunder.

JBT’s obligations under the Bridge Credit Agreement will be guaranteed by certain of JBT’s domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) and, when permitted by the JBT Revolving Credit Facility, secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the tangible and intangible personal property of JBT and domestic Subsidiary Guarantors, subject to an intercreditor agreement with the JBT Revolving Credit Facility.

If drawn, loans under the Bridge Credit Agreement accrue interest at the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus 2.25% per annum, increasing by 0.50% per annum at the end of the first 90 day period after the initial borrowing date and by an additional 0.50% per annum at the end of each 90 day period thereafter until the maturity date of the Bridge Credit Agreement. Any such drawn amounts and the amount of the undrawn and available commitments are also subject to a duration fee that accrues daily at a rate of 0.75% for the period of time from 90 days after the initial borrowing date until the 180th day after the initial borrowing date, 1.00% for the period of time from 180 days after the initial borrowing date until the 270th day after the initial borrowing date and 1.25% for the period of time from 270 days after the initial borrowing date until the maturity date of the Bridge Credit Agreement.

 

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JBT may voluntarily prepay the Bridge Credit Agreement, if drawn, at any time without premium or penalty. The Bridge Credit Agreement also requires certain mandatory commitment reductions or loan prepayments in connection with certain equity issuances or debt issuances, subject to certain customary exceptions. The Bridge Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default, upon the occurrence of which, and for so long as such event of default is continuing, the amounts outstanding under the Bridge Credit Agreement will accrue interest at an increased rate and payments of such outstanding amounts could be accelerated by the lenders. In addition, the loan parties under the Bridge Credit Agreement will be subject to certain affirmative and negative covenants.

The obligations to pay interest on, repay the principal amount of and guarantee the payment of any liability (contingent or otherwise) under the Bridge Credit Agreement are not conditioned or otherwise subject to the financial results of Marel.

Summary of the Terms of the Bank Guarantee

The issuance of the Bank Guarantee under the Bridge Credit Agreement is conditioned on the receipt of a Bank Guarantee request under the Bridge Credit Agreement, specific certain funds representations being true and correct in all material respects, and the lack of any certain funds default. The Bank Guarantee will terminate on the earlier of (i) one business day prior to the Drop Dead Date and (ii) the 15th business day following the last day of the Offer Period pursuant to the draft exchange offer document and paragraph 7 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act.

The Bank Guarantee is being issued in response to a requirement under Icelandic law that provides for Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE to guarantee the payment of the cash portion of the consideration for the Offer. JBT’s obligation to reimburse drawings under the Bank Guarantee pursuant to the Bridge Credit Agreement and to otherwise pay interest on, repay the principal amount of and the payment of any liability (contingent or otherwise) under the Bridge Credit Agreement are not conditioned or otherwise subject to the financial results of Marel.

Accounting Treatment of the Transaction

The Transaction will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. GAAP requires that one of the two companies in the Transaction be designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes based on the evidence available. JBT will be treated as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes. In identifying JBT as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes, the companies took into account the proposed composition of the combined company’s board of directors, a majority of whom will be existing directors of JBT, the entity issuing the shares and cash to be used as transaction consideration, the designation of JBT’s President and Chief Executive Officer as the Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, as well as the fact that JBT’s existing shareholders will own the majority of the combined company after completion of the Transaction. In assessing the size of each of the companies, the companies evaluated various metrics, including, but not limited to: assets, revenue, operating income, market capitalization and enterprise value. No single factor was the sole determinant in the overall conclusion that JBT is the acquirer for accounting purposes, rather all factors were considered in arriving at such conclusion.

The combined company will measure Marel’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values, including net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date. Any consideration transferred or paid in a business combination in excess of those fair values will be recorded as goodwill.

Definite lived intangible assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and goodwill will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment at least annually. All intangible assets and goodwill are also tested for impairment when certain indicators are present.

 

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The total consideration paid by JBT in connection with the Transaction and the related allocation of the total transaction consideration paid to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Marel reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements is based on preliminary estimates using assumptions JBT management and Marel management believe are reasonable based on currently available information. The total consideration paid by JBT in connection with the Transaction and fair value assessment of assets and liabilities will be based in part on a detailed valuation that has not yet been completed.

Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel

Delisting

The tender of Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of Marel Shares that might otherwise trade publicly and will reduce the number of Marel Shareholders, which could adversely affect the liquidity and market value of the remaining Marel Shares held by the public. The extent of the public listing and market for Marel Shares and the availability of quotations reported in the open market depend upon the number of publicly held Marel Shares, the aggregate market value of the publicly held Marel Shares at such time, the interest of maintaining a market in the Marel Shares on the part of any securities firms and other factors beyond the control of JBT and Marel.

In connection with the Transaction and the Merger or Squeeze-Out, JBT, through the Offeror, and Marel intend to delist the Marel Shares from Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland as soon as practicable after the Offer Closing Time. JBT may initiate a delisting of the Marel Shares depending on the stake of JBT, prevailing market conditions and other economic considerations. A delisting would require the approval of Marel Shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting in respect of the Nasdaq Iceland Shares, and following such a meeting, an application would be submitted to Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland to delist. However, if the Offeror implements any post-Offer reorganization transactions, the listing of the Marel Shares on Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland may be terminated as a result of Marel ceasing to exist or as determined by the relevant stock exchange. A delisting would result in the revocation of trading of Marel Shares on Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland and, thus, could make Marel Shares effectively illiquid. The Offeror does not intend to compensate for such adverse effect.

Squeeze-Out

If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, to the extent permitted under applicable law, within three months of the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror (or a permitted assignee of the Offeror) will launch the Squeeze-Out process in accordance with Article 110 of the Icelandic Takeover Act for the Remaining Marel Shares. The parties have agreed in the Transaction Agreement to fully co-operate in the Squeeze-Out, including approving the Squeeze-Out and sending and issuing notifications to the remaining Marel Shareholders through Marel’s public news system and facilitating payments. The price and consideration offered to the remaining owners of the Marel Shares that were not acquired in the Offer is, in case of the Squeeze-Out, subject to an agreement between the Offeror and the remaining Marel Shareholders and, if no agreement can be reached, is determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. However, in the event that the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months following the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for purposes of the Squeeze-Out.

Merger

If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns less than 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, the Offeror may initiate the Merger or take other corporate actions to acquire all of the outstanding Marel Shares or the Marel business. The parties have agreed in the Transaction Agreement to fully co-operate in order to implement the Merger (or other corporate action) as promptly as reasonably practicable, including approving the applicable merger plan or other plan of corporate action, calling shareholders’ meetings,

 

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issuing notifications to the remaining Marel Shareholders through Marel’s public news system and facilitating any payments. In the Merger, if effected as a domestic merger with Marel as disappearing company and a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated under Icelandic law as acquiring company, the effect of the transaction or combined transactions will be that the remaining owners of the Marel Shares that were not acquired in the Offer would be entitled to substantially the same consideration for their Marel Shares as was offered in the Offer. However, those Marel Shareholders that vote against such Merger during a shareholders’ meeting are entitled to have their Marel Shares redeemed so long as (i) they request so in writing within a month following the shareholders’ meeting where the Merger was voted upon and that (ii) they state their willingness to that effect during the relevant shareholders’ meeting if so requested. If no agreement can be reached between the Offeror and the relevant Marel Shareholders on the price and consideration for the Marel Shares to be redeemed, the relevant Marel Shareholders will be entitled to a price and a consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. In the Merger, if effected as a cross border merger with the Offeror (or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Offeror) as disappearing company and Marel as acquiring company, the remaining owners of the Marel Shares that were not acquired in the Offer would continue to be a Marel Shareholder but may as a consequence of such Merger be diluted such that the Offeror, after the Merger, holds 90% or more of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, after which such remaining owners may be squeezed out in a squeeze-out process in accordance with Article 24 of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies no. 2/1995 for the remaining Marel Shares.

Appraisal or Dissent Rights

Under Icelandic law, Marel Shareholders will not have rights to an appraisal of the fair value of their Marel Shares in connection with the Offer. However, certain post-closing reorganization transactions, specifically the Merger and the Squeeze-Out, may trigger appraisal rights for Marel Shareholders. In the event of these transactions, Marel Shareholders would be entitled to adequate compensation or consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. However, in the event that the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months following the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for purposes of the Squeeze-Out.

Litigation Related to the Transaction

Stockholders of JBT or Marel may file lawsuits challenging the Transaction, which may name JBT, Marel, members of the boards of directors of JBT or Marel, or others as defendants. No assurance can be made as to the outcome of such lawsuits, including the amount of costs associated with defending claims or any other liabilities that may be incurred in connection with the litigation of any claims. If plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the parties from completing the Transaction on the agreed-upon terms, such an injunction may delay the completion of the Transaction or may prevent the Transaction from being completed altogether.

 

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THE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

This section of the proxy statement/prospectus describes the material terms of the Transaction Agreement but does not purport to describe all of the terms of the Transaction Agreement. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Transaction Agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. JBT and Marel urge you to read the full text of the Transaction Agreement because it is the legal document that governs the Transaction. The rights and obligations of the parties are governed by the express terms of the Transaction Agreement and not by this summary or other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Transaction Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants that JBT and Marel made to each other as of the date of the Transaction Agreement or other specific dates. The assertions embodied in those representations, warranties and covenants were made for purposes of the contract among the respective parties and are subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the parties in connection with negotiating the Transaction Agreement. The representations, warranties and covenants in the Transaction Agreement are also modified in important part by the underlying disclosure schedules, which are not filed publicly and which are subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from that generally applicable to shareholders and were used for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties rather than establishing matters as facts. JBT does not believe that the disclosure schedules contain information that is material to an investment decision. Moreover, certain representations and warranties in the Transaction Agreement may, may not have been or may not be, as applicable, accurate as of any specific date and do not purport to be accurate as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. Accordingly, no person should rely on the representations and warranties in the Transaction Agreement or the summaries thereof in this proxy statement/prospectus as characterizations of the actual state of facts about JBT, Marel or any other matter.

Introduction

On April 4, 2024, JBT, the Offeror and Marel entered into the Transaction Agreement, pursuant to which the parties agreed to, among other things, the terms and conditions of the Offer, and certain behavioral covenants by Marel and JBT, as further described below.

Offer Period; Closing

The Offer Period starts on the Commencement Date. In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and the terms of the Transaction Agreement, JBT, the Offeror and Marel agree that the Offer will have an initial acceptance period of ten weeks after the Commencement Date, except that: (i) the Expiration Date will occur no earlier than 20 business days after (and including the date of) the Commencement Date; (ii) the Offeror will extend the Offer Period as required by any law, or any rule, regulation or other applicable legal requirement of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC or of Nasdaq Iceland, the NYSE or Euronext Amsterdam, in any such case, which is applicable to the Offer or to the extent necessary to resolve any comments of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC; and (iii) at or prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date, the Offeror will (subject to the required approval from the Icelandic FSA) extend the Offer Period (i) by one or more additional periods of not less than ten days per extension (or such shorter period as mutually agreed by JBT, the Offeror and Marel in writing) if additional time is required to permit the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) or (ii) by at least an additional three periods of not less than ten days each if all the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) have either been satisfied or waived in accordance with the Transaction Agreement or if, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, would have been satisfied at the Expiration Date or else validly waived. However, in no event will the Offeror be required to extend the Offer Period beyond the Drop Dead Date. For clarity, the Offeror may, in its reasonable discretion (subject to any required approval from the Icelandic FSA), extend the acceptance period for any duration (or repeated periods) in order to permit time for the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions. If the Offer

 

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Period is extended, Marel Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Marel Shares until the end of the Offer Period as extended.

Subject to the prior satisfaction or waiver of the Closing Conditions, the Offeror will promptly settle the Offer in accordance with its terms and applicable law, and accept for exchange, and exchange, all Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer.

Consideration Offered to Marel Shareholders

The Transaction Agreement provides that in the Offer Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60 (the “All-Cash Offer Consideration,” and the Marel Shares with respect to which such election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Cash Electing Shares”), (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares JBT Offer Shares (the “All-Stock Offer Consideration,” and the Marel Shares with respect to which the All-Stock Offer Consideration has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Stock Electing Shares”) or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares (the “Mixed Offer Consideration,” and the Marel Shares with respect to which such election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Mixed Election Shares”); in each case subject to the proration provisions described below. Accepting Marel Shareholders who elect the Mixed Offer Consideration or the All-Stock Offer Consideration can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either (i) the NYSE or (ii) Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland), and if no explicit selection is made, Accepting Marel Shareholders will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE.

Fractional Shares

No fractional JBT Offer Shares will be exchanged for any Marel Shares tendered in the Offer by any Accepting Marel Shareholder. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Transaction Agreement, each Accepting Marel Shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of JBT Offer Shares will receive in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount representing such holder’s proportionate interest in the net proceeds from the sale for the account of all such holders of JBT Offer Shares which would otherwise be issued (the “Excess Offer Shares”). The sale of the Excess Offer Shares will be executed on the NYSE and will be executed in round lots, to the extent practicable. The receipt of the net proceeds resulting from the sale of the Excess Offer Shares will be free of commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs for such Accepting Marel Shareholders. The net proceeds of such sale will be converted into Euros (at the spot USD to Euro exchange rate) and distributed to the Accepting Marel Shareholders with each such Accepting Marel Shareholder receiving an amount of such proceeds proportionate to the amount of fractional interests which such holder would otherwise have been entitled to receive. The net proceeds credited for any fractional JBT Offer Share will be determined on the average net proceeds per Marel Share. As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to the Accepting Marel Shareholders in lieu of fractional interests, such amounts will be made available to such Accepting Marel Shareholders. Any such sale will be made on the Settlement Date. For Euronext Amsterdam Shares, fractional shares are settled in accordance with the customary arrangement Marel Shareholders would have with their financial intermediary.

Proration

The All-Stock Offer Consideration and the All-Cash Offer Consideration will be subject to the following adjustment:

 

  (a)

if the Cash Election Amount exceeds the Available Cash Election Amount, then (i) all Stock Electing Shares will be converted to the right to receive the All-Stock Offer Consideration, (ii) all Mixed

 

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  Election Shares will be converted into the right to receive the Mixed Offer Consideration, and (iii) the following consideration will be paid in respect of each Cash Electing Share:

 

  (A)

an amount of cash equal to the quotient of (x) the Available Cash Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Cash Electing Shares; and

 

  (B)

a number of JBT Offer Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the difference of the Available Stock Election Amount less the Stock Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Cash Electing Shares; and

 

  (b)

if the Available Cash Election Amount exceeds the Cash Election Amount, then (i) all Cash Electing Shares will be converted into the right to receive the All-Cash Offer Consideration, (ii) all Mixed Election Shares will be converted into the right to receive the Mixed Offer Consideration, and (iii) the following consideration will be paid in respect of each Stock Electing Share:

 

  (A)

an amount of cash equal to the quotient of (x) the difference of the Available Cash Election Amount less the Cash Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Stock Electing Shares; and

 

  (B)

a number of JBT Offer Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the Available Stock Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Stock Electing Shares.

Available Cash Election Amount” means (i) the product of EUR 1.26 multiplied by the total number of Marel Shares tendered into the Offer as at the Expiration Date, minus (ii) the aggregate amount of cash to be paid in respect of all Mixed Election Shares.

Available Stock Election Amount” means (i) the product of 0.0265 multiplied by the total number of Marel Shares tendered into the Offer as at the Expiration Date, minus (ii) the aggregate amount of JBT Offer Shares to be paid in respect of all Mixed Election Shares.

Cash Election Amount” means the product of (i) the number of Cash Electing Shares multiplied by (ii) EUR 3.60 (before giving effect to any proration as described above).

Stock Election Amount” means the product of (i) the number of Stock Electing Shares multiplied by (ii) 0.0407 (before giving effect to any proration as described above).

Representations and Warranties

The Transaction Agreement contains representations and warranties of JBT and Marel. Some of the representations and warranties in the Transaction Agreement made by JBT and Marel are qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect.” For purposes of the Transaction Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” means any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate (i) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the businesses, results of operations, assets or financial conditions of the JBT and its subsidiaries or Marel and its subsidiaries (as applicable), each taken as a whole, provided that certain effects, changes, events, facts, circumstances, developments and occurrences are not taken into account when determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur (although a subset of such exclusions are taken into account if they have a disproportionate effect on JBT or Marel (as applicable) as compared to similarly situated companies) or (ii) would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede, interfere with, hinder or delay the consummation by JBT or Marel (as applicable) of the Transaction or the performance by JBT or Marel (as applicable) in all material respects of its obligations under the Transaction Agreement.

In the Transaction Agreement, Marel and JBT each make representations and warranties to the other that are subject, in some cases, to specified exceptions and qualifications contained in the Transaction Agreement and confidential disclosure schedules, and relate to, among other things:

 

   

due organization, valid existence, good standing and corporate power and authority to conduct business;

 

   

capital structure;

 

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corporate power and authority to enter into the Transaction Agreement and consummate the Transaction;

 

   

the absence of any conflict, violation or breach of any organizational documents due to the performance of the Transaction Agreement;

 

   

required consents, approvals and regulatory filings in connection with the Transaction Agreement and performance thereof;

 

   

the accuracy of certain financial statements and the absence of certain undisclosed liabilities;

 

   

since December 31, 2023, the absence of certain changes relating to the business of Marel or JBT (as applicable);

 

   

compliance with all laws;

 

   

litigation matters;

 

   

the absence of any brokers used other than those mentioned in this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

   

financial advisor opinions; and

 

   

in the case of JBT only, its financing and sufficiency of funds to pay the cash portion of the Offer (among other specified items).

Conduct of the Business Pending the Offer Closing Time

From the date of the Transaction Agreement until the earlier of the Offer Closing Time (or, in the case of Marel, if later the closing of the Squeeze-Out) and the valid termination of the Transaction Agreement, except (i) with the prior written consent of Marel, in the case of JBT, or JBT, in the case of Marel (in each case, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) as required by applicable law, (iii) as set forth in the relevant confidential disclosure schedules, or (iv) as expressly contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or the draft exchange offer document, (1) each of the parties will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to (x) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (y) preserve intact the material components of its current business organizations and relationships and goodwill with material suppliers, material customers, Governmental Authorities and other material business relations and (z) keep available the services of its present executive officers, and (2) each of JBT and Marel will not, and will cause its subsidiaries not to (among other things and subject to certain exceptions, each as more fully set out in the Transaction Agreement) (each, an “Interim Operating Covenant” and collectively, the “JBT Interim Operating Covenants” (with respect to JBT) or the “Marel Interim Operating Covenants” (with respect to Marel)):

 

   

amend the organizational documents of itself or any subsidiary;

 

   

split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any shares of its capital stock or amend the terms of any of its equity securities;

 

   

declare any dividend, other than (a) in respect of JBT, quarterly cash dividends on outstanding JBT Shares in an amount per quarter not to exceed $0.10 per outstanding JBT Share and (b) in respect of Marel, annual cash dividends on the outstanding Marel Shares not to exceed, in the aggregate per year, the lesser of EUR 10 million and 20% of the Marel Group’s “net result” for such fiscal year (in the case of each of (i) and (ii), with declaration, record and payment dates materially consistent with the dates of the dividends for the comparable quarter in JBT’s prior fiscal year or Marel’s 2023 fiscal year, respectively);

 

   

issue, sell, pledge or encumber any of its equity securities;

 

   

sell, lease, license, transfer or dispose of any assets, securities or properties, other than such actions for aggregate consideration of below $25,000,000 in the aggregate;

 

   

acquire, lease or sublease any assets, equity interests or properties (including businesses) in excess of $30,000,000 per calendar year;

 

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make any material loans, advances or capital contributions, other than any loans, advances or capital contributions by itself or its subsidiary to or in, as applicable, itself or any subsidiary;

 

   

incur, assume, guarantee or repurchase or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness for borrowed money, other than any borrowings under its or its subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities as of the date of the Transaction Agreement, intercompany indebtedness or guarantees of third-party indebtedness of itself or its subsidiaries outstanding at the date of the Transaction Agreement;

 

   

make any material change to financial accounting methods, principles or practices;

 

   

make, change, or revoke any material tax election or adopt or change any material method of tax accounting;

 

   

enter into any material closing agreement with respect to taxes; or

 

   

take any action that would be reasonably likely to cause itself or any subsidiary to be in violation of applicable trade sanctions as of the Offer Closing Time.

Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, Marel may take any actions otherwise prohibited by the Marel Interim Operating Covenants to the extent mandated by Marel Shareholders pursuant to a validly passed shareholder resolution, except that (i) Marel must not knowingly encourage the submission of such resolution (other than as required under applicable law or by the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under Icelandic law); (ii) Marel must notify JBT promptly of any shareholder meeting to vote on such resolution; and (iii) JBT must have the right to attend such meeting and address the Marel Shareholders prior to such vote (any such action, a “Mandated Marel Shareholder Action”).

Other Covenants

Financing Cooperation

Although the Offer is not subject to any financing condition, Marel has agreed that it will, and will cause its subsidiaries to, use their respective reasonable best efforts to provide to JBT and the Offeror such customary cooperation reasonably requested by JBT and the Offeror in connection with the Transaction Financing, as long as such requests are timely so as not to delay the closing of the Offer beyond the date that it would otherwise occur. The financing cooperation covenant is subject to customary exceptions, including that any required cooperation will not reasonably interfere with the business or operations of Marel, its affiliates or their respective representatives.

Offer Cooperation

Marel will, unless it has effected a Change in Marel Recommendation (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus), promptly furnish JBT and the Offeror with information and assistance reasonably requested in order to communicate the Offer to Marel Shareholders. The parties will co-operate with each other in connection with the preparation, submission and finalization of the documentation required in connection with the Transaction (including the draft exchange offer document, the draft exchange offer prospectus and the Registration Statement (including this proxy statement/prospectus)).

Dutch Delisting

Prior to the Expiration Date, each party must co-operate with the other party in taking, or causing to be taken, all actions reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable laws and rules and policies of Euronext Amsterdam to enable the de-listing of Marel Shares from Euronext Amsterdam; provided that such delisting will not be effective until immediately after the Offer Closing Time.

 

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Dutch Works Councils Consultation and Dutch Merger Code Procedure

From April 4, 2024 until the Offer Closing Time and valid termination of the Transaction Agreement, each party will use its reasonable best efforts to complete the consultation procedure required with respect to the competent Dutch works councils of Marel and JBT (the “Dutch WCs”) pursuant to article 25, paragraph 1, of the Dutch Works Councils Act (Wet op de ondernemingsraden) (the “Dutch Consultations”). The parties will cooperate with each other in connection with the submission of a request for advice (adviesaanvraag) to each Dutch WC and the subsequent communication and consultation with each Dutch WC. For additional information, see the section titled “—Conditions to Closing.”

On April 4, 2024, Marel, on behalf of itself, JBT and the Offeror, notified the Dutch Social Economic Council (Sociaal-Economische Raad) and each of Marel’s and JBT’s competent Dutch trade unions as required in connection with the Transaction pursuant to the Dutch Social and Economic Council Merger Regulations (SER-Fusiegedragsregels 2015) (the “Dutch Merger Procedure”). The parties will co-operate with each other to complete the Dutch Merger Procedure.

Reasoned Statement; JBT Stockholder Approval; Marel and JBT Recommendations

On the Commencement Date, or else as promptly as practicable following (and in any event no later than the business day after) the publication of the draft exchange offer document, the Marel Board will publish the Reasoned Statement in substantially the form previously shared with JBT. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement, the Reasoned Statement will confirm that the Marel Board (i) supports the Offer, including the price and other terms thereof; (ii) recommends that the Marel Shareholders tender their Marel Shares into the Offer (such recommendation on the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement, the “Marel Recommendation”); and (iii) believes that the consummation of the Transaction will have a positive effect on the interests of Marel and its management and employees.

As promptly as reasonably practicable, but no earlier than 20 business days and not later than 30 business days (unless otherwise deferred in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement due to insufficient proxies received) after this proxy statement/prospectus is declared effective, JBT will convene and hold a special meeting of its stockholders to obtain the JBT Stockholder Approval and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the JBT Stockholder Approval. The JBT Board will include in this proxy statement/prospectus its recommendation that the JBT Stockholders vote in favor of the Share Issuance Proposal (the “JBT Recommendation”).

Neither board may (i) authorize, cause or permit Marel or JBT, as applicable, or any of Marel or JBT’s subsidiaries, as applicable, to enter into any agreement or commitment providing for any Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into in accordance with the Transaction Agreement) or (ii) take any action described in the following (any such action, a “Change in Marel Recommendation” or “Change in JBT Recommendation,” as applicable, and together, each a “Change in Recommendation”):

 

   

in respect of Marel, fail to include the Marel Recommendation in its Reasoned Statement, or, in respect of JBT, fail to include the JBT Recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

   

withdraw, modify or qualify the Marel Recommendation or JBT Recommendation in a manner adverse to JBT or the Offeror, in respect of Marel, or Marel, in respect of JBT (or make any public statement of its intent to do the same);

 

   

approve, adopt or recommend an Acquisition Proposal; or

 

   

after receipt of an Acquisition Proposal or public announcement of an Acquisition Proposal, fail to reaffirm the Marel Recommendation or JBT Recommendation within ten business days after any written request by the other party to do so (provided that such other party may only make one such request per each Acquisition Proposal and any material modification thereto).

 

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Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, each of the Marel Board and the JBT Board may effect a Change in Marel Recommendation or Change in JBT Recommendation, respectively, if, prior to the Expiration Date (with respect to the Marel Board) or prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval (with respect to the JBT Board), (i) the party effecting such Change in Recommendation has received a Superior Proposal or (ii) there has been an Intervening Event (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) with respect to the party effecting such Change in Recommendation. The Marel Board or the JBT Board must determine in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with Marel’s or JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor(s)) that effecting such Change in Marel Recommendation or Change in JBT Recommendation is required by its fiduciary duties under applicable law and otherwise comply with the terms of the Transaction Agreement described below in the section titled “—No Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals; Change in Recommendation.”

No Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals; Change in Recommendation

Each of JBT and Marel has agreed that neither it nor any of its subsidiaries nor their respective officers and directors will not, and will instruct its and its subsidiaries’ representatives to not, directly or indirectly (subject to certain limited exceptions described below):

 

   

initiate, solicit, propose or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the making, submission or announcement of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal;

 

   

engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations relating to any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to the same;

 

   

provide any non-public information or data to any person in relation to an Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to the same; or

 

   

approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, business combination agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement or agree to do any of the foregoing related to any Acquisition Proposal.

None of the foregoing prohibitions will restrict Marel or JBT with respect to Eyrir Invest, provided that any contact with Eyrir Invest is limited to communication related to, and in furtherance of the consummation of, the Transaction (other than as permitted pursuant to the Transaction Agreement).

In addition, each of JBT and Marel has agreed to, and to cause its officers, directors and subsidiaries to and to instruct its and its subsidiaries’ representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations existing as of April 4, 2024 with respect to any Acquisition Proposal or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to the same. Neither JBT nor Marel will terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of, and each will enforce the terms of, any confidentiality, “standstill” or similar agreement entered into by it or any of its subsidiaries in connection with a potential Acquisition Proposal, other than in connection with determining that such Acquisition Proposal is or would reasonably be expected to be a Superior Proposal and to the extent required by the fiduciary duties of the applicable board.

Each of JBT or Marel will notify the other party in writing promptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) after (i) receipt of an Acquisition Proposal or request for information in connection with the same or initiation or (ii) continuation of any discussions or negotiations with respect to an Acquisition Proposal. Such notice will include the material terms and conditions of, and the identity of the person making, such Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry, as well as the most current version of the relevant transaction agreement or proposal and any material ancillary agreements documents. Each of JBT and Marel will continue to promptly notify the other party of all information reasonably necessary to inform the other party in all material respects of the status and details of any such Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry (including any actual or proposed material amendments thereto).

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of JBT and Marel and their respective boards will be permitted to, directly or indirectly, including through any affiliates or other representatives:

 

   

at any time, make any disclosures in compliance with applicable law, provided that if such disclosure has the effect of withdrawing, modifying or qualifying the JBT Recommendation or Marel Recommendation, as applicable, in a manner adverse to the other party, such disclosure will be deemed to be a Change in JBT or Change in Marel Recommendation, as applicable, and the other party will have the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement unless JBT or Marel expressly reaffirms its recommendation in such disclosure;

 

   

at any time prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval (with respect to JBT) or the Offer Closing Time (with respect to Marel), if JBT or Marel receives an unsolicited Acquisition Proposal that the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, concludes in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with Marel’s or JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor(s)) constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Superior Proposal, JBT or Marel may take any of the following actions:

 

   

engage, enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, the person making such Acquisition Proposal; and

 

   

effect a Change in Recommendation and terminate the Transaction Agreement in response to such Acquisition Proposal if the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, concludes in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with Marel’s or JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor(s)) that failure to effect such Change in Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.

In connection with determining whether an unsolicited Acquisition Proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute a Superior Proposal, JBT or Marel may (i) seek to clarify and understand the terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers, (ii) inform the person making such inquiry, proposal or offer of the non-solicitation and related provisions of the Transaction Agreement or (iii) waive (on a confidential non-public basis) any “standstill” “no contact” or similar provisions to the extent reasonably expected to be required to be waived by the JBT Board or Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under applicable law. However, prior to taking any of the actions listed in the foregoing sentence or the above bullets, JBT or Marel must have complied with the following:

 

   

none of JBT or Marel, as applicable, or their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective representatives has violated the non-solicitation and related provisions of the Transaction Agreement in any material respect; and

 

   

with respect to providing any information to the person making such Acquisition Proposal, JBT or Marel must (i) prior to, or substantially concurrently with, such provision, provide any such non-public information to the other party and (ii) prior to such provision, have entered into a confidentiality agreement with confidentiality terms no less restrictive than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between JBT and Marel and which does not prohibit JBT or Marel’s compliance with the non-solicitation and related provisions of the Transaction Agreement.

A Change in Recommendation may also be effected by a party if its board concludes in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with such party’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that failure to effect such Change in Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law:

 

   

at any time prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval (with respect to JBT) or the Offer Closing Time (with respect to Marel), if the party effecting the Change in Recommendation experiences an Intervening Event; or

 

   

with respect to Marel only, within five business days of the Commencement Date, if the material terms of the draft exchange offer document differ in any material respect from the terms set forth in the

 

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Transaction Agreement (excluding any differences arising out of any Required Amendments (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus)).

Prior to effecting a Change in Recommendation in response to a Superior Proposal or Intervening Event, JBT or Marel must comply with certain procedures in the Transaction Agreement, including, but not limited to, notifying the other party of its intention to effect a Change in Recommendation (and, in respect of a Superior Proposal, of any subsequent modification of the material terms thereof) and negotiating with the other party in good faith over a five business day period in an effort to amend the terms of the Transaction so that such Superior Proposal or Intervening Event no longer constitutes a Superior Proposal or Intervening Event, as applicable.

For purposes of this proxy statement/prospectus and the Transaction Agreement:

Acquisition Proposal” means (i) any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest relating to a merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving JBT or Marel (as applicable) or (ii) any acquisition by any person or group resulting in, or any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest that if consummated would result in, any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of JBT or Marel (as applicable) or 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (it being understood that assets include equity securities of subsidiaries) of JBT or Marel (as applicable), in each case other than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or involving JBT and its affiliates or Marel and its affiliates, (as applicable).

Intervening Event” means any material effect, change, event, development or occurrence with respect to JBT or Marel and their respective subsidiaries (as applicable) that was not known or reasonably foreseeable to the JBT Board or the Marel Board (as applicable) on the date of the Transaction Agreement, which effect, change, event, development or occurrence, becomes known to the JBT Board or the Marel Board (as applicable) prior to obtaining, in respect of JBT, the approval of the Shareholder Issuance Proposal, and, in respect of Marel, the Offer Closing Time; provided, however, that no effect, change, event, development or occurrence relating to any of the following will constitute an Intervening Event: (i) receipt, existence or terms of an Acquisition Proposal, or the consequences thereof; (ii) the fact, in and of itself, that JBT or Marel (as applicable) meets or exceeds any internal or published projections, budgets, forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenue, earnings, or any changes after the date of the Transaction Agreement in the price or trading volume of the JBT Shares or Marel Shares (as applicable) (it being understood that the event or circumstance underlying any of the foregoing in this clause (ii) may be taken into consideration, unless otherwise excluded by the exceptions to this definition); and (iii) changes in general economic or geopolitical conditions, or changes in conditions in the economy generally.

Superior Proposal” means a bona fide written Acquisition Proposal made after the date of the Transaction Agreement that would result in a person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity securities of JBT or Marel, as applicable, or more than 50% of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (including equity securities of its subsidiaries), of JBT or Marel, as applicable, that the relevant board has determined in good faith, after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor, taking into account all legal, financial, financing and regulatory aspects of the Acquisition Proposal, the identity of the person(s) making the proposal and the likelihood of the Acquisition Proposal being consummated in accordance with its terms, that, if consummated, would result in a transaction (after taking into account any revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement proposed pursuant to the terms thereof) (i) more favorable to its shareholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, and (ii) that is reasonably likely to be completed, taking into account any regulatory, financing or approval requirements and any other aspects considered relevant by its board.

 

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Conditions to Closing

The Offeror’s right and obligation to accept for exchange, and to exchange, any Marel Share validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date is subject to the satisfaction or waiver (as applicable) of the Closing Conditions set forth below.

The following Closing Conditions may be waived with the mutual written consent of JBT and Marel:

 

   

(i) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act (which waiting period expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on May 8, 2024), (ii) the receipt, termination or expiration of any waivers, clearances, approvals or waiting periods under certain specified antitrust and foreign investment regimes and (iii) the absence of any voluntary agreement between any of the parties and any Governmental Authority not to consummate the Transaction (the “Regulatory Approvals Condition”);

 

   

the absence of any law or order making the Transaction or the acquisition of the Marel Shares by JBT or the Offeror illegal or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Transaction or such acquisition (the “No Legal Prohibition or Illegality Condition”);

 

   

the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part having been declared effective by the SEC and not being the subject of any stop order issued by the SEC (the “Registration Statement Condition”);

 

   

the JBT Stockholder Approval of the Share Issuance Proposal having been obtained (the “JBT Stockholder Approval Condition”);

 

   

the NYSE having approved (and not subsequently withdrawn such approval) the listing of the JBT Offer Shares on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance (the “Supplemental Listing Condition”); and

 

   

the valid acceptance of the Offer (not withdrawn or subject to any third party rights) by eligible shareholders of Marel representing (when taken together with any Marel Shares acquired by the Offeror separately from the Offer in accordance with applicable law) 90% of all issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of Marel (provided, that the Offeror may waive down such percentage to 80% (at its sole discretion) or such lower percentage as agreed to by Marel) (the “Minimum Acceptance Condition”).

The following Closing Conditions may be waived by the Offeror or Marel, as applicable:

 

   

the representations and warranties of Marel, on the one hand, or JBT and the Offeror, on the other, relating to certain aspects of Marel’s or JBT’s (as applicable) capitalization being true and correct in all respects (except for any de minimis inaccuracy) as of April 4, 2024 and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time;

 

   

the representations and warranties of Marel, on the one hand, or JBT and the Offeror, on the other, relating to organization, good standing, subsidiaries, corporate authority and broker fees (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) being true and correct in all material respects as of April 4, 2024 and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time;

 

   

the representation and warranty of Marel, on the one hand, or JBT and the Offeror, on the other, relating to the absence of any Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group or the JBT Group (as applicable) since December 31, 2023 being true and correct in all respects as of April 4, 2024 and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time;

 

   

the representations and warranties of Marel, on the one hand, or JBT and the Offeror, on the other, set forth elsewhere in the Transaction Agreement (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect

 

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qualifications contained therein) being true and correct in all respects as of April 4, 2024 and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time, except for such failure to be true and correct as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group or the JBT Group (as applicable) (collectively with the preceding three bullet points, the “Representation and Warranties Conditions”);

 

   

Marel, on the one hand, or JBT and the Offeror, on the other, having performed or complied with in all material respects the agreements and covenants required by the Transaction Agreement at or prior to the Offer Closing Time (the “Performance Conditions”); and

 

   

the absence, since April 4, 2024, of any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the businesses, results of operations, assets or financial conditions of the Marel Group or the JBT Group (as applicable), in each case, taken as a whole (the “No Material Adverse Effect Conditions”).

In addition, the processes with respect to each of the Dutch Consultations will have been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable covenant in the Transaction Agreement (the “Dutch Consultations Condition”).

Termination of the Transaction Agreement

The Transaction Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time:

 

   

by mutual consent of JBT and Marel;

 

   

by either JBT or Marel if:

 

   

at the Expiration Date, any Closing Condition (other than the JBT Stockholder Approval Condition and the Minimum Acceptance Condition) has not been satisfied or waived; provided that such termination right is not available to a party if its material breach of the Transaction Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of such Closing Condition (the “Closing Condition Termination Right”);

 

   

the Offer Closing Time has not occurred by July 4, 2025, or if extended by JBT, October 4, 2025 (provided, that JBT may so extend only if, on July 4, 2025, (i) the Registration Statement Condition and the JBT Stockholder Condition are satisfied and (ii) a Governmental Authority has issued an order or law permanently prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the Transaction pursuant to, or the parties have otherwise failed to obtain regulatory approvals and clearances under, certain specified antitrust and foreign investment regimes) (either of such dates, as applicable, the “Drop Dead Date”) (such termination right, the “Drop Dead Date Termination Right”);

 

   

the JBT Stockholder Approval has not been approved after a vote of the JBT Stockholders;

 

   

at the Expiration Date, the Minimum Acceptance Condition has not been satisfied or waived; or

 

   

prior to the Offer Closing Time, any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction has issued an order or law that permanently prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Transaction;

 

   

by each of JBT and Marel if:

 

   

the other party has breached or failed to perform any of its respective covenants or agreements, or any of its representations and warranties have become inaccurate, in each case, under the Transaction Agreement, and (i) such breach, failure or inaccuracy would result in a failure of a Closing Condition and is not capable of being cured within 20 business days after delivery of the

 

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terminating party’s notice thereof (or, if earlier, the Drop Dead Date) and (ii) the terminating party is not in breach of the Transaction Agreement such that the other party would have the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement;

 

   

a Material Adverse Effect has occurred with respect to the other party and its subsidiaries;

 

   

at any time prior to the Expiration Date, the board of the other party effects a Change in Recommendation; or

 

   

the board of the terminating party effects a Change in Recommendation in accordance with the Transaction Agreement and, substantially concurrently, enters into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal;

 

   

by Marel, if the Offeror fails to accept for purchase Marel Shares validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) by the earlier of the Drop Dead Date or two business days from the date of delivery of notice by Marel of its intent to terminate the Transaction Agreement; provided that all Closing Conditions have been satisfied or waived at or prior to the Expiration Date (or, with respect to those Closing Conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, are capable of being then satisfied); or

 

   

by JBT, if Marel Shareholders validly pass a shareholder resolution requiring Marel and/or its subsidiaries to take a Mandated Marel Shareholder Action.

In the event that the Transaction Agreement is terminated pursuant to the termination rights above, the Transaction Agreement will be of no further force or effect without liability of any party to the other parties (other than with respect to certain specified provisions and the confidentiality agreement between JBT and Marel). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in the Transaction Agreement will relieve any party from any liability or damages resulting from any fraud or willful breach. Following the valid and proper termination of the Transaction Agreement, JBT and the Offeror may withdraw and abandon the Offer to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Termination Payments

JBT will pay Marel a reverse termination payment of (i) EUR 85 million, if the Drop Dead Date is July 4, 2025 at the time of the termination of the Transaction Agreement, or (ii) EUR 110 million, if the Drop Dead Date is October 4, 2025 at the time of the termination of the Transaction Agreement; if, in each case:

 

   

the Transaction Agreement is terminated by JBT or Marel pursuant to the Closing Condition Termination Right, the Drop Dead Date Termination Right or the termination right related to the issuance of a governmental order or law prohibiting the Transaction, solely to the extent that such order or law arises under certain specified antitrust and foreign investment regimes;

 

   

at the time of such termination, a Governmental Authority has issued an order or law permanently prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the Transaction pursuant to, or the parties have otherwise failed to obtain regulatory approvals and clearances under, certain specified antitrust and foreign investment regimes;

 

   

at the time of such termination, all other Closing Conditions are satisfied or validly waived (or, with respect to those Closing Conditions that by their terms may only be satisfied at the Offer Closing Time, would have been satisfied or validly waived if the Offer Closing Time had then occurred), other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition and, solely to the extent that JBT has not yet submitted the Supplemental Listing Application, the Supplemental Listing Condition; and

 

   

the Icelandic FSA has not failed to approve any extension to the Expiration Date requested by the Offeror in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement, and the Transaction Agreement is terminated as set forth in clause (i) of the first bullet in this section “—Termination Payments.”

 

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Marel will reimburse JBT for its out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, in an amount up to:

 

   

EUR 35 million, if either party terminates the Transaction Agreement due to a Change in Marel Recommendation in response to a Superior Proposal; or

 

   

EUR 15 million, if JBT terminates the Transaction Agreement due to a Change in Marel Recommendation in response to an Intervening Event.

JBT will reimburse Marel for its out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, in an amount up to:

 

   

EUR 35 million, if either party terminates the Transaction Agreement due to a Change in JBT Recommendation in response to a Superior Proposal; or

 

   

EUR 15 million, if Marel terminates the Transaction Agreement due to (i) a Change in JBT Recommendation in response to an Intervening Event; (ii) the failure by the Offeror to commence the Offer on or before June 30, 2024 (subject to the exceptions described above in the section titled “—Termination of the Transaction Agreement”); or (iii) the failure by JBT to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from the Icelandic FSA an extension to the Expiration Date.

In no event will any party be required to make more than one termination payment under the Transaction Agreement.

Draft Exchange Offer Document; Registration Statement; Listing Applications

As promptly as reasonably practicable after April 4, 2024, JBT or the Offeror, as applicable, will finalize and/or prepare and submit certain documents, statements and/or application and use its reasonable best efforts to have such submissions approved or declared effective as promptly as reasonably practicable after submission (with respect to the draft exchange offer document, the draft exchange offer prospectus and the Registration Statement (including this proxy statement/prospectus)) or prior to the Offer Closing Time (with respect to the Listing Applications).

The Offeror will (in reasonable consultation with Marel) finalize the draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus and submit to the Icelandic FSA for approval. The Offeror will use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any comments of the Icelandic FSA relating to the draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus.

JBT will prepare (with certain assistance from Marel), and cause to be filed with the SEC, the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part to be used as an exchange offer prospectus sent to U.S. shareholders of Marel and a proxy solicitation in connection with the JBT Stockholder Approval and to register with the SEC the offer and sale of the JBT Offer Shares.

JBT will prepare and submit to the Icelandic FSA and, to the extent applicable, Nasdaq Iceland, the Secondary Listing Application, as well as (to the extent not included in the draft exchange offer prospectus), a listing prospectus in connection with the same. JBT will also submit to the NYSE, after the JBT Stockholder Approval but prior to the Offer Closing Time, the Supplemental Listing Application. JBT will use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the Secondary Listing at least until three years after the Closing or longer as deemed appropriate by the board of directors of the combined company when considering the Icelandic stockholders of the combined company.

Treatment of Marel Equity Awards

At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Stock Option that was granted prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time with an exercise price per

 

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share less than the Marel Closing Price, whether vested or unvested, will automatically be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product of (i) the number of Marel Shares subject to such Marel Stock Option as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Marel Closing Price over the exercise price per share of such Marel Stock Option. Each Marel Stock Option with an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the Marel Closing Price will be cancelled without any cash payment being made in respect thereof. Marel Interim Period Awards will not vest by virtue of the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time. At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Interim Period Award will cease to represent an award with respect to Marel Shares and be automatically converted into an award with respect to JBT Shares of comparable value and in such form as determined by JBT in good faith consultation with Marel. Immediately following the Offer Closing Time, each such converted award will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions regarding vesting and forfeiture as were applicable to the corresponding Marel Interim Period Award immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, no Marel Interim Period Awards have been granted.

Regulatory Approvals

In accordance with the Transaction Agreement, the parties must make filings and obtain authorizations, approvals or consents in certain antitrust and foreign investment regimes specified in the Transaction Agreement (the “Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions”). The parties have agreed, among other things, to file (in draft form where customary) as promptly as practicable any required filings and/or notifications required under the applicable antitrust or Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions with respect to the Transaction, and to use reasonable best efforts to avoid or eliminate any impediment and obtain all consents under the applicable antitrust or Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions so as to enable the parties to consummate the Transaction prior to the Drop Dead Date. JBT will control the strategy for obtaining the required regulatory approvals, and neither JBT nor its affiliates are required to (and Marel will not and will cause its subsidiaries not to, without JBT’s written consent) take or agree to any remedies, restrictions or any other action or inaction (including any divestitures or restrictions on ongoing or future business conduct) in order to obtain any required regulatory approval. JBT is responsible for any filing fees associated with submitting any filings under the HSR Act or the applicable antitrust or Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions.

Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel

Following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may initiate and pursue, and the parties will fully cooperate with each other in order to implement, approve or otherwise facilitate, certain post-Offer reorganizations with respect to Marel in order to acquire the Remaining Marel Shares:

 

   

a “Squeeze-Out” process launched within three months of the Offer Closing Time so long as the Minimum Acceptance Condition has been satisfied; or

 

   

a “Merger” process between the Offeror (or its wholly owned subsidiary) and Marel or other corporate action, if immediately following the Offer Closing Time the Offeror owns less than 90% of the outstanding Marel Shares, so long as the owners of the Remaining Marel Shares are entitled to receive substantially the same consideration for their Marel Shares as was offered in the Offer.

Governance and Social Matters

The parties agreed upon certain governance and social matters in the Transaction Agreement. For further details, see the section titled “Management of the Combined Company following the Transaction.”

Assignment; Amendment and Waiver

No party may assign the Transaction Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations thereunder without the prior written approval of the other parties; provided, however, that the Offeror may assign any or all

 

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of its rights and interest under the Transaction Agreement to an affiliate of itself or JBT without requiring any other party’s consent (but such assignment will not relieve the Offeror of its obligations under the Transaction Agreement).

The Transaction Agreement may be amended by the parties in an executed written instrument at any time before or after the JBT Stockholder Approval is obtained. Subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, no approval of the shareholders of JBT or Marel will be required for any extension, waiver or termination of the Transaction Agreement (other than as required by applicable law).

Required Amendment

The parties will implement any amendment or waiver or otherwise impose such additional term or condition of the Offer or the Transaction Agreement that is required by the Icelandic FSA, Nasdaq Iceland or the SEC and necessary to consummate the Transaction, to the extent that such amendment, waiver, term or condition is not adverse in any material respect to the party implementing such amendment, waiver, term or condition (or to such party’s subsidiaries or stockholders). Changes to the form or aggregate amount of consideration (other than de minimis changes required under applicable Icelandic law or relating to the treatment of fractional shares, respectively) payable under the Transaction Agreement or the addition or removal of, or any change to, any closing condition will be deemed to be so adverse to (i) JBT, its subsidiaries and its stockholders, to the extent adverse to JBT (with respect to the aggregate amount of consideration, solely if such change is an increase) or (ii) Marel, its subsidiaries and its stockholders, to the extent adverse to Marel (with respect to the aggregate amount of consideration, solely if such change is a decrease). No Required Amendment required to be implemented by JBT or the Offeror by Icelandic law or the Exchange Act or the Securities Act and arising from a purchase of Marel Shares by the Offeror or its affiliates outside the Offer will be deemed to be so adverse to JBT, its subsidiaries or its stockholders. Any amendment, waiver or additional term or condition required to be implemented by a party pursuant to the foregoing terms of Transaction Agreement will be a “Required Amendment.” Other than pursuant to a Required Amendment, the Offeror will not (i) change the consideration to be issued in the Offer (other than pursuant to the proration process) or (ii) add conditions to the draft exchange offer document or the Offer without the consent of each of JBT and Marel.

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

The Transaction Agreement and any related actions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, except, however, that the Transaction, the Offer and related matters (to the extent required by Icelandic law), and the fiduciary duties of the Marel Board, are governed by Icelandic law.

The state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware, and any appellate courts therefrom, have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any action based upon, arising out of or related to the Transaction Agreement or the Transaction and any action based upon, arising out of or related to the Transaction Agreement or the Transaction will therefore be brought in the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware, and any appellate courts therefrom. Notwithstanding the forgoing, any action to the extent directly applicable to the Icelandic law requirements of the Offer and matters related thereto, or to the duties of the directors of Marel, will be subject to the jurisdiction of the District Court of Reykjavík and any appellate courts therefrom.

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

The following is a description of the principal terms of the Offer that the Offeror intends to make to Marel Shareholders. We urge you to read this section, the draft exchange offer document, including the draft exchange offer prospectus, and the information contained in the remainder of this document and the draft exchange offer document, including the draft exchange offer prospectus, including the exhibits, annexes and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, in their entirety prior to making any decision as to the matters described in this section.

Subject Matter

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, Marel’s business will be brought under JBT through the Offer. Pursuant to the terms of the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares, in each case subject to the proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. Marel Shareholders who elect to receive the consideration described in (ii) or (iii) can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland), and if no explicit selection is made, Accepting Marel Shareholders will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE. This Offer exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect changes in the price of the Marel Shares or the JBT Shares prior to the date of the closing of the Offer.

The Offer Period starts on the Commencement Date and will expire at 5:00 p.m. Icelandic time on the Expiration Date. Withdrawal rights will cease on the Expiration Date.

The Offer is subject to the Closing Conditions set forth under “—Conditions to the Offer.” For a comparison of the rights of holders of JBT Shares and Marel Shares, see “Comparison of Stockholder Rights.”

Important Notices

The Offer is subject to a number of conditions set forth under “—Conditions to the Offer.” The conditions to the Offer must be satisfied or waived at or prior to the Expiration Date.

Each Marel Shareholder, by accepting the Offer, unless such acceptance is properly withdrawn, authorizes the Settlement Agent to credit interests in the JBT Offer Shares that such Marel Shareholder is entitled to receive in the Offer to such shareholder’s account in exchange for Marel Shares tendered by such shareholder in the Offer.

By accepting the Offer, Marel Shareholders will transfer their tendered Marel Shares, including ancillary rights, at settlement directly to the Offeror, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Offer.

Purpose of the Offer

The purpose of the Offer is for JBT to acquire control over Marel. Following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may or will, as applicable, pursue post-Offer reorganizations (more specifically, the Merger and the Squeeze-Out) with respect to Marel. For further details regarding the potential post-Offer reorganizations, see “—Plans for Marel After the Offer” and “The Transaction—Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel.”

 

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Conditions to the Offer

The Transaction Agreement provides that the Offeror’s rights and obligations to accept for exchange, and to exchange, any Marel Share validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the Closing Conditions. Other than any Required Amendment, the Offeror will not (i) change the consideration (other than as described in the Transaction Agreement) or (ii) add any conditions to the draft exchange offer document or the Offer without the consent of both JBT and Marel. All conditions have to be satisfied or validly waived as provided in the Transaction Agreement and as summarized below.

The following conditions to closing may be waived with the mutual written consent of JBT and Marel at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date (without prejudice to the Minimum Acceptance Condition permitting the Offeror to reduce the percentage in its sole discretion):

 

   

the Regulatory Approvals Condition;

 

   

the No Legal Prohibition or Illegality Condition;

 

   

the Registration Statement Condition;

 

   

the JBT Stockholder Approval Condition;

 

   

the Supplemental Listing Condition; and

 

   

the Minimum Acceptance Condition.

The following conditions to closing may be waived by the Offeror or Marel, as applicable, at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date:

 

   

the Representation and Warranties Conditions;

 

   

the Performance Conditions; and

 

   

the No Material Adverse Effect Conditions.

In addition, the processes with respect to each of the Dutch Consultations Condition must have been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable covenant in the Transaction Agreement.

For additional information, see the section titled “The Transaction Agreement—Conditions to Closing.”

Timetable

The Offer Period starts on the Commencement Date. In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and the terms of the Transaction Agreement, JBT, the Offeror and Marel agree that the Offer will have an initial acceptance period of ten weeks after the Commencement Date, except that: (i) the Expiration Date will occur no earlier than 20 business days after (and including the date of) the Commencement Date; (ii) the Offeror will extend the Offer Period as required by any law, or any rule, regulation or other applicable legal requirement of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC or of Nasdaq Iceland, the NYSE or Euronext Amsterdam, in any such case, which is applicable to the Offer or to the extent necessary to resolve any comments of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC; and (iii) at or prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date, the Offeror will (subject to the required approval from the Icelandic FSA) extend the Offer Period (i) by one or more additional periods of not less than ten days per extension (or such shorter period as mutually agreed by JBT, the Offeror and Marel in writing) if additional time is required to permit the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) or (ii) by at least an additional three periods of not less than ten days each if all the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) have either been satisfied or waived in accordance with the Transaction Agreement or if, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, would have been satisfied at the Expiration Date or else validly waived. However, in no event will the Offeror be required to extend the Offer Period beyond the Drop Dead Date. For clarity, the Offeror may, in its reasonable discretion (subject to any required approval from the Icelandic FSA), extend the acceptance period for any duration (or repeated periods) in order to permit time for the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions.

 

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Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, JBT has agreed to (i) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any approvals, consents, registrations, waivers, permits, authorizations, orders and other confirmations from the Icelandic FSA required by the Icelandic FSA (any of the foregoing, an “FSA Extension Approval”) to extend any Offer Period as promptly as practicable prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date and (ii) keep Marel informed on a reasonably current basis of the status of the Offer, including with respect to any FSA Extension Approval or the number of Marel Shares that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Offer, and with respect to any material developments with respect thereto.

The Offeror does not intend to increase the Offer Price but reserves the right to do so in accordance with applicable rules, including Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and U.S. securities laws. However, any increase of the Offer Price will not constitute a new tender offer. Marel Shareholders who have validly accepted the Offer will continue to be bound by their acceptances if the Offer Price is increased, subject to the withdrawal rights as described in the section titled “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal Rights.”

Pursuant to Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, if the Offeror, or parties acting in concert with the Offeror within the meaning of Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, pays a higher price or offers better terms for the Marel Shares (i) during the Offer Period, the Offeror is required to adjust the Offer and offer that higher price to Marel Shareholders, or (ii) during a three month period following the Expiration Date, those Marel Shareholders who accepted the Offer will be paid a supplemental payment corresponding to the difference in price.

In the unlikely event that the Offeror increases the Offer Price, Marel Shareholders who have accepted the Offer at a lower Offer Price will automatically be entitled to such increased Offer Price if the Offer is completed. If the Offeror increases the Offer Price within the last two weeks of the Offer Period, the Offeror will hold the Offer open so that it expires at least two weeks from the date on which the notice of such increase is first published, and otherwise as required by Icelandic laws and Rule 14e-1 of the Exchange Act.

If the Offeror increases or decreases the percentage of Marel Shares sought in the Offer or the consideration, or changes the type of consideration offered to Marel Shareholders, then pursuant to Rule 14e-1 of the Exchange Act, the Offeror must extend the Offer Period for at least ten business days from the date on which notice of such increase or decrease is first published, sent or given to securityholders.

Notification of any changes to the Offer Price, consideration or the terms of the Offer will be made public in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 107 and Article 114 of Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable U.S. securities laws. A copy of the notification and a supplement to the draft exchange offer document, as applicable, will be sent to all Marel Shareholders listed in Marel’s share registry on the date of such notification.

Notification of any changes to the Expiration Date will be made public on Nasdaq Iceland’s and Euronext Amsterdam’s news systems, with the SEC, and on the websites of JBT (www.jbtc.com) and Marel (www.marel.com). The information contained on or accessible through JBT’s or Marel’s website does not form part of this proxy statement/prospectus unless that information is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

Commencement of the Exchange Offer

Following approval by the Icelandic FSA of the exchange offer document, including the exchange offer prospectus, JBT will publish the exchange offer document in accordance with Section XI of the Icelandic Takeover Act and thereby commence the Offer. JBT will also file the exchange offer prospectus with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act and deliver the exchange offer prospectus to U.S. Marel Shareholders in accordance with the Exchange Act.

 

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Acceptance of the Offer

Marel Shareholders who wish to tender their Marel Shares on the terms and conditions of the Offer are urged to submit their acceptance in accordance with the procedures set out herein prior to 5:00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date.

Marel Shareholders who hold Marel Shares registered in the name of a custodian, bank or stockbroker or other nominee, must contact such persons to accept the Offer. The relevant custodian, bank or stockbroker may set an earlier deadline for communication by Marel Shareholders in order to permit the custodian, bank or stockbroker to communicate its acceptances to the relevant Settlement Agent in a timely manner. Accordingly, Marel Shareholders should contact their custodian, bank or stockbroker to obtain information about the deadline by which such Marel Shareholder must send instructions to such financial intermediary to accept the Offer and should comply with the dates set by such financial intermediary, as such dates may differ from the dates and times noted in this proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer document.

Any Acceptance that is not correctly completed or that is received after the Expiration Date can be rejected without further notice. There is no obligation on the Offeror, the Settlement Agents or any person acting on its or their behalf to give notice of any defects or irregularities in any Acceptance and no liability will be incurred by any of them for failure to give any such notification. Furthermore, neither the Offeror nor the Settlement Agents will be responsible for delays in the postal system or for any Acceptance forwarded by e-mail that are not received in time due to technical or any other reason. All questions as to the form of all documents and the validity (including time of receipt) and acceptance of such documents will be determined by the Offeror, in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding.

The Offeror reserves the right to approve acceptances that are received after the Expiration Date. However, the Offeror will ensure due compliance with the duty to treat Marel Shareholders equally under the Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable law when exercising its discretion pursuant to the foregoing.

Accepting Marel Shareholders must indicate the number of Marel Shares that they wish to tender in its Acceptance; however, JBT’s expectation is that Accepting Marel Shareholders will tender all of their Marel Shares in the Offer. All Marel Shares to be tendered to the Offeror pursuant to the Offer must be free from any and all charges, liens and other encumbrances. Any third party with registered encumbrances or other third-party rights over the relevant securities account(s) must complete and submit its Acceptance and thereby waive its rights in the Marel Shares sold in the Offer and approve the transfer of the Marel Shares to the Offeror free and clear of any such encumbrances and any other third-party rights. Marel Shares will be transferred inclusive of any dividends declared or any other distributions in respect of the transferred Marel Shares that have not been paid by Marel prior to settlement of the Offer. The Offeror reserves the right to ascertain whether any pledges or encumbrances are in place before making a payment.

Accepting Marel Shareholders will remain the legal owners of their Marel Shares and retain voting rights and other shareholder rights related thereto to the extent permitted under applicable law until the Settlement Date. Upon settlement of the Offer and the registration of the Offeror as the owner of the Marel Shares in Marel’s share registry, the Offeror will be able to exercise the voting rights attached to the Marel Shares sold in the Offer.

Acceptance Procedure for Marel Shareholders Holding Nasdaq Iceland Shares

Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares and have an Icelandic electronic ID, and who wish to tender their Marel Shares on the terms and conditions of the Offer, must submit their acceptance of the Offer by completing the acceptance form available on www.arionbanki.is/marel, in the form and substance prescribed by the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form, prior to 5:00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date.

Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares, but who do not possess an Icelandic electronic ID, or cannot otherwise complete the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form, must complete and sign the Icelandic

 

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Acceptance Forms and return to it to the Icelandic Settlement Agent prior to the Expiration Date. The completed acceptance form can be submitted to the Icelandic Settlement Agent via email at marel2024@arionbanki.is or delivered to the offices of the Icelandic Settlement Agent at Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Following receipt of an Icelandic Acceptance Form, the Icelandic Settlement Agent will forward the instructions of the Accepting Marel Shareholder to the custodian specified by it to give effect to the acceptance in accordance with the terms of the draft exchange offer document.

By delivering a duly executed Icelandic Acceptance Form, the Accepting Marel Shareholder irrevocably authorizes the Icelandic Settlement Agent to debit such Accepting Marel Shareholder’s securities account and to transfer the Nasdaq Iceland Shares to the Offeror against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of JBT Offer Shares upon settlement of the Offer.

In accordance with Icelandic law, the Icelandic Settlement Agent must categorise all new customers in one of three customer categories: eligible counterparties, professional clients and non-professional clients. All Marel Shareholders delivering an Icelandic Acceptance Form that are not existing clients of the Icelandic Settlement Agent will be categorised as non-professional clients. For further information about the categorisation, the Marel Shareholder may contact the Icelandic Settlement Agent. The Icelandic Settlement Agent will treat the delivery of the Icelandic Acceptance Form only as an execution instruction from the Accepting Marel Shareholder to sell its Nasdaq Iceland Shares under the Offer, since the Icelandic Settlement Agent is not in the position to determine whether the acceptance and selling of Nasdaq Iceland Shares is suitable or not for the Accepting Marel Shareholder.

Marel Shareholders can contact the Icelandic Settlement Agent with any queries by email at assistance.marel2024@arionbanki.is.

Acceptance Procedure for Marel Shareholders Holding Euronext Amsterdam Shares

Marel Shareholders who hold Euronext Amsterdam Shares are requested to make their acceptance known through their custodian, bank or stockbroker no later than by 5:00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date. Each Marel Shareholder should contact its financial intermediary to obtain information on the acceptance process, including the deadline by which such Marel Shareholder must send instructions to the financial intermediary to accept the Offer. Marel Shareholders should comply with the dates and acceptance process set by their financial intermediary.

The Admitted Institutions can tender Euronext Amsterdam Shares only to the Dutch Settlement Agent and only in writing. The Admitted Institutions are requested to tender the Euronext Amsterdam Shares via Euroclear Nederland (via Swift message MT565). In submitting the acceptance on behalf of their clients, the Admitted Institutions should confirm (i) the total number of Euronext Amsterdam Shares that their client(s) (i.e., the underlying Accepting Marel Shareholder(s)) wishes to tender in the Offer, (ii) the consideration elected by such Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) and (iii) if such Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) elects Mixed Offer Consideration or All-Stock Offer Consideration, whether such Accepting Marel Shareholder(s) chooses to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland). If no explicit selection is made, their clients will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE. In addition, in respect of Accepting Marel Shareholders who wish to tender more than 100,000 Euronext Amsterdam Shares, the Admitted Institutions are required to submit a statement to the Dutch Settlement Agent containing the name of the Accepting Marel Shareholder, the number of Euronext Amsterdam Shares such Accepting Marel Shareholder wishes to tender and declare that:

 

  (a)

they hold the Euronext Amsterdam Shares tendered by the relevant Accepting Marel Shareholder in their administration;

 

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  (b)

on behalf of the relevant Accepting Marel Shareholder, such Accepting Marel Shareholder who accepts the Offer irrevocably represents and warrants that the Euronext Amsterdam Shares tendered by the Accepting Marel Shareholder are being tendered in compliance with the restrictions set out in the draft exchange offer document; and

 

  (c)

the relevant Admitted Institution undertakes to effect the transfer of the relevant Euronext Amsterdam Shares to the Offeror on or before the Settlement Date.

Although under normal circumstances the relevant Admitted Institution will ensure that the Euronext Amsterdam Shares are transferred to the Offeror, if so instructed, Accepting Marel Shareholders are advised that each Accepting Marel Shareholder is responsible for the transfer of such Euronext Amsterdam Shares to the Offeror.

The payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares to an Admitted Institution for the benefit of an Accepting Marel Shareholder will only occur when all Euronext Amsterdam Shares of such Accepting Marel Shareholder are delivered. No split settlement will be facilitated.

The tendering of Euronext Amsterdam Shares by an Accepting Marel Shareholder in acceptance of the Offer will constitute irrevocable instructions by the relevant Accepting Marel Shareholder to the relevant Admitted Institution to:

 

  (a)

block any attempt to transfer such Euronext Amsterdam Shares, so that on or prior to the Settlement Date no transfer of such Euronext Amsterdam Shares may be effected (other than any action required to effect the transfer to the Offeror);

 

  (b)

debit the securities account in which such Euronext Amsterdam Shares are held on the Settlement Date in respect of all of the Euronext Amsterdam Shares, against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares by the Dutch Settlement Agent on the Offeror’s behalf; and

 

  (c)

effect the transfer of such Euronext Amsterdam Shares to the Offeror.

Revocation of the Offer

Pursuant to Article 105 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the Offer may be revoked by the Offeror if any of the following conditions are satisfied:

 

  (a)

another public offer pursuant to the Icelandic Takeover Act is made which is equivalent to or more favorable than the Offer;

 

  (b)

a Closing Condition is not fulfilled or, to the extent applicable, waived in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement;

 

  (c)

Marel increases its share capital; or

 

  (d)

other special circumstances warrant revocation of the Offer.

Revocation of the Offer is subject to the approval of the Icelandic FSA and any withdrawal of the Offer will be made public in accordance with Article 114 of the Icelandic Takeover Act.

The Transaction Agreement may be terminated in accordance with the terms thereof and, upon such termination, the Offeror may withdraw the draft exchange offer document and revoke the Offer at its sole discretion.

Withdrawal Rights

At any time during the Offer Period, Accepting Marel Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Marel Shares. Following the Expiration Date, withdrawal rights will cease, and any Marel Shares tendered into the Offer will not be able to be withdrawn.

 

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Accepting Marel Shareholders will continue to be bound by their acceptances if the Offer Period is extended and/or the Offer Price is increased, unless they withdraw their acceptance. If the Offer Period is extended, the Accepting Marel Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Marel Shares until the end of the Offer Period as extended. If the Offeror increases the Offer Price, the Accepting Marel Shareholders who have accepted the Offer at a lower price will automatically be entitled to such increased Offer Price if the Offer is completed.

To withdraw previously tendered Nasdaq Iceland Shares, Accepting Marel Shareholders must declare their withdrawal to the Icelandic Settlement Agent by withdrawing their acceptance through the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form available on www.arionbanki.is/marel or by delivering written notice to the offices of the Icelandic Settlement Agent at Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

To withdraw previously tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares, Accepting Marel Shareholders must declare their withdrawal in writing to their relevant custodian bank for a specified number of tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares, where in the event that no number is specified, the withdrawal will be deemed to have been declared for all of the tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares of such Accepting Marel Shareholders.

Blocking of Tendered Marel Shares

By delivering a duly executed Icelandic Acceptance Form or otherwise providing instructions to its financial intermediary, each Accepting Marel Shareholder gives the relevant Settlement Agent or its financial intermediary an authorization to block the specified Marel Shares in favor of such Settlement Agent or financial intermediary. The relevant Settlement Agent or financial intermediary is at the same time authorized to transfer such Marel Shares to the Offeror against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares. In the event the Offer is cancelled, revoked or terminated, the blocking will be terminated. In the event that an Accepting Marel Shareholder validly withdraws its acceptance of the Offer as described in this proxy statement/prospectus and the draft exchange offer document, the blocking will be terminated with respect to its respective Marel Shares. It is not possible for the Accepting Marel Shareholder to dispose or grant any encumbrance, security or option over the Marel Shares when they are blocked. The Accepting Marel Shareholder is free to dispose any other securities registered in the same securities account as the blocked Marel Shares, provided such securities are not in the capital of Marel. Accepting Marel Shareholders will, subject to applicable law, remain owners of their Marel Shares and retain their right to vote their Marel Shares and other shareholder rights, until the Settlement Date.

Settlement of the Offer

Settlement of the Offer will be made on the Settlement Date, which will be as promptly as possible but no later than three business days from the Expiration Date (except that the Offeror may apply for an extension as permitted under paragraph 7 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act).

On the Settlement Date, the Offeror will promptly settle the Offer in accordance with its terms and applicable laws, and accept for exchange, and exchange, all Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer. The share register of Marel will be updated immediately following the Offer Closing Time.

If Marel Shareholders hold Marel Shares through their custodian, bank or stockbroker, and payment on settlement is to be made in such nominee’s or intermediary’s account, they should contact such custodian, bank or stockbroker for determining when and how payment will be credited to their personal accounts.

Settlement of the Cash Consideration for Nasdaq Iceland Shares

For Accepting Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares, settlement of the All-Cash Offer Consideration and the cash consideration portion of the Mixed Offer Consideration will be made in cash in euros and transferred to the bank account/custody account that at the time of acceptance was registered as the account for payment of dividends to the relevant Accepting Marel Shareholder.

If there are no records of a bank account that can be used for settlement, the Accepting Marel Shareholder must specify on the Icelandic Acceptance Form the bank account into which payment should be made.

 

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For Accepting Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares and who do not hold a bank account with an Icelandic bank, payment details for offshore payments must be included in addition to the bank account number, such as IBAN, SWIFT or similar payment codes depending on the jurisdiction where the bank account is located. The Icelandic Settlement Agent should be contacted in this respect.

The Icelandic Settlement Agent will endeavor to contact all Accepting Marel Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares who have not registered bank accounts with their securities accounts or who have not included account details in the Icelandic Acceptance Form, through their respective custodians, for the purposes of obtaining such bank account information. Settlement for such Accepting Marel Shareholders who (i) have not registered bank accounts with their securities accounts or included account details in the Icelandic Acceptance Form, (ii) have no bank account registered in its name or (iii) do not have a bank account, will be made by Icelandic Settlement Agent by forwarding the All-Cash Offer Consideration or the cash consideration, as the case may be, to the custodians where such Accepting Marel Shareholders hold their respective Nasdaq Iceland Shares in respect of which acceptance has been received and where such Accepting Marel Shareholders may claim their funds upon further request made by them. In doing so, the Icelandic Settlement Agent may select the payment method that the Icelandic Settlement Agent in its sole opinion deems the most appropriate, and the Icelandic Settlement Agent may (but has no obligation to) for such purpose convert the funds into any applicable currency. A payment made by the Icelandic Settlement Agent to an Accepting Marel Shareholder in the aforesaid manner will be deemed as final settlement of any cash consideration for the relevant Nasdaq Iceland Shares and will entitle the Icelandic Settlement Agent to transfer the relevant Nasdaq Iceland Shares to the Offeror.

Settlement of the Cash Consideration for Euronext Amsterdam Shares

For Accepting Marel Shareholders who hold Euronext Amsterdam Shares, settlement of the All-Cash Offer Consideration and the cash consideration portion of the Mixed Offer Consideration will be made by the Dutch Settlement Agent to the Admitted Institutions on the Settlement Date. The Admitted Institutions will thereafter credit the relevant cash consideration on the account of their underlying client(s) (i.e., the Accepting Marel Shareholder(s)).

The Offeror cannot guarantee that Accepting Marel Shareholders will actually receive the payment on the Settlement Date from the Admitted Institution with whom they hold their Euronext Amsterdam Shares. However, for the avoidance of doubt, Accepting Marel Shareholders should receive the payment as soon as reasonably practicable following the Settlement Date.

Settlement of JBT Offer Shares

Subject to the proration provisions and other terms described in this proxy statement/prospectus, each Accepting Marel Shareholder who elects the All-Stock Offer Consideration or the Mixed Offer Consideration will receive JBT Offer Shares. Subject to the approval of the JBT Offer Shares being listed on Nasdaq Iceland, Accepting Marel Shareholders who elect the All-Stock Offer Consideration or the Mixed Offer Consideration will be able to choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either (i) NYSE or (ii) Nasdaq Iceland. If no explicit selection is made between receiving NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland listed JBT Offer Shares, the Accepting Marel Shareholder will receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the NYSE.

Plans for Marel After the Offer

Following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may or will, as applicable, pursue post-offer reorganizations (more specifically, the Merger or the Squeeze-Out) with respect to Marel. For further details regarding the potential post-Offer reorganizations, see “The Transaction—Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions Regarding Marel.”

Treatment of Marel Equity Awards

The treatment of Marel equity awards is described in the section titled “The Transaction Agreement—The Offer—Treatment of Marel Equity Awards.”

 

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Information on the JBT Offer Shares

The JBT Offer Shares that will be issued in connection with the completion of the Transaction are shares of common stock of JBT with a par value of $0.01 per share. The JBT Shares are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol “JBT.” The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction, and JBT intends to submit the Supplemental Listing Application to the NYSE with respect to the JBT Offer Shares. JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland.

Currency of the Offer

For purposes of the provisions of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the currency in which the Offer is conducted is the Euro. After completion of the Transaction, JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE, where they are and will be expressed in U.S. dollars. The JBT Offer Shares listed on Nasdaq Iceland will be traded in ISK.

Publications

Pursuant to article 114 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the draft exchange offer document, the publication of which was permitted by the Icelandic FSA on      , will be published on      by way of an announcement on Nasdaq Iceland’s and Euronext Amsterdam’s news systems and on the websites of JBT (www.jbt.com) and Marel (www.marel.com).

A notification on the results of the Offer will be made public on Nasdaq Iceland’s and Euronext Amsterdam’s news systems, with the SEC, and on the websites of JBT (www.jbtc.com) and Marel (www.marel.com) one business day following the Expiration Date.

JBT will also file such notifications and announcements with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and otherwise comply with its obligations under U.S. law with respect to informing security holders of any material change in the information published, sent or given to security holders.

The information included on or accessible through JBT’s website, Marel’s website or the SEC’s website does not form part of this proxy statement/prospectus unless that information is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

Settlement Agent

In connection with the Offer, JBT has appointed Arion Bank to act as the Icelandic Settlement Agent and has appointed ABN AMRO to act as the Dutch Settlement Agent.

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

The Offer forms part of the Transaction, by which the businesses of JBT and Marel will be combined. The Transaction Agreement and the Transaction are described in the section titled “The Transaction Agreement.”

The JBT Offer Shares that will be delivered to Marel Shareholders who have validly tendered their Marel Shares in the Offer will be issued against contribution in kind comprising such tendered Marel Shares, and the Offeror will not receive any proceeds from the Offer.

Costs Related to Tendering Marel Shares

Accepting Marel Shareholders may have to pay brokerage fees in connection with the acceptance of the Offer. Admitted Institutions may also charge a fee to their clients (i.e., Accepting Marel Shareholders) in connection with participating in the Offer. None of JBT, the Offeror or Marel will cover any costs that a Marel Shareholder may incur in connection with acceptance of the Offer. JBT may, however, pay a customary commission to the custodian banks.

 

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DIVIDEND INFORMATION

JBT paid dividends of $12.8 million, $13.1 million and $12.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Annualized dividends per share were $0.40 per share for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

The dividend policy for the combined company will be determined following completion of the Transaction. Although JBT currently expects to pay dividends, any dividend paid or changes to its dividend policy are within the discretion of the board of the combined company and will depend upon many factors, including the financial condition and results of operations of the combined company, legal requirements, including limitations imposed by Delaware law, restrictions in any debt agreements that limit its ability to pay dividends to stockholders and other factors the board of the combined company deems relevant.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Introduction

On April 4, 2024, JBT entered into the Transaction Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, the parties have agreed to bring about a business combination of JBT, Marel and their respective subsidiaries by way of the Offeror making a voluntary public takeover offer to Marel Shareholders to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, not including any treasury shares held by Marel. Please see the sections titled “The Transaction” and “The Transaction Agreement” in this proxy statement/prospectus for a description of the Transaction and the Transaction Agreement.

This unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared to illustrate the estimated effect of the Transaction and the Transaction Financing (as defined below). Such information is based on the following historical consolidated financial statements of JBT and Marel, as adjusted to give effect to the Transaction and the Transaction Financing:

 

   

the separate audited consolidated financial statements of JBT as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes, included in JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

   

the separate unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of JBT as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the related notes, included in JBT’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2024, incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

   

the separate audited consolidated financial statements of Marel as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

   

the separate unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Marel as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the related notes, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

For more information regarding such historical consolidated financial statements and related notes that are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus, see the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2024 gives effect to the Transaction as if it had occurred or become effective on March 31, 2024. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 give effect to the Transaction and the Transaction Financing as if it had occurred or become effective on January 1, 2023.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and should be read together with the accompanying notes. Such notes describe the assumptions and estimates related to the adjustments to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the separate respective audited consolidated financial statements of JBT and Marel, included or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Description of the Transaction

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, the Offeror will make a voluntary public takeover offer to Marel Shareholders to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, not including any treasury shares held by Marel. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the Minimum Acceptance Condition. If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns at least 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, to

 

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the extent permitted by applicable law, within three months of the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror (or a permitted assignee of the Offeror) will launch the Squeeze-Out for, at the election of the Marel Shareholders and subject to proration provisions described in this proxy statement/prospectus, either JBT Offer Shares, cash or a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash (or, for those Marel Shareholders who do not make an election, a mix of JBT Offer Shares and cash in the same proportion as the average mix of the Offer). The Squeeze-Out would eliminate any minority shareholder interests in Marel remaining after the Offer Closing Time. If, immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns less than 90% of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares, then the Offeror may initiate the Merger. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares (not including any treasury shares held by Marel) are validly tendered and accepted in the Offer and no Squeeze-Out or Merger is conducted.

In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares. Elections will be subject to a proration process, as described in this proxy statement/prospectus, such that the Marel Shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Offer will receive an aggregate of approximately EUR 950 million in cash and approximately a 38% interest in the combined company. The estimated purchase price reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares (not including any treasury shares held by Marel) are validly tendered and accepted in the Offer.

In connection with the Transaction, JBT anticipates that the Marel Shares will be delisted from Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam. The JBT Shares will remain listed on the NYSE upon completion of the Transaction under the symbol “JBT,” and JBT intends to submit the Secondary Listing Application to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the closing of the Offer.

At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Stock Option that was granted prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time with an exercise price per share less than the Marel Closing Price, whether vested or unvested, will automatically be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product of (i) the number of Marel Shares subject to such Marel Stock Option as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Marel Closing Price over the exercise price per share of such Marel Stock Option. Each Marel Stock Option with an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the Marel Closing Price will be cancelled without any cash payment being made in respect thereof.

Any Marel Interim Period Award will not vest by virtue of the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time. At the Offer Closing Time, each Marel Interim Period Award will cease to represent an award with respect to Marel Shares and be automatically converted into an award with respect to JBT Shares of comparable value and in such form as determined by JBT in good faith consultation with Marel. Immediately following the Offer Closing Time, each such converted award will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions regarding vesting and forfeiture as were applicable to the corresponding Marel Interim Period Award immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, no Marel Interim Period Awards have been granted.

In connection with the Transaction, on April 4, 2024, JBT entered into the Bridge Credit Agreement. If drawn, loans under the Bridge Credit Agreement accrue interest at the EURIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, increasing by 0.50% per annum at the end of the first 90 day period after the initial borrowing date and by an additional 0.50% per annum at the end of each 90 day period thereafter until the maturity date of the Bridge Credit Agreement. Any such drawn amounts and the amount of the undrawn and available commitments are also subject to a duration fee that accrues daily at a rate of 0.75% for the period of time from 90 days after the initial

 

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borrowing date until the 180th day after the initial borrowing date, 1.00% for the period of time from 180 days after the initial borrowing date until the 270th day after the initial borrowing date and 1.25% for the period of time from 270 days after the initial borrowing date until the maturity date of the Bridge Credit Agreement. JBT may voluntarily prepay the Bridge Credit Agreement, if drawn, at any time without premium or penalty.

On April 4, 2024, JBT also entered into a backstop commitment letter pursuant to which the banks party thereto have committed to provide and to arrange, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of the backstop commitment letter, a $1.3 billion revolving credit facility to the extent that Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not amended to expressly permit the Transaction and make certain other amendments as set forth in the backstop commitment letter, which JBT Revolving Credit Facility would be available finance the Transaction, to pay related fees and expenses and for general working capital purposes. If the amendment to the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility is not achieved, the JBT Revolving Credit Facility would be on substantially the same terms as the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility if it were successfully amended in the manner as contemplated in the backstop commitment letter. See the section titled “The Transaction—Description of Financing” for additional information regarding the anticipated financings of the Transaction.

JBT plans to fund the cash portion of the Transaction through a combination of (i) cash on hand (ii) availability under the JBT Revolving Credit Facility and Bridge Credit Agreement, (iii) new debt financing or (iv) any combination of the foregoing. JBT intends to borrow a total of approximately $1.6 billion that will be used to (a) pay the cash consideration in the Offer, (b) repay certain existing indebtedness of Marel and (c) pay transaction costs (collectively, the “Transaction Financing”). The timing and form of borrowings is currently unknown but is expected to include a refinancing of the JBT Revolving Credit Facility and the incurrence of indebtedness through the issuance of secured and/or unsecured financing, and/or a short-term bridge loan facility. Since terms of the Transaction Financing are currently unavailable, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is prepared using the terms of the Bridge Credit Agreement, as further discussed in Note 6.

These assumptions and expectations are subject to change, and the debt issuance costs to be incurred and related interest expense could vary significantly from what is assumed in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. Other factors that are subject to change include, but are not limited to, the timing of borrowings, the amount of cash on hand at the time of the closing and inputs to interest rate determination on debt instruments issued. See the section titled “The Transaction—Description of Financing” for additional information.

Accounting for the Transaction

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared by JBT using the acquisition method of accounting, with JBT as the acquirer for accounting purposes. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, the applicable historical financial statements of Marel have been reclassified to align to the financial statement presentation of JBT, translated into U.S. dollars, and preliminarily adjusted for differences between IFRS and JBT’s GAAP accounting policies for material accounting policy differences identified to date. Further, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information includes transaction accounting adjustments which are necessary to account for the Transaction in accordance with GAAP and adjustments to reflect the Transaction Financing. The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon certain assumptions that JBT’s management believes are reasonable and currently available information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of results that would have occurred had the Transaction been completed as of the dates indicated above. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to be indicative of the future financial position or operating results of the combined operations and does not reflect the costs of any integration activities nor any benefits that may result from realization of future cost savings from operating efficiencies or revenue or other synergies expected to result from the Transaction.

 

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The valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary and have not been finalized. JBT intends to finalize valuations and other studies upon completion of the Transaction and will finalize the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable within the measurement period, but in no event later than one year following the closing date of the Transaction. The assets and liabilities of Marel have been measured based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that JBT management believes are reasonable and based on currently available information. Accordingly, the pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been made solely for the purpose of providing this unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. Differences between these preliminary estimates and the final purchase accounting will occur, and the final purchase accounting could be materially different from the preliminary estimates used to prepare the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and could have a material impact on the combined company’s future results of operations and financial position.

 

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JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

As of March 31, 2024

 

(In millions)   Historical
JBT
    Historical
Marel (IFRS)
Adjusted for
Reclassifications
    IFRS to
GAAP
Adjustments
          Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
          Transaction
Financing
Adjustments
          Pro
Forma
Combined
 
Assets:         Note 2     Note 3           Note 5           Note 6              

Current Assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 479.0     $ 38.7         $ (1,970.8     5(a)     $ 1,553.1       6(a)     $ 100.0  

Trade receivables, net of allowances

    220.7       211.9           —              432.6  

Contract assets

    78.6       51.7           —            130.3  

Inventories

    250.2       374.6           35.0       5(b)           659.8  

Other current assets

    73.9       106.0       8.4       3(c)       —              188.3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

    1,102.4       782.9       8.4         (1,935.8       1,553.1         1,511.0  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    246.7       371.7           159.3       5(c)           777.7  

Goodwill

    775.2       930.3           496.5       5(e)           2,202.0  

Intangible assets, net

    376.0       559.5       (109.7     3(a)       1,610.2       5(d)           2,436.0  

Other assets

    190.4       118.4       (8.4     3(c)       (25.2     5(f)       (2.3     6(b)       272.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 2,690.7     $ 2,762.8     $ (109.7     $ 305.0       $ 1,550.8       $ 7,199.6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                 

Current Liabilities:

                 

Accounts payable, trade and other

    142.4       169.5           —            311.9  

Advance and progress payments

    161.1       292.7           —              453.8  

Accrued payroll

    33.2       99.8           —            133.0  

Other current liabilities

    129.4       78.8           3.2       5(g)       (2.3 )     6(b)       209.1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    466.1       640.8       —          3.2         (2.3       1,107.8  

Long-term debt

    647.0       863.7           (863.7     5(h)       1,553.1       6(a)       2,200.1  

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits, less current portion

    23.3       —            —              23.3  

Other liabilities

    63.2       137.1       (27.4     3(a)       449.1       5(i)           622.0  

Stockholders’ Equity:

                 

Common stock and additional paid-in capital

    222.4       481.4           1,355.9       5(j)           2,059.7  

Retained earnings

    1,483.1       680.0       (82.3     3(a)       (679.7     5(j)           1,401.1  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (214.4     (40.2         40.2       5(j)           (214.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

    1,491.1       1,121.2       (82.3       716.4         —          3,246.4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $ 2,690.7     $ 2,762.8     $ (109.7     $ 305.0       $ 1,550.8       $ 7,199.6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three months ended March 31, 2024

 

(In millions, except per share
data)
  Historical
JBT
    Historical
Marel (IFRS)
Adjusted For
Reclassifications
    IFRS to
GAAP
Adjustments
          Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
          Transaction
Financing
Adjustments
          Pro
Forma
Combined
 
          Note 2     Note 3           Note 5           Note 6              

Revenue

  $ 392.3     $ 448.5                 $ 840.8  

Operating expenses:

                 

Cost of products

    252.0       286.9       —        3(b)       4.9       5(j)           543.8  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    110.1       143.8       —        3(a)(b)       9.9       5(k)           263.8  

Restructuring expense

    1.1       4.8                   5.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating income

    29.1       13.0       —          (14.8       —          27.3  

Pension expense, other than service cost

    1.0       —                    1.0  

Interest expense, net

    (2.8     15.0       (0.3     3(b)       (13.8     5(l)       31.8       6(c)       29.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    30.9       (2.0     0.3         (1.0       (31.8       (3.6

Income tax provision

    8.1       1.3       0.1       5(m)       (0.3     5(m)       (8.0     6(d)       1.2  

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

    (0.1     (0.1                 (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 22.7     $ (3.4   $ 0.2       $ (0.7     $ (23.8     $ (5.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

  $ 0.71     $ 0.00                 $ (0.10

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

  $ 0.71     $ 0.00                 $ (0.10

Shares used in computing basic earnings per share

    32.0       754.0                   51.9  

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share

    32.2       754.0                   51.9  

 

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JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Year ended December 31, 2023

 

(In millions, except per share
data)
  Historical
JBT
    Historical
Marel (IFRS)
Adjusted For
Reclassifications
    IFRS to
GAAP
Adjustments
          Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
          Transaction
Financing
Adjustments
          Pro
Forma
Combined
 
          Note 2     Note 3           Note 5           Note 6              

Revenue

  $ 1,664.4     $ 1,879.1                 $ 3,543.5  

Operating expenses:

                 

Cost of products

    1,078.7       1,225.9       0.1       3(b)       54.3       5(j)           2,359.0  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    409.6       541.6       12.4       3(a)(b)       116.2       5(k)           1,079.8  

Restructuring expense

    11.4       9.4                   20.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating income

    164.7       102.2       (12.5       (170.5       —          83.9  

Pension expense, other than service cost

    0.7       —                    0.7  

Interest expense, net

    10.9       62.3       (1.5     3(b)       (51.6     5(l)       176.2       6(c)       196.3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    153.1       39.9       (11.0       (118.9       (176.2       (113.1

Income tax provision

    23.5       5.6       (2.8     5(m)       (18.8     5(m)       (44.1     6(d)       (36.6

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

    (0.3     (0.5                 (0.8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 129.3     $ 33.8     $ (8.2     $ (100.1     $ (132.1     $ (77.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

  $ 4.04     $ 0.04                 $ (1.49

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

  $ 4.02     $ 0.04                 $ (1.49

Shares used in computing basic earnings per share

    32.0       753.5                   51.9  

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share

    32.1       754.0                   51.9  

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED

COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2024 gives effect to the Transaction and the Transaction Financing as if they had been consummated on March 31, 2024. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income give effect to the Transaction and the Transaction Financing as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2023, the first day of JBT’s fiscal year.

The historical audited financial statements of JBT are prepared in accordance with GAAP and are reported in U.S. dollars. The historical audited financial statements of Marel are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and are reported in Euro. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, Marel’s historical consolidated statement of financial position as of March 31, 2024 was translated using the spot rate on March 31, 2024 (1.0784 $/€). Marel’s historical unaudited consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was translated using the average exchange rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (1.0869 $/€). Marel’s historical consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was translated using the average exchange rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 (1.0916 $/€).

For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, the historical financial information of Marel has been reclassified to conform to JBT’s financial statement presentation, converted from IFRS to GAAP, and compiled in a manner consistent with the accounting policies adopted by JBT as set forth in its audited historical financial statements. These adjustments are described further in the following notes. JBT is currently in the process of evaluating Marel’s accounting policies and converting Marel’s financials to GAAP, which will be finalized upon completion of the Transaction, or as more information becomes available. As a result of that review, additional differences could be identified between the accounting policies of the two companies.

The Transaction will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. JBT has been deemed the acquirer for accounting purposes and has therefore estimated the fair value of Marel’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the fair value concepts defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. In identifying JBT as the acquiring entity, management reviewed the proposed composition of the combined company’s board of directors, a majority of whom will be existing directors of JBT, the entity issuing the shares and cash to be used as Transaction consideration, the designation of JBT’s President and Chief Executive Officer as the Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, as well as the fact that JBT’s existing shareholders will own the majority of the combined company after completion of the Transaction.

Under ASC 805, all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recognized and measured at their assumed acquisition date fair value, while transaction costs associated with the business combination are expensed as incurred. The excess of the Transaction consideration over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, is allocated to goodwill.

The allocation of the aggregate Transaction consideration depends upon certain estimates and assumptions, all of which are preliminary. The allocation of the aggregate Transaction consideration has been made for the purpose of developing the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. The final determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Transaction could differ materially from the preliminary allocation of aggregate Transaction consideration. The final valuation will be based on the actual net tangible and intangible assets of Marel existing at the acquisition date.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect any expected cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements that the combined entity may achieve as a result of the

 

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Transaction or any acquisition and integration costs that may be incurred. Management is not aware of any material transactions between JBT and Marel during the periods presented. Accordingly, adjustments to eliminate transactions between JBT and Marel have not been reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

Note 2. Reclassifications

Marel’s historical balances were derived from Marel’s historical financial statements described above and are presented under IFRS and converted from Euro to U.S. dollars based on the historical exchange rates presented above in Note 1.

During the preparation of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, JBT performed a preliminary review of Marel’s financial information to identify differences in financial statement presentation as compared to the presentation of JBT. Based on the information currently available, certain reclassifications have been made to Marel’s historical financial statements to conform to JBT’s presentation. Upon consummation of the Transaction, further review of Marel’s financial statements may result in additional reclassifications, which could be materially different from the amounts set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented herein.

Refer to the table below for a preliminary reconciliation of the historical financial information of Marel to JBT’s presentation:

 

Balance Sheet Information as of March 31, 2024

Marel Financial Statement Line

   Marel
Historical
Amount
     Marel
Historical
Amount
     Reclassification     Marel
Historical
Reclassified
Amount
    

JBT Financial

Statement Line

(in millions)    EUR      USD                    

Assets

              Assets

Property, plant and equipment

   344.7      $ 371.7        $ 371.7      Property, plant and equipment, net

Right of use assets

     39.3        42.4          42.4      Other assets

Goodwill

     862.7        930.3          930.3      Goodwill

Intangible assets

     539.8        582.1        (22.6 ) (a)      559.5      Intangible assets, net
           22.6  (a)      22.6      Other assets

Investments in associates

     3.7        4.0          4.0      Other assets

Other non-current financial assets

     3.6        3.9          3.9      Other assets

Derivative financial instruments

     2.4        2.6          2.6      Other assets

Deferred income tax assets

     39.8        42.9          42.9      Other assets
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Non-current assets

     1,836.0        1,979.9        —        1,979.9     

Inventories

     347.4        374.6          374.6      Inventories

Contract assets

     44.8        48.3        3.4  (b)      51.8      Contract assets

Trade receivables

     196.5        211.9          211.9      Trade receivables, net of allowances

Derivative financial instruments

     0.8        0.9          0.9      Other current assets

Current income tax receivables

     6.4        6.9          6.9      Other current assets

Other receivables and prepayments

     94.2        101.6        (3.4 ) (b)      98.1      Other current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

     35.9        38.7          38.7      Cash and cash equivalents
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Current assets

     726.0        782.9          782.9      Current Assets
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total assets

   2,562.0      $ 2,762.8      $ —      $ 2,762.8      Total Assets
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

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Balance Sheet Information as of March 31, 2024

Marel Financial Statement Line

   Marel
Historical
Amount
    Marel
Historical
Amount
    Reclassification     Marel
Historical
Reclassified
Amount
   

JBT Financial

Statement Line

(in millions)    EUR     USD                  

Equity and liabilities

           Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Share capital

   6.7     $ 7.2       $ 7.2     Common stock and additional paid-in capital

Share premium reserve

     439.7       474.2         474.2     Common stock and additional paid-in capital

Other reserves

     (37.3     (40.2       (40.2   Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

     630.6       680.0         680.0     Retained earnings
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,039.7       1,121.2       —        1,121.2     Total stockholders’ equity
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Liabilities

          

Borrowings

     800.9       863.7         863.7     Long-term debt

Lease liabilities

     30.0       32.4         32.4     Other liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

     84.9       91.6         91.6     Other liabilities

Provisions

     7.6       8.2         8.2     Other liabilities

Other payables

     2.7       2.9         2.9     Other liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

     1.9       2.0         2.0     Other liabilities
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Non-current liabilities

     928.0       1,000.8       —        1,000.8    

Contract liabilities

     262.4       283.0         283.0     Advance and progress payments

Trade and other payables

     308.0       332.1       (162.6 )(c)      169.5     Accounts payable, trade and other
         9.7 (c)      9.7     Advance and progress payments
         99.8 (c)      99.8     Accrued payroll
         53.1 (c)      53.1     Other current liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

     0.4       0.4         0.4     Other current liabilities

Current income tax liabilities

     3.0       3.2         3.2     Other current liabilities

Lease liabilities

     11.0       11.9         11.9     Other current liabilities

Provisions

     9.5       10.2         10.2     Other current liabilities
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Current liabilities

     594.3       640.8       —        640.8     Total current liabilities
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total liabilities

     1,522.3       1,641.6       —        1,641.6    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total equity and liabilities

   2,562.0     $ 2,762.8     $ —      $ 2,762.8     Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(a)

Reclassification of historical Marel capitalized software costs that are presented within Other assets by JBT.

(b)

Reclassification of historical Marel unbilled revenue that is presented within Contract assets by JBT.

(c)

Reclassification of historical Marel trade and other payables to align with JBT’s chart of accounts.

 

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Statement of Income Information for the three months ended March 31, 2024

Marel Financial Statement Line

   Marel
Historical
Amount
    Marel
Historical
Amount
    Reclassification     Marel
Historical
Reclassified
Amount
   

JBT Financial Statement Line

(in millions)    EUR     USD                  

Revenues

   412.6     $ 448.5       $ 448.5     Revenue

Cost of sales

     (264.1     (287.1     0.2  (a)      (286.9   Cost of products
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross profit

     148.5       161.4       0.2       161.6    

Selling and marketing expense

     (64.6     (70.2     0.2  (a)      (70.0   Selling, general and administrative expense

General and administrative expense

     (40.4     (43.9     2.2  (a)      (41.7   Selling, general and administrative expense

Research and development expenses

     (31.6     (34.3     2.2  (a)      (32.1   Selling, general and administrative expense
         (4.8 ) (a)      (4.8   Restructuring expense
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Result from operations

     11.9       13.0       —        13.0     Operating Income

Finance costs

     (15.0     (16.3       (16.3   Interest expense, net

Finance income

     1.2       1.3         1.3     Interest expense, net
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net finance costs

     (13.8     (15.0     —        (15.0  

Share of result of associates

     (0.1     (0.1       (0.1   Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Result before income tax

     (2.0     (2.1     —        (2.1   Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax

     (1.2     (1.3       (1.3   Income tax provision
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net result

   (3.2   $ (3.4   $ —      $ (3.4   Net income from continuing operations
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(a)

Reclassification of Marel restructuring costs to restructuring expense as presented by JBT.

 

Statement of Income Information for the year ended December 31, 2023

Marel Financial Statement Line

   Marel
Historical
Amount
    Marel
Historical
Amount
    Reclassification     Marel
Historical
Reclassified
Amount
   

JBT Financial Statement Line

(in millions)    EUR     USD                  

Revenues

   1,721.4     $ 1,879.1       $ 1,879.1     Revenue

Cost of sales

     (1,125.0     (1,228.1     2.2  (a)      (1,225.9   Cost of products
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross profit

     596.4       651.0       2.2       653.2    

Selling and marketing expense

     (249.1     (271.9     2.6  (a)      (269.3   Selling, general and administrative expense

General and administrative expense

     (134.4     (146.7     2.0  (a)      (144.7   Selling, general and administrative expense

Research and development expenses

     (119.3     (130.2     2.6  (a)      (127.6   Selling, general and administrative expense
         (9.4 ) (a)      (9.4   Restructuring expense
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Result from operations

     93.6       102.2       —        102.2     Operating Income

Finance costs

     (57.4     (62.7       (62.7   Interest expense, net

Finance income

     0.4       0.4         0.4     Interest expense, net
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net finance costs

     (57.0     (62.3     —        (62.3  

 

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Statement of Income Information for the year ended December 31, 2023

Marel Financial Statement Line

   Marel
Historical
Amount
    Marel
Historical
Amount
    Reclassification      Marel
Historical
Reclassified
Amount
   

JBT Financial Statement Line

(in millions)    EUR     USD                   

Share of result of associates

     (0.5     (0.5        (0.5   Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Result before income tax

     36.1       39.4       —         39.4     Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax

     (5.1     (5.6        (5.6   Income tax provision
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Net result

   31.0     $ 33.8     $ —       $ 33.8     Net income from continuing operations
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

(a)

Reclassification of Marel restructuring costs to restructuring expense as presented by JBT.

Note 3. IFRS to GAAP and Policy Adjustments

The historical consolidated financial information of Marel has been converted from IFRS to GAAP, applying JBT’s GAAP accounting policies.

Based on a preliminary review performed by JBT of Marel’s financial information, the following adjustments have been made to reflect Marel’s historical consolidated statement of financial position and consolidated income statement on a GAAP basis for the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. At this time, JBT is not aware of any accounting policy differences that would have a material impact on the pro forma condensed combined financial information that are not reflected in the pro forma adjustments. Following the transaction, JBT will finalize the review of accounting policies and IFRS to GAAP adjustments, which could be materially different from the amounts set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented herein.

 

a.

Product development expenditures. Marel incurs expenses as part of development projects relating to the design and testing of new and or improved products which are capitalized as intangible assets under IFRS. Under GAAP, these costs are expensed as incurred, unless recognized in a business combination, as described in Note 4. The resulting adjustments therefore expense such costs as selling, general, and administrative expense, and reverse historical amortization of previously capitalized development costs as follows:

 

(in millions)    As of
March 31, 2024
     For the three
months ended
March 31,
2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Condensed Balance Sheet

        

Decrease to Intangible assets, net

   $ (109.7      

Decrease to Other liabilities

   $ (27.4      

Decrease to Retained earnings

   $ (82.3      

Condensed Statement of Income

        

(Decrease) increase to Selling, general and administrative expense

      $ (0.1    $ 12.1  

 

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b.

Leases. Under IFRS, lessees have only one lease classification, which is similar to the finance lease classification under GAAP. Based on a preliminary review of the nature of Marel’s lease arrangements, substantially all of Marel’s leases are expected to be classified as operating leases under GAAP. As a result, adjustments have been made to replace the historical amortization of right-of-use assets and interest expense recognized by Marel under IFRS with straight-line lease expense. The following adjustments have been made for Marel’s operating leases under GAAP:

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2024
     For the year ended
December 31, 2023
 

Condensed Statement of Income

 

Decrease to Interest expense, net

   $ (0.3    $ (1.5

Increase to Cost of sales

   $ —       $ 0.1  

Increase to Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 0.1      $ 0.3  

 

c.

Taxes on Intra-Entity Transfers of Inventory. Under GAAP, the tax effect of intra-entity transfers of inventory are deferred until the related inventory is sold or disposed of, and no deferred taxes are recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the inventory in the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of the inventory in the buyer’s tax jurisdiction. In addition, the tax paid or payable from the intra-entity transfer is deferred upon consolidation and is not included in tax expense until the inventory is sold to an unrelated third party. Under IFRS, there is no exception for recognizing such tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of inventory. The following adjustments have been made to Marel’s tax balances under GAAP:

 

(in millions)    As of March 31, 2024  

Condensed Balance Sheet

 

Increase to prepaid tax assets (other current assets)

   $ 8.4  

Decrease to deferred tax assets (other assets)

   $ (8.4

Note 4. Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

The total preliminary Transaction consideration has been allocated to Marel’s assets and liabilities based upon management’s preliminary estimate of their fair values as if the Transaction had been consummated on March 31, 2024. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information only, the valuation of the Transaction consideration uses JBT’s closing share price as of May 6, 2024, of $92.11 per share. The value of the JBT Offer Shares portion of the Transaction consideration will ultimately be based on JBT’s share price as of the closing date of the Offer and could materially change from the price reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. A change of 10% in the price of JBT Offer Shares would increase or decrease the total Transaction consideration by approximately $183.7 million, which would be reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information as an increase or decrease to goodwill, respectively, as summarized in the table below.

 

Change in share price (in millions, except share price)    JBT Share
Price ($)
     Estimated
Purchase
Consideration
     Estimated
Goodwill
 

As presented

     92.11      $ 3,729.9      $ 1,426.8  

10% increase

     101.32      $ 3,913.6      $ 1,610.5  

10% decrease

     82.90      $ 3,546.2      $ 1,243.1  

In the Offer, Marel Shareholders may exchange each Marel Share, at their election, for (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued,

 

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fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares. Elections will be subject to a proration process, as described in this proxy statement/prospectus, such that the Marel Shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Offer will receive an aggregate of approximately EUR 950 million in cash and approximately a 38% interest in the combined company. The estimated purchase price reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that all of the issued and outstanding Marel Shares (not including any treasury shares held by Marel) are validly tendered and accepted in the Offer.

As discussed under “The Transaction—Post-Completion Reorganization—Squeeze-Out,” it is possible that Marel Shareholders who do not tender their Marel Shares in the Offer may receive a different form and amount of consideration and may receive consideration on different dates.

The following table summarizes the components of the preliminary estimated Transaction Consideration:

 

(In millions, except per share data)       

Number of Marel Shares outstanding (1)

     754.0  

Share exchange ratio

     0.0407  

Equity consideration ratio

     65.0
  

 

 

 

JBT Offer Shares issued

     19.9  

JBT Share price (2)

   $ 92.11  
  

 

 

 

Estimated value of JBT Offer Shares issued to Marel Shareholders

   $ 1,837.2  

Cash consideration ratio

     35.0

Euro per share

   3.60  

Estimated cash consideration to Marel Shareholders (3)

   $ 1,023.6  

Estimated settlement of Marel debt (4)

   $ 869.1  

Estimated fair value of Marel stock options attributable to pre-combination vesting (5)

     — 
  

 

 

 

Total preliminary estimated Purchase Consideration

   $ 3,729.9  
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Assumes all issued and outstanding Marel Shares (other than treasury shares held by Marel) are validly tendered and accepted in the Offer.

(2)

Represents JBT’s closing share price as of May 6, 2024, of $92.11 per share.

(3)

Estimated cash consideration paid to Marel Shareholders is determined using the Euro to USD exchange rate as of May 6, 2024, 1.0775 $/€.

(4)

Represents gross settlement of Marel’s existing long-term debt that is not expected to be assumed by JBT using the EUR to USD exchange rate as of May 6, 2024, 1.0775 $/€. See Note 6.

(5)

Represents the current expected settlement outcome for the Marel Stock Options. Each Marel Stock Option that was granted prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time, whether vested or unvested, may be eligible for cash consideration if the exercise price per share of the Marel Stock Option is less than the Marel Closing Price. Based on the current share price of Marel, all Marel Stock Options are out of the money as the exercise price exceeds the current Marel share price. Accordingly, all Marel Stock Options are being assumed to be cancelled for no consideration in this unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

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The following is a preliminary estimate of the assets to be acquired and the liabilities to be assumed by JBT in the Transaction, reconciled to the estimated Transaction consideration:

 

(In millions)    Preliminary
estimate of
fair value
     Total  

Estimated Purchase Consideration

      $ 3,729.9  

Marel net assets acquired:

     

Assets:

     

Financial assets (1)

     504.1     

Inventories

     409.6     

Property, plant and equipment

     531.0     

Intangible assets

     2,060.0     
  

 

 

    

Total assets acquired:

     3,504.7     

Liabilities assumed:

     

Financial liabilities (excluding deferred income tax liabilities) (1)

     686.3     

Deferred income tax liabilities

     515.3     
  

 

 

    

Total liabilities assumed

     1,201.6     
     

 

 

 

Total Marel net assets acquired

        2,303.1  
     

 

 

 

Goodwill

      $ 1,426.8  
     

 

 

 

 

(1)

Neither Financial assets nor Financial liabilities have been adjusted for an estimated $32.0 million of transaction costs expected to be incurred by Marel through the closing date of the Transaction.

The fair value of assets and liabilities of Marel above have been measured based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that JBT management believes are reasonable and are based on currently available information. For the preliminary estimate of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Marel, JBT used publicly available benchmarking information as well as a variety of other assumptions, including market participant assumptions. Income- based, market-based, and/or cost-based valuation approaches using preliminary information were compared against benchmarking information to conclude upon a preliminary estimate of fair values. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities was based upon this preliminary estimate of fair values. Accordingly, the pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been made solely for the purpose of providing this unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. The final determination of the purchase price allocation, upon the consummation of the Transaction, will be based on Marel’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of that date and will depend on a number of factors that cannot be predicted with certainty at this time.

JBT expects to use widely accepted income-based, market-based and/or cost-based valuation approaches upon finalization of purchase accounting for the Transaction. Differences between these preliminary estimates and the final purchase accounting will occur, and the final purchase accounting could be materially different from the preliminary estimates used to prepare the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and could have a material impact on the combined company’s future results of operations and financial position.

Note 5. Transaction Accounting Adjustments

The determination of transaction-related adjustments presented herein are preliminary and based in part on JBT management’s estimates of the fair value and useful lives of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The adjustments have been prepared to illustrate the estimated effect of the Transaction. Amounts recognized following the consummation of the Transaction may differ significantly based upon finalization of the fair values of assets acquired and useful lives thereon for the purpose of periodic depreciation, amortization and other expenses recognized in those subsequent periods.

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

[a] Cash and cash equivalents

The change in cash and cash equivalents was determined as follows:

 

(in millions)    Amount  

Estimated cash consideration to Marel shareholders

   $ (1,023.6

Estimated settlement of Marel debt (1)

     (869.1

Estimated transaction costs (2)

     (78.7

Estimated settlement of Marel interest rate swaps (3)

     0.6  
  

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 1,970.8  
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents gross settlement of Marel’s existing long-term debt that is not expected to be assumed by JBT using the EUR to USD exchange rate as of May 6, 2024, 1.0775 $/€. See Note 5(h).

(2)

Estimated transaction costs consist of bank fees, financial advisory fees, and other professional fees of JBT of $78.7 million expected to be incurred and paid through the closing date of the Transaction. See Notes 5(j) and 5(k). No adjustment has been reflected in this unaudited pro forma combined financial information for an estimated $32.0 million of transaction costs that Marel expects to incur through the closing of the Transaction.

(3)

Represents the net cash settlement of Marel’s existing interest rate swaps that are contractually required to be terminated upon a full repayment of the hedged debt instruments. See Notes 5(f), 5(g) and 5(h).

[b] Inventories, net

Represents an adjustment to increase the carrying value of Marel’s inventories by approximately $35.0 million to adjust to its preliminary estimated fair value. This estimated step-up is preliminary and is subject to change based upon a final determination of the fair value of the inventories at the close of the transaction. This step-up will be expensed to cost of products as the acquired inventory is sold, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the closing date of the Transaction. See Note 5(i).

[c] Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

Represents an adjustment to eliminate Marel’s historical property, plant and equipment and to reflect the acquired property, plant and equipment at the estimated fair value of $531.0 million. The fair value was estimated using a cost approach based on the net book value of each asset class adjusted for (i) the current market replacement cost and (ii) the physical and technology attributes of the property, plant and equipment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values and useful life by asset class:

 

(in millions, except useful lives)    Preliminary fair value      Estimated Weighted
Average Useful Life
(in years)
 

Land and buildings

   $ 361.0        24  

Plant, equipment and IT hardware

     116.0        7  

Vehicles

     20.0        7  

Construction in progress

     34.0        N/A  
  

 

 

    

Total acquired property, plant and equipment

   $ 531.0     

Removal of Marel’s historical property, plant and equipment

     (371.7   
  

 

 

    

Pro forma net adjustment

   $ 159.3     
  

 

 

    

 

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[d] Intangible assets, net

Represents adjustments to eliminate Marel’s historical intangible assets and capitalized software costs recorded and to reflect the acquired identifiable intangible assets consisting of customer relationship, patents and developed technology, and trademarks at the estimated aggregate fair value of $2,060.0 million. The fair value of the acquired customer relationship intangible asset is estimated based on a multi-period excess earnings method which calculates the present value of the estimated revenues and net cash flows derived from it. A relief-from-royalty method is used to estimate the fair values the acquired trademarks and patents and developed technology, whereby the asset value is determined by reference to the value of the hypothetical royalty payments that would be saved through owning the asset, as compared with licensing the intangible asset from a third party.

The following table summarizes the fair values of Marel’s identifiable intangible assets and their estimated useful lives operations:

 

(in millions, except useful lives)    Preliminary fair value      Estimated Useful Life
(in years)
 

Customer relationship

   $ 1,380.0        20  

Patents and acquired technology

     420.0        20  

Trademarks

     260.0        30  
  

 

 

    

Total acquired intangible assets

   $ 2,060.0     

Removal of Marel’s historical intangible assets

     (449.8   
  

 

 

    

Pro forma net adjustment

   $ 1,610.2     
  

 

 

    

[e] Goodwill

Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the consideration expected to be transferred and the values assigned to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Refer to the table in Note 4 above for the calculation of the fair value of consideration transferred in excess of the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the preliminary allocation of the estimated purchase consideration to the identifiable tangible and intangible asset acquired and liabilities assumed of Marel.

 

(in millions)    Preliminary fair value  

Fair value of consideration transferred in excess of the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

   $ 1,426.8  

Removal of Marel’s historical goodwill

     (930.3
  

 

 

 

Pro forma net adjustment

   $ 496.5  
  

 

 

 

 

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[f] Other assets

The change in other assets was determined as follows:

 

(in millions)    Pro forma net
adjustment
 

Removal of Marel’s historical capitalized software costs (1)

   $ (22.6

Removal of Marel’s interest rate swap derivative assets (2)

     (2.6
  

 

 

 

Pro forma net adjustment

   $ (25.2
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents the derecognition of historical capitalized software costs recorded by Marel. The value associated with these assets is instead included within the estimated fair value of patents and acquired technology, which is presented separately within intangible assets, net. See Note 5(d).

(2)

Represents the required contractual termination of certain interest rate swaps held by Marel in connection with the expected repayment of Marel’s existing long-term debt as discussed in Note 5(h).

[g] Other current liabilities

Represents an accrual of the Transaction Bonus of $3.2 million that is expected to be paid to certain members of Marel’s executive management and other employees who are eligible to receive a cash bonus to be paid in a single lump sum at the Offer Closing Time. This accrual reflects additional compensation cost to be recorded in the post-acquisition financial statements of the combined company. See Note 5(l).

[h] Long-term debt

Represents adjustment to long-term debt of $863.7 million to reflect the repayment and settlement of the Long-term debt of Marel consisting of the Promissory Notes, Dutch Revolving Credit Facility, and term loans, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, which are expected to occur in connection with the closing of the Offer. See Note 6 for adjustments related to the Transaction Financing.

[i] Other liabilities

Represents, in part, the derecognition of $2.0 million of derivative liabilities, which reflects the required contractual termination of certain interest rate swaps held by Marel in connection with the expected repayment of Marel’s existing long-term debt as discussed in Note 5(h).

Pro forma adjustments have also been made to reflect deferred taxes that are expected to arise as a result of the Transaction.

A pro forma adjustment to deferred taxes is recognized with other liabilities to reflect the anticipated income tax treatment of the Transaction resulting from pro forma fair value adjustments of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on an estimate of the applicable statutory tax rate of 25%. The income tax treatment determination is preliminary and subject to change depending on activities that have not occurred yet, including tax structuring, the form of the Merger or Squeeze-Out, finalization of tax elections, and other studies based on which certain tax basis and deductions may or may not be available. The effective tax rate of the combined company could be significantly different (either higher or lower) depending on post-Transaction activities, including cash needs, the geographical mix of income and changes in tax law and finalization of the purchase price allocations. Because the tax rates used for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information are estimated, the blended rate will likely vary from the actual effective rate in periods subsequent to consummation of the Transaction. This determination is preliminary and subject to change based upon the final determination of the fair value of the acquired assets and

 

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assumed liabilities. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not include adjustments for potential changes in the combined company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets.

 

(in millions)    Preliminary fair value step-up  

Inventory (see Note 5(b))

   $ 35.0  

Property, plant and equipment (see Note 5(c))

     159.3  

Intangible assets (see Note 5(d))

     1,610.2  
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma fair value adjustment

   $ 1,804.5  

Statutory tax rate

     25
  

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment – deferred income taxes

   $ 451.1  
  

 

 

 

Removal of Marel’s interest rate swap derivative liabilities

     (2.0
  

 

 

 

Pro forma net adjustment

   $ 449.1  
  

 

 

 

[j] Stockholders’ equity

Represents adjustments to stockholders’ equity, which consist of the following:

 

(in millions)    Common stock
and additional
paid-in capital
     Retained
earnings
     Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 

Elimination of Marel’s historical equity

   $ (481.4    $ (680.0    $ 40.2  

IFRS to GAAP adjustments (see Note 3)

        82.3     

JBT Offer Shares issued to Marel Shareholders

     1,837.2        

Estimated JBT Transaction costs (1)

        (78.7   

Estimated Marel Transaction Bonus (2)

        (3.2   

Vesting of JBT Director Restricted Stock Unit Awards (3)

     0.1        (0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 1,355.9      $ (679.7    $ 40.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents estimated bank fees, financial advisory fees, and other professional fees and Transaction costs of JBT resulting in an adjustment to retained earnings. See Notes 5(a) and 5(k).

(2)

Represents accrual of the Transaction Bonus payable to certain members of Marel’s executive management team to be paid in a single lump sum following the closing of the Transaction and recorded by JBT as post-acquisition compensation cost. See Note 5(l).

(3)

Represents the accelerated recognition of compensation cost associated with those certain JBT Director Restricted Stock Unit Awards that will automatically become fully vested upon the completion of the Transaction as the transaction will be a “change in control” as defined in the 2017 Plan. See Note 5(l) as well as the section titled “The Transaction—JBT Director Restricted Stock Unit Awards” for additional information.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income

[k] Cost of products

Represents adjustments to reflect additional pro forma expense associated with the preliminary estimate of the increase to the carrying value of Marel’s inventories to fair value in addition to the incremental

 

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depreciation expense and amortization expense from the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, respectively.

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Inventory fair value step-up recognized through Cost of products (1)

   $ —       $ 35.0  

Pro forma intangible asset amortization (2)

     5.3        21.0  

Pro forma tangible asset depreciation (3)

     3.2        12.9  

Removal of Marel historical depreciation

     (3.6      (14.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 4.9      $ 54.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

These costs are nonrecurring in nature and not anticipated to affect the condensed combined statement of income beyond twelve months after the closing of the Transaction.

(2)

Represents straight-line amortization of the estimated fair value of the acquired intangible asset for developed technology over its estimated useful life. See Note 5(d). A 10% change in the fair value of the acquired developed technology would cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the pro forma intangible asset amortization of approximately $0.5 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

(3)

Represents straight-line depreciation of the estimated fair value of the acquired property, plant and equipment over the estimated weighted average useful lives of those assets. See Note 5(c). Depreciation expense is allocated to cost of products and selling, general and administrative expense based upon the nature of the activities associated with the use of the acquired tangible assets. A 10% change in the fair value of the acquired tangible assets would cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the pro forma depreciation of approximately $0.3 million and $1.3 million recorded to cost of products for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

[l] Selling, general and administrative expense

Represents the adjustments to selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) associated with the preliminary estimate of the fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, which are recurring in nature, as well as incremental pro forma expense for estimated transactions costs, transaction bonuses, and incremental compensation cost for JBT to be incurred in connection with the Transaction, which are nonrecurring in nature and will not affect the condensed combined statement of income beyond twelve months after the closing of the Transaction.

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Estimated JBT Transaction costs (1)

   $ —       $ 78.7  

Estimated Marel Transaction Bonus (1)

     —         3.2  

Vesting of JBT Director Restricted Stock Unit Awards (1)

     —         0.1  

Pro forma adjusted depreciation, net (see below)

     (1.0      (4.4

Pro forma adjusted amortization, net (see below)

     10.9        38.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 9.9      $ 116.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(1)

See footnote 5(j) for additional description of this transaction accounting adjustment.

 

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Depreciation of acquired property, plant and equipment

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Pro forma tangible asset depreciation (1)

   $ 2.9      $ 11.6  

Removal of Marel historical depreciation

     (3.9      (16.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma net adjusted depreciation

   $ (1.0    $ (4.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents straight-line depreciation of the estimated fair value of the acquired property, plant and equipment over the estimated weighted average useful lives of those assets. See Note 5(c). Depreciation expense is allocated to cost of products and SG&A based upon the nature of the activities associated with the use of the acquired tangible assets. A 10% change in the fair value of the acquired tangible assets would cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the pro forma depreciation of approximately $0.3 million and $1.2 million recorded to SG&A for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

Pro forma tangible asset depreciation reflects the revised depreciation of property, plant and equipment assets arising from the Transaction and is based on management’s preliminary estimate of useful lives and future production. JBT has historically depreciated all asset classes of property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis. The amount of depreciation expense recognized following the close of the Transaction may differ significantly between periods based upon the final fair value assigned and depreciation methodology used for each category of property, plant and equipment.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31, 2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Pro forma intangible asset amortization (1)

   $ 19.4      $ 77.7  

Removal of Marel historical amortization

     (8.5      (39.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma net adjusted amortization

   $ 10.9      $ 38.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents straight-line amortization of the estimated fair value of the intangible assets for trade names and customer relationships over the estimated useful life of 30 years and 20 years, respectively. See Note 5(d).

Pro forma intangible asset amortization reflects the revised amortization of intangible assets arising from the Transaction and is based on JBT management’s preliminary estimate of useful lives. JBT has historically amortized all asset classes of intangible assets on a straight-line basis. A 10% change in the valuation of the acquired trade name and customer relationship intangible assets would cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the pro forma amortization expense of approximately $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively. The amount of amortization expense recognized following the close of the transaction may differ significantly between periods based upon the final fair value assigned, the final determination of useful lives and amortization methodology used for each intangible asset.

[m] Interest expense, net

Represents a decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023 as a result of the repayment of Marel’s Promissory Notes, revolving credit facility and term loans. Refer to Note 6 below for an incremental adjustment made to interest expense to recognize the pro forma impact of the Transaction Financing.

 

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Adjustments to interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31,
2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Removal of interest expense on repaid Marel borrowings

   $ (14.2    $ (53.8

Removal of unamortized deferred financing costs on repaid Marel borrowings

     (0.5      (1.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Removal of interest on terminated Marel interest rate swaps (1)

     1.0        4.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma net adjusted interest expense

   $ (13.8    $ 51.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents an adjustment to reverse amounts Marel had recognized as interest income in connection with interest rate swaps used by Marel to apply cash flow hedge accounting treatment to forecasted payments of interest on Marel’s long-term debt. See Notes 5(f) and 5(i).

[n] Income Taxes

Represents an estimate of the income tax impacts of the Transaction on the statements of comprehensive income. The taxes associated with the estimated pro forma adjustments reflect an estimated statutory rate of 25% and a preliminary estimate of the deductibility of certain transaction-related costs. Although not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, the effective tax rate of the combined company could be different than JBT’s historical effective tax rate (either higher or lower) depending on various factors, including post-Transaction activities.

[o] Net earnings per share

Unaudited pro forma earnings per share calculations are based on the consolidated pro forma weighted average shares outstanding of JBT. The pro forma weighted average shares outstanding are a combination of historical JBT Shares and JBT Offer Shares issued as Transaction consideration. The number of shares used in computing diluted net loss per share for the combined company equals the number of shares used in computing basic net loss per shares, as the result would otherwise be antidilutive.

 

(in millions, except per share data)    For the three
months ended
March 31,
2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Pro forma net income

   $ (5.0    $ (77.3

Historical JBT Shares used in computing pro forma earnings per share

     

Basic

     32.0        32.0  

Diluted

     32.2        32.1  

JBT Offer Shares issued in the Transaction

     19.9        19.9  

Pro forma shares used in computing pro forma earnings per share

     

Basic

     51.9        51.9  

Diluted

     51.9        51.9  

Pro forma earnings per share

     

Basic

   $ (0.10    $ (1.49

Diluted

   $ (0.10    $ (1.49

 

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Note 6. Transaction Financing Adjustments

JBT plans to fund the cash portion of the Transaction through a combination of cash on hand of approximately $517.7 million and debt financing. JBT anticipates the need for debt financing of approximately $1,573.3 million to (i) pay the cash consideration in the Offer, (ii) repay certain existing indebtedness of Marel and settle existing Marel interest rate swaps, and (iii) pay Transaction costs, which include bank fees, financial advisory fees and other professional fees and are currently expected to be approximately $78.7 million.

The timing and form of borrowings is currently unknown but may include a refinancing of the Existing JBT Revolving Credit Facility, the incurrence of indebtedness through the issuance of secured and/or unsecured financing and/or a short-term bridge loan facility. The exact timing and structure of this financing is currently unknown. As the terms of the Bridge Credit Agreement are the best available information, the Transaction Financing adjustments are calculated based on the terms of the Bridge Credit Agreement. These assumptions and expectations are subject to change, and the duration fees and debt issuance costs to be incurred and related interest expense could vary significantly from what is assumed in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. Other factors that are subject to change include, but are not limited to, the timing of borrowings, the amount of cash on hand at the time of the closing and inputs to interest rate determination on debt instruments issued.

 

  a)

Represents an increase in cash and cash equivalents and long-term debt for additional expected borrowings, net of deferred financing costs of $20.2 million. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet presents these borrowings as long-term debt under the assumption that JBT has the intent and ability to replace the Bridge Credit Agreement with long-term debt financing prior to the Offer Closing Time.

 

  b)

Represents the reversal of deferred financing costs of $2.3 million incurred by JBT during the three months ended March 31, 2024 in connection with the Bridge Credit Agreement that were unpaid and recognized as a deferred charge in JBT’s March 31, 2024 balance sheet. For the pro forma condensed combined financial information, the deferred financing costs related to the Bridge Credit Agreement have been reversed, and instead shown as a reduction of the initial carrying amount of the long-term indebtedness associated with the Transaction Financing. See Note 6(a).

 

  c)

Represents an increase in interest expense related to the incremental borrowings. In determining pro forma interest expense, JBT applied an estimated interest rate of 6.07% per annum for borrowings expected to be used to fund the Transaction, derived from the three-month EURIBOR as of May 6, 2024, plus a margin of 2.25% per annum, increasing by 0.50% per annum at the end of each successive 90 day period after the initial borrowing date, which is consistent with the terms of the Bridge Credit Agreement. Because the financing under the Bridge Credit Agreement matures 364 days after funding, the pro forma condensed combined statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 assumes replacement financing at the same interest rate that exists immediately prior to the maturity of the Bridge Credit Agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, JBT did not assume any deferred financing costs or other fees in connection with the expected replacement financing.

 

(in millions)    For the three
months ended
March 31,
2024
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2023
 

Estimated interest expense

   $ 31.8      $ 108.8  

Duration fees (1)

     —         47.2  

Amortization of deferred financing costs (2)

     —         20.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma adjustment

   $ 31.8      $ 176.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents duration fees stipulated by the Bridge Credit Agreement of 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25% of the amounts outstanding under the bridge facility, payable at 90 days, 180 days and 270 days after the Offer

 

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  Closing Time, respectively. The duration fee assumes the bridge financing was obtained on January 1, 2023, and remained outstanding for the 364-day maturity of the bridge financing.
(2)

Assumes deferred financing costs of $20.2 million associated with the bridge financing are capitalized on January 1, 2023, and fully amortized through the 364 day maturity of the bridge financing.

A hypothetical 1/8 percentage point increase/decrease in the weighted average interest rate used would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $0.5 million in pro forma interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and $2.0 million in pro forma interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

d)

Income tax effects on the financing adjustments were calculated based on the U.S. federal statutory rate of 25%.

 

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BUSINESS OF MAREL

Overview

Marel is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the food processing industry as well as a leading provider in processing solutions for pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed, with a presence in over 30 countries and six continents and around 7,300 employees. Marel designs, manufactures, sells and services technologically advanced processing solutions ranging from standard equipment to full-line processing systems, with sophisticated software capabilities and aftermarket services.

Since its incorporation in 1983, Marel has expanded its focus from the Icelandic fish processing sector to become a leading global provider serving processors of animal and plant protein. Through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, Marel has delivered a strong track record of revenue growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 20% during the period from 1992 to 2023. In fiscal year 2023, revenues reached EUR 1.7 billion, in contrast to its revenues of EUR 6 million at the time of listing on the Icelandic stock exchange in 1992.

Marel markets its solutions to multinational, regional and local food processors covering equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing (such as live animal handling, stunning, killing, cleaning and chilling), secondary processing (such as cut-up and deboning, filleting and trimming) and further processing (such as forming, marinating, coating and frying). Together, these cover processes across the food processing value chain, from farm gate to dispatch. The main distribution channels of Marel’s food processor customers to end consumers are retail, food service and restaurants.

Marel organizes its business across the following four business segments:

 

   

Marel Poultry – Marel Poultry is a leading global full-line provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to processors of broilers, turkeys and ducks. Marel Poultry solutions cover equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing, secondary processing and further processing. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Poultry contributed EUR 218.0 million in revenues, or 52.8% of Marel’s total revenues for the period.

 

   

Marel Meat – Marel Meat is a leading global full-line provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services for the red meat industry. Its solutions cover equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing, secondary processing and further processing. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Meat contributed EUR 102.0 million in revenues, or 24.7% of Marel’s total revenues for the period.

 

   

Marel Fish – Marel Fish is a global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the fish industry. It provides solutions for processing whitefish, salmon, and other seafood both farmed and wild, on-board and onshore. These include primary processing, secondary processing and further processing solutions, while ensuring that production conforms to quality and food safety standards. Marel Fish is not yet a full-line provider, with opportunities to expand its offerings further in the primary processing sector. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Fish contributed EUR 39.7 million in revenues, or 9.6% of Marel’s total revenues for the period.

 

   

Marel Plant, Pet and Feed – Marel Plant, Pet and Feed provides solutions and services to the pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed markets. This new segment reflects Marel’s acquisition of Wenger in June 2022. Wenger’s extrusion and dryer technologies form the anchor point in this segment, in addition to revenues that were historically reported under the “Other” segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Plant, Pet and Feed contributed EUR 45.4 million in revenues, or 11.0% of Marel’s total revenues for the period.

 

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With a targeted annual investment of 5% to 6% of total revenue (excluding PPA-related expenses), Marel places a strong emphasis on research and development expenses (“innovation”) with the aim of addressing customer needs and creating value for its customers through the development of solutions that generate improved yield and throughput as well as ensuring quality, safety and sustainability of production and animal wellbeing. Marel believes that its diversified business model allows it to leverage anticipated synergies and efficiencies across its business segments through transfer of technologies across protein categories and increased scale. This includes supporting software applications such as Marel’s centralized operating platform, Innova, which can be installed alongside Marel equipment and systems at customers’ facilities. Innova provides state-of-the-art device and process control, data analytics, monitoring and traceability, enabling users to collect and analyze data on their process and solutions to optimize production.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, Marel invested 5.9% of its revenues in research and development expenses (excluding PPA-related expenses). Marel strongly believes that the ability to develop innovative solutions strengthens its competitive position toward customers and establishes Marel as a leading global provider of advanced animal protein processing equipment, systems, software and services. Marel has a strong track record of innovation with over 440 active patent families with approximately 3,050 patent registrations securing its technological leadership position, having introduced multiple new products to the market over the years. Marel releases software updates regularly to keep pace with technological progress. This enables customers to improve their operations by enhancing systems integration, device and process control and real-time monitoring and traceability of throughput and yield.

Marel’s vision is a world where quality food is produced sustainably and affordably. Marel believes it is well placed to help transform the way food is processed in partnership with its customers to address the expected growing demand for protein, automated processing and digital solutions for optimized processing and to meet increased regulatory and consumer demands around food safety, quality and animal wellbeing.

Marel’s revenues are well-balanced across business segments, geographies and a diversified business mix of (i) Equipment revenues (comprising revenues from greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and modernization equipment) and (ii) Aftermarket revenues (comprising maintenance, service and spare parts), which accounted for 50.1% and 49.9% of Marel’s revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024, respectively. The standard equipment and modular portfolio are the building blocks for greenfields and large projects and in some cases the entry point for new customers. The installed base is large and growing, driving customers’ demand for maintenance, service and spare parts.

The chart below shows revenue information for the periods indicated:

 

LOGO

On a consolidated basis, Marel’s revenues and net loss were EUR 412.6 million and EUR 3.2 million for Q1 2024. Marel’s earnings per share were -0.42 euro cents in Q1 2024. As of March 31, 2024, Marel had an order book of EUR 560.3 million, representing 33.2% of Marel’s last-twelve-month (“LTM”) revenues.

 

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Competitive Strengths

Marel believes it benefits from the following key competitive strengths:

Attractive end-markets, supported by secular growth trends

Marel focuses on the meat, poultry, fish markets, in addition to processing solutions focused on pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed, which Marel currently estimates to have an aggregate value of approximately EUR 1.5 trillion at the consumer level. By 2050, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates a global population of approximately 10 billion, with correspondingly higher demand for food, especially from Asia and Africa, as a large segment of the population is expected to enter the global middle class.

Marel’s customers serve this growing demand for protein by processing poultry, meat, fish and plants for human consumption, in addition to pet food and aqua feed, using Marel’s equipment, systems, software and services.

The addressable market for Marel, for food processing equipment and maintenance market, is estimated to be around EUR 15 billion and expected to grow by 4% to 6% in the long term. With its global presence, industry expertise and market-leading technology, Marel believes it is well-positioned to grow faster than the market organically.

Marel believes that labor scarcity, inflation and rising input costs faced by customers, coupled with favorable secular trends, focused on automation, robotics technology and digital solutions that support sustainable food processing, will continue to support organic growth outlook in the long term. In addition, increased consumer and regulatory focus on sustainability, food safety and traceability, nutrition, health and wellness and animal wellbeing are expected to be supporting growth drivers.

 

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Large and diversified global customer base, with long-term customer relationships driving balanced revenue growth

Marel has a large, diversified global customer base, which includes some of the world’s leading food processors, and ranges from large international leaders to local processors in over 140 countries world-wide. In FY23, no single customer accounted for more than 5% of annual revenues. Marel also benefits from a high customer retention rate, and its list of top customers has remained fairly consistent in the past.

 

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Marel’s long-term customer relationships lead to a resilient business model and a balanced revenue profile. A typical ten-year revenue profile from a long-term customer comprises an initial greenfield or large project investment followed by additional investments in capacity expansion or further processing capabilities, and then recurring revenues from maintenance, service and spare parts.

Marel’s installed base grows as the business grows, due to equipment installed in new sites and due to additional equipment installed on existing sites. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, total orders received, including orders from existing customers for new sites, together with orders from new customers, amounted to EUR 392.8 million. In addition, Marel’s installed base generates Aftermarket revenues from maintenance, service and spare parts, which accounted for 49.9% of Marel’s total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Service is critical throughout the lifecycle of Marel’s equipment and systems to optimize performance and minimize downtime costs for customers.

Marel expects that it will benefit from further revenue opportunities as its installed base continues to grow. Revenue growth is likely to be generated from existing sites through additional equipment sales and recurring service and spare parts revenues, which Marel believes will result in strong customer loyalty and recurring business.

Global sales and service network supporting well-established manufacturing platform with scale benefits

Throughout the years, Marel has established a strong sales and service presence in over 30 countries across six continents, supplemented by additional agent networks in countries where Marel has a lesser presence, supported by a global manufacturing platform. Marel believes that this expansive network ensures proximity and support for its customers located in over 140 countries. In addition to its innovation specialists, Marel employs a global sales workforce of over 800 FTEs and a global service workforce of over 2,000 professionals.

Marel operates 18 manufacturing sites. Marel aims to strategically optimize manufacturing and assembly through the implementation of a co-location strategy so the company can achieve optimized efficiency in production and logistics. Marel’s scale enables high levels of investment in product and software development, which in turn enables Marel to further strengthen its competitive position through product improvement and digitally enabled service.

Experienced management team with a track record of strong financial results and shareholder returns

Marel’s management team has extensive experience within the broad food processing sector and a proven track record of delivering strong results and executing large projects and strategic acquisitions. As of December 31, 2023, the members of the Marel management team averaged over 11 years of industry-related experience.

In FY23, revenues were EUR 1,721.4 million, an increase of 0.7% from the previous year. A dividend of EUR 6.2 million (EUR 0.82 cents per share) for FY23 was approved by Marel Shareholders at its annual general meeting on March 20, 2024, corresponding to 20% of profits for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in line with Marel’s dividend policy to distribute 20% to 40% of net profits through dividends or share buybacks.

History

Marel originated as a research project at the University of Iceland in 1977 with the aim of improving yield and efficiency in the fish processing industry and was incorporated in 1983. Marel listed on Nasdaq Iceland in 1992. Since listing, Marel has continued to gradually expand its focus market to become a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the food processing industry. Through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, Marel transformed from a company with 45 employees and EUR 6 million in revenues at the time of its listing to the second largest company on Nasdaq Iceland with a market capitalization of ISK 363.9 billion (EUR 2.4 billion) as of December 31, 2023.

 

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Throughout its history, Marel has made a number of strategic acquisitions to expand its business, close application gaps in its value chain and complement its existing product portfolio.

Marel’s key strategic acquisitions include:

 

   

Carnitech (1997): In April 1997, Marel acquired Carnitech, a Danish company with a strong market position in the fish processing equipment industry, for EUR 9 million. The Carnitech acquisition was a key strategic acquisition for Marel Fish, enabling it to further expand its market presence and become a leading provider of advanced processing equipment, systems and services to the fish industry.

 

   

Scanvaegt (2006): In August 2006, Marel acquired Scanvaegt International (“Scanvaegt”), a Danish provider of food processing equipment, systems and services, for a price equivalent to EUR 109.2 million. This acquisition significantly increased Marel’s service presence in Southern Europe and South America and strengthened its market position in the secondary processing sector.

 

   

Stork (2008): In May 2008, Marel acquired Stork Food Systems (“Stork”), a leading provider of food processing solutions for the poultry, meat and dairy processing industries based in the Netherlands for EUR 415 million. The acquisition of Stork expanded Marel’s presence into the primary processing sector of the poultry industry as well as the further processing sector of the poultry, meat and fish industries, thereby enabling Marel to become a leading global provider of advanced solutions. The Stork acquisition represented a major milestone in Marel’s history, more than doubling its revenues at the time.

 

   

MPS (2016): MPS is a leading provider of primary processing, wastewater treatment and food logistics solutions for the pork and beef industries based in the Netherlands, which Marel acquired for a purchase price of EUR 382 million in 2016. The MPS acquisition enabled Marel Meat to further close application gaps in the primary processing sector and become a full-line provider to the meat industry.

 

   

Sulmaq (2017): Sulmaq (“Sulmaq”) is a Brazil-based provider of complete slaughtering and deboning solutions for hog, cattle and sheep processors. This acquisition, for which Marel paid a purchase price equivalent to EUR 26.0 million, allowed Marel to gain further foothold in the rapidly growing markets of South and Central America, to get access to the talent pool in those markets and to further enhance Marel’s full-line offering in the meat processing industry.

 

   

MAJA (2018): MAJA (“MAJA”) is a Germany-based innovative manufacturer of food processing equipment, systems and services, specializing in skinning and portioning with a focus on the meat market as well as ice machines for the preservation of fresh food. This acquisition supported Marel’s future growth by strengthening Marel Meat’s secondary processing offering and expanding its market presence. Marel paid a purchase price of EUR 35 million.

 

   

Curio (2019-2022): Founded in 2008, Curio ehf. is an Icelandic provider of equipment for whitefish primary processing, specializing in innovative heading, filleting and skinning solutions. Marel paid a purchase price of EUR 30 million.

 

   

Cedar Creek Company (2019): Cedar Creek Company is an Australian provider of specialized software and hardware solutions to meat, seafood and poultry processors. The company’s software solutions integrate on-floor processing data capture, production control, head office reporting and traceability throughout production. The combination advanced Marel’s capabilities in food processing software. Marel paid a purchase price of EUR 4 million.

 

   

TREIF (2020): Founded in 1948, TREIF is a German cutting technology provider focused on the meat industry. The company’s solutions include portioning, dicing, slicing and cutting solutions, highly complementary to Marel’s product portfolio. The purchase consideration included cash consideration of EUR 128 million and 2.9 million Marel Shares.

 

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PMJ (2021): PMJ is a global provider of advanced processing solutions for the duck industry. PMJ’s portfolio of primary processing solutions, including waxing and automated evisceration, made Marel the industry’s only full-line provider of duck processing solutions. Marel paid a purchase price of EUR 11 million.

 

   

Valka (2021): In November 2021, Marel concluded the acquisition of Valka, an Icelandic provider of advanced processing solutions for the global fish industry. Valka is a highly innovative player in the whitefish and salmon processing industries. The purchase consideration included cash consideration of ISK 3.2 billion (EUR 21.1 million) and 2.6 million Marel Shares.

 

   

Wenger Group (2022): Wenger is a US-based leader in food processing solutions focused on pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed. This acquisition, for which Marel paid a purchase price equivalent to USD 519 million and one million Marel Shares, was a platform investment into new, complementary, and attractive growth markets for Marel, and is the foundation to Marel’s fourth pillar alongside poultry, meat, and fish.

 

   

Sleegers Technique (2022): Sleegers is a Dutch provider of interleaving, stacking, loading, and slicing solutions for the global food processing industry. The acquisition strengthened Marel’s offering in the case-ready and prepared foods segments. Marel paid a purchase price of EUR 15 million.

 

   

E+V Technology (2023): E+V Technology is a global provider of advanced vision systems for the meat industry. E+V Technology’s product portfolio of vision equipment and software, including carcass- and ribeye-grading and classification, is a natural fit with Marel’s comprehensive line of solutions to the meat segment. Marel paid a purchase price of EUR 10 million.

Business

Product Categories

Marel is a leading global provider of advanced food processing equipment, solutions, software and services to the food processing industry. Across its three animal protein business segments, poultry, meat and fish, Marel’s product offerings span the entire animal protein processing value chain, covering solutions for primary, secondary and further processing, from farm gate to dispatch. Since mid-2022, Marel has expanded its business model to include pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed industries with the acquisition of Wenger.

 

   

Primary processing: Within the primary processing sector, Marel offers equipment, solutions, software and services for live animal handling, stunning, killing, scalding/dehairing, cleaning (including defeathering, washing and desliming), evisceration, chilling, transportation and other steps necessary to prepare raw animal protein for secondary processing.

 

   

Secondary processing: Within the secondary processing sector, Marel offers equipment, solutions, software and services for cutup and deboning, filleting, batching, weighing and grading, skinning/derinding, portioning, and inspection equipment (which uses the latest x-ray technology), labelling and other solutions to prepare raw animal protein for further processing.

 

   

Further processing: Within the further processing sector, Marel offers equipment, solutions, software and services for meat preparation, forming, pumping, marinating, preparing, coating, frying, sausage production, injection, baking and other steps necessary to prepare for distribution.

Marel aims to be a full-line provider across all three animal protein business segments. Marel Poultry and Marel Meat are full-line providers, covering primary, secondary and further processing, with further opportunities to strengthen the product portfolio and expand their processing solutions within further processing. Marel Fish is a provider of primary, secondary and further processing solutions, with opportunities to further expand its offerings in the primary processing sector for salmon with the aim of becoming a full-line provider. Marel Plant, Pet and Feed is also a provider of secondary and further processing solutions.

 

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Customer Cycle

Marel’s business model relies on building long-term customer relationships which allow it to benefit from additional revenue opportunities as such relationships mature. Once a piece of Marel equipment or a Marel system is operational at a customer’s facility, Marel has opportunities to up-sell or cross-sell further equipment or systems and to offer services as the customer seeks to increase its capacity and efficiency or otherwise expand its operations into other stages of the animal protein processing value chain or into other animal protein processing capabilities. In addition, Marel benefits from aftermarket business opportunities as its customers look to service and maintain their Marel equipment and systems.

A typical Marel customer cycle comprises the following phases:

 

   

Initial Investment – A typical Marel customer relationship begins with an initial investment in a greenfield or large project or piece of standard equipment, frequently within the primary processing sector. Within this phase, there may be opportunities for up-selling and cross-selling of additional equipment, systems, software and services.

 

   

Expansion/Additional Investment – Following the initial investment phase, Marel has opportunities to sell additional equipment, systems, software and services as the customer seeks to increase capacity and efficiency. In addition, customers frequently expand into secondary and/or further processing within 3-5 years from the initial investment phase, creating further cross-selling opportunities for Marel’s secondary or further processing solutions.

 

   

Aftermarket – Marel’s advanced equipment and systems are subject to maintenance and service requirements to keep them in a safe and usable condition and to limit the risk of operational failure and downtime. This covers both proactive maintenance under SLAs as well as maintenance in response to ad hoc service requests and provides Marel with Aftermarket revenues throughout the duration of the customer relationship. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of MarelKey Factors Affecting Marels Results of Operations and Financial ConditionSize of Installed Base and Business Mix.

Business Segments

Marel Poultry

Marel Poultry is a full-line provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to processors of broilers, turkeys and ducks and has one of the largest installed bases worldwide. Marel Poultry covers the entire poultry processing value chain and serves a broad range of multinational, regional and local processors. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Poultry contributed EUR 218.0 million in revenues, or 52.8% of Marel’s total revenues for the period.

Solutions

Marel Poultry’s solutions range from standalone equipment to full-line processing systems and services with capacities from 500 birds per hour (“bph”) to up to 15,000 bph. It offers advanced technologies that can be modularized for a wide range of processing plant types and to accommodate regional and cultural requirements. Marel Poultry offers a modular approach under which nearly all modules of the production process can be applied on an individualized basis according to each customer’s preferences and needs and can then be further scaled up in speed and/or performance without needing to replace all modules. This modular approach is critical to Marel Poultry’s profitability. See the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of MarelKey Factors Affecting Marels Results of Operations and Financial ConditionIndustry Mix.”

 

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Marel Poultry’s solutions cover the following sectors:

 

   

Primary Processing – Marel Poultry provides a range of equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing, including, for example, live bird handling, stunning, killing, cleaning (including scalding, defeathering and washing), evisceration and chilling solutions.

 

   

Secondary Processing – Marel Poultry provides a range of equipment, systems, software and services for secondary processing, including, for example, cutup and deboning, skinning, filleting, weighing, grading, batching, portioning and inspection solutions.

 

   

Further Processing – Marel Poultry provides a range of equipment, systems, software and services for further processing, including, for example, meat preparation, forming, pumping, marinating, coating, frying and baking solutions.

Recent product innovations include Atlas (a market-leading live bird handling system), breast and thigh deboning equipment, Q-Wing (an automated wing harvester), an improved version of RoboBatcher (featuring specialized grippers for filets, drumsticks and whole wings) and Helix Drum technology that makes portioning more reliable.

Aftermarket Offerings

Marel Poultry provides aftermarket maintenance, service and spare parts for its installed base, which is one of the largest worldwide. Marel Poultry provides continuous proactive service and maintenance under SLAs as well as service in response to ad hoc service orders. This service includes retrofitting, refurbishment, calibration and consulting services such as process auditing and training programs for operators and maintenance staff. Marel Poultry’s focus on customer service helps it to maintain strong customer relationships and to gather information about its customers’ requirements and strategies to foster continuing product development. As new solutions are developed by Marel’s innovation team, Marel Poultry’s engineers often collaborate with customers to introduce automated and robotized systems into their facilities to improve efficiency.

Marel Meat

Marel Meat is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to processors in the red meat industry. In 2016, Marel Meat expanded its presence into the primary processing segment through the acquisition of MPS, which has enabled it to become a full-line provider and has since added smaller bolt-on acquisitions of Sulmaq (2017), MAJA (2018) and TREIF (2020). In Q1 2024, Marel Meat contributed EUR 102.0 million in revenues, or 24.7% of Marel’s total revenues for the period.

Solutions

As a full-line provider, Marel Meat’s solutions include standalone equipment to full-line processing systems and services. For processors who specialize in high volume processing of a specific species or animal part, Marel Meat offers precision-tuned equipment and systems that enable processors to increase throughput and yield. For processors specializing in a diversity of species and animal parts, Marel Meat offers flexible, agile solutions that enable processors to overcome abnormalities and other variations in their raw material. Marel Meat also works with customers throughout the value chain to scale up and optimize their operations.

Marel Meat’s solutions cover the following sectors:

 

   

Primary Processing – Marel Meat provides a range of equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing, including, for example, stunning, bleeding, scalding/dehairing, evisceration, chilling and transportation that prioritize animal wellbeing and hygiene.

 

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Secondary Processing – Marel Meat provides a range of equipment, systems, software and services for secondary processing, including, for example, cutting and deboning, skinning/derinding, inspection, weighing, grading, portioning, batching and labelling solutions and case ready food services.

 

   

Further Processing – Marel Meat provides a range of equipment, systems, software and services for further processing, including, for example, further meat preparation, forming, pumping, marinating, coating, frying and baking, sausage production and injection solutions.

Recent product innovations developed in partnership with Marel Meat’s customers include the M-Line Robot (providing higher yield when splitting raw protein), the SensorX Accuro and SensorX Magna inspection systems, the DeboFlex leg handling system (for cutting and deboning pork fore-ends and legs), the Frank-a- Matic linker (improving consistency in weight and length of cellulose and collagen cased products) and the V-Cut 160 and V-Cut 200 for precision volumetric portioning.

Aftermarket Offerings

Marel Meat provides its customers with aftermarket service, maintenance and spare parts to support their ongoing needs and requirements. Marel Meat provides continuous proactive service under SLAs as well as service in response to ad hoc service orders. This service includes retrofitting, refurbishment, calibration and technological and consultancy advice to improve the performance of Marel’s equipment and systems. Marel Meat’s customer service focus also helps Marel Meat maintain strong customer relationships and provides it with ongoing access to information about its customers’ requirements and strategies to foster continuing product development. Marel Meat’s customer service focus also helps Marel Meat maintain strong customer relationships and provides it with ongoing access to information about its customers’ requirements and strategies to foster continuing product development.

Marel Fish

Marel Fish is a global provider of advanced equipment, systems, software and services to the fish industry. It provides solutions for processing whitefish, salmon and other seafood, both farmed and wild, on-board and onshore, resulting in a balanced mix of revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Fish contributed EUR 39.7 million in revenues, or 9.6% of Marel’s total revenues for the respective period.

Solutions

Marel Fish provides a strong portfolio of standard equipment, systems and software reflecting over 40 years’ experience in the fish processing business. These products are aimed at reducing processing time and increasing automation and food safety for customers of all sizes. Marel Fish is a full-line provider for wild whitefish processors since 2021 with strong secondary and further processing product offering in salmon and with opportunities to expand its offerings in the primary processing sector for salmon.

Marel Fish’s solutions cover the following sectors:

 

   

Primary Processing – Marel Fish provides a range of equipment, solutions, software and services for primary processing, including, for example, whole fish grading, cleaning (including washing and desliming), deheading and chilling.

 

   

Secondary Processing – Marel Fish provides a range of equipment, solutions, software and services for secondary processing, including, for example, filleting, skinning, pinbone removal, portioning, weighing and grading, batching and inspection solutions.

 

   

Further Processing – Marel Fish provides a range of equipment, solutions, software and services for further processing, including, for example, forming, pumping, marinating, preparing, coating, frying and baking solutions that enhance the taste and texture of fish.

 

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Recent product innovations include the FlexiTrim and FlexiCut machines for bone removal and portioning and the Checkbin Grader (which is designed for highly accurate net weight grading and packing). The FlexiCut can now also be installed on board fishing vessels, enabling fishing companies to reduce the number of employees on board or increase the level of product specialization achieved by the vessel. Marel’s third-generation salmon filleting machine, the MS 2750, maximizes raw material utilization, uses only 15 liters of water per minute.

Aftermarket Offerings

Marel Fish provides aftermarket service, maintenance and spare parts supporting its installed base. Marel Fish works in partnership with fish processors to help them predict and address equipment issues before they result in operational downtime. Marel Fish provides continuous proactive service under SLAs as well as service in response to ad hoc service orders. This service includes a customer support center providing remote telephonic support to customers, inspection visits by certified engineers, calibration, preventative maintenance and process consulting. Marel Fish’s customer service focus also helps Marel Fish maintain strong customer relationships and provides it with ongoing access to information about its customers’ requirements and strategies to foster continuing product development.

Marel Plant, Pet and Feed

Marel Plant, Pet and Feed is built on the brand strategy of Wenger, acquired in 2022, and targets the following industries: pet foods and treats; plant-based proteins, snacks and cereals; and aquatic feed. Marel Plant, Pet and Feed also includes revenues that were historically reported under the other segment, e.g., sales of retail and foodservices into the plant, pet and feed market.

Solutions

Marel Plant, Pet and Feed has an extensive product offering in extrusion technology for pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed, comprised of single-, twin- and thermal-screw extrusion technology as well as dryers and power heaters. While other Marel segments focus on standardized and modular solutions, engineering to order is crucial for Marel Plant, Pet and Feed as every extruder or dryer system is unique. Marel partners with its customers to identify their needs, then customizes solutions that align with their goals.

Marel Plant, Pet and Feed’s solutions cover the following end markets:

 

   

pet food;

 

   

plant-based meat (alternative protein);

 

   

extruded foods (cereals and snacks); and

 

   

commercial aquaculture.

Aftermarket Offerings

Marel Plant, Pet and Feed’s aftermarket business continues to grow as customers understand the importance of maintaining and optimizing their existing solutions. Marel Plant, Pet and Feed manufactures about 50,000 parts annually and can expedite orders as needed. Marel’s global service team provides a variety of inspection, repairs and upgrade services to ensure maximum uptime and throughput for customers. Strong delivery to customers in aftermarket is a focus area as Marel works to increase penetration of its installed base, optimize price and expand its software solutions.

 

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Supporting Solutions

In addition to the above-mentioned sector-specific solutions and aftermarket offerings, Marel offers a wide range of solutions across sectors to ensure optimal factory-wide integration and operations. These include the following.

Innova processing software and other software solutions

Innova is Marel’s advanced, overarching food processing software platform which can be installed alongside Marel equipment and systems, as well as third-party equipment to optimize production and facilitate green reporting. Integrated with hardware, Innova ranges from simple device control modules to total processing solutions, which include real-time monitoring and data analytics of KPIs such as yield, throughput, quality, capacity and labor efficiency. It collects and collates data to analyze their processing equipment at the level of components, machines, line systems and factories, allowing customers to improve performance and enhance productivity while providing traceability from reception to dispatch.

Using Innova, customers are able to identify inefficiencies and thereby make more informed operational decisions, which can improve throughput, quality and yield. Innova also enables customers to meet changing industry and regulatory demands for animal wellbeing, traceability and quality by providing a direct traceability line between the slaughtered animal and the end customer. Customers who install Innova report reduced processing times and increased regulatory compliance rates as a result. Innova is designed to optimize production using Marel’s advanced equipment and systems but can also be integrated into and increase the efficiency of third-party equipment. Certain Innova production control modules can also be sold on a standalone basis, independent from equipment.

In addition to the Innova platform, Marel provides a wide range of embedded software applications in its equipment and systems that may or may not be integrated with Innova, depending on customers’ needs. Embedded software improves device functionality (e.g., through image recognition or portioning optimization), creating value for food processors.

Customers

Marel’s customer base includes the world’s leading food processors, and ranges from multinational companies to regional and local processors of animal and plant protein. These customers have different business focuses, such as retail, food service, bulk and specialized secondary processing, which often require Marel to provide operational flexibility to meet a variety of customer needs.

The customer base is well balanced geographically, covering over 140 countries across six continents, and drives a balanced revenue mix, with no single customer accounting for more than 5% of annual revenues in the year ended December 31, 2023.

Marel Poultry’s customers include Atria, Baiada, Bell & Evans, Cedrob, CostCo, Foster Farms, JBS, Sanderson Farms, Tyson, Wiesenhof and others. Among Marel Meat’s customers are Bigard, Cranswick, SuKarne, Danish Crown, Foyle, Smithfield, Kepak, Shanghui and others. Marel Fish’s customers include Leroy, Mowi, BRIM, Visir, Morrisons, Trident Seafoods, Icelandic Group, Norway Seafoods, Esselunda and others. Plant, Pet and Feed’s customers include Mars, ADM, Cargill, Colgate Palmolive (Hill’s), Diamond Pet Food and General Mills (Blue Buffalo).

Competition

All of Marel’s business segments serve highly competitive markets. Marel believes that it is able to compete through its diversified business model which allows it to leverage anticipated synergies and efficiencies across its business segments through the transfer of technologies and solutions. Whereas Marel is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services covering the food processing value chain, it competes with numerous multinational, regional and local processing equipment providers of various sizes and cost structures.

 

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The primary processing sector is relatively concentrated, with Marel competing with a small number of key global participants in each segment focused on serving animal protein processing. Within primary processing, Marel Poultry competes with, among others, Meyn, Marel Meat competes with, among others, Frontmatec and Marel Fish competes with, among others, Baader.

The secondary and further processing segments are more industry-agnostic and highly fragmented and Marel faces strong competition. However, only a limited number of competitors are international full-line providers across primary, secondary and further processing. There are also a number of regional and local food processing equipment suppliers, but only a limited number of competitors are covering a significant part of the value chain. In addition, Marel competes within secondary and further processing with large-scale industry-agnostic providers of industrial equipment outside of the food processing sector.

Global Manufacturing, Sales and Service Network

Marel operates a global manufacturing, sales and service network spanning more than 30 countries around the world.

Manufacturing Sites and Distribution Platform

Marel operates a global manufacturing platform which enables it to respond to production requirements from its global customer base.

As of December 31, 2023, Marel had a total of 18 manufacturing sites for equipment and spare parts across the globe, including locations in 10 countries across four continents. In addition to manufacturing, these sites also warehouse inventory and handle delivery logistics for finished equipment and systems. Around 1,777 highly skilled employees work in these manufacturing sites, manufacturing and assembling both component parts and finished equipment. Component parts manufactured by Marel may be combined with components sourced from third-party suppliers to create a finished piece of equipment, or they may serve as spare parts to be installed in customers’ facilities by service and maintenance engineers. Marel has inventory control guidelines for all sites in place, specifying how inventory counts are executed and how inventory risk is managed.

In addition, Marel is building a global distribution center in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, to support Marel’s extensive service network and installed base. Expected to become operational in the first half of 2024, the global distribution center will operate alongside regional distribution centers to source spare parts from third-party suppliers, as well from Marel’s manufacturing centers, and store them to sell to customers both directly and through regional sales offices.

Marel’s manufacturing facilities are essential to its innovation, which is focused on both standardization and developing new technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of finished equipment. Engineers on the factory floor collaborate with Marel’s innovation teams to develop prototypes and optimize and create better solutions more efficiently.

In addition, in the year ended December 31, 2018, Marel started to implement a “mother site plus co-location” strategy under which all products produced by Marel have a designated home, or mother site. The mother site is responsible for product life cycle management and how the product is manufactured. Co-location sites are focused on scale manufacturing, producing large volumes in a cost-effective manner, resulting in improved lead-times, reduced assembly hours, reduced risks associated with demand peaks and disruptions and lower costs. The aim is to enhance the scalability and cost efficiency of Marel’s manufacturing platform to support growth and increase operational flexibility.

The success of this strategy depends partly on the standardization of manufacturing processes across facilities, which enables global scalability of improvements and innovations.

 

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Marel partners with third-party logistics providers to coordinate shipping and delivery of Marel’s equipment and systems to its customers. It relies on a wide range of logistics providers and has no particular concentration risk.

Sales and Service

Marel has an extensive sales and service network with a presence in more than 30 countries across six continents. Within this global network, Marel employed over 800 sales FTEs and 2,000 service FTEs as of December 31, 2023. Marel’s sales and service network is designed to enable Marel to stay close to its customers and provide high quality, consistent and continuous service. Furthermore, by working in close collaboration with Marel’s service and maintenance engineers, the sales and marketing team can take on an advisory role, helping customers expand their operations up the value chain. By increasing the focus on SLAs, the sales and service teams can increase the renewal rates of such contracts.

Sales Network

In addition to monitoring and responding to the needs of its existing customers, Marel’s sales team actively targets new customers. Each year Marel participates in trade exhibitions around the globe where the latest innovative systems and technologies for the fish, meat, poultry, plant protein, pet and aqua feed and further processing industries are presented. In addition, Marel hosts its own trade shows in its various facilities around the world. Marel also operates seven demonstration facilities, which offer a hands-on environment where customers can see how Marel innovations can improve their food production, develop employee expertise and bring positive operational outcomes.

Marel leverages its website and social media platforms to communicate with its key audience and share news and other material information. Improving engagement on social media is important to understand the sentiments of various stakeholders and encourage retail investor participation. Marel maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, including X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

To increase its customer reach, Marel’s sales and service network is supplemented by around 150 associated agents and distributors who act independently from Marel and typically earn a commission based on sales. While the vast majority of sales are made by Marel, agent relationships help Marel expand its installed base and establish its presence in underserved markets.

Service and Maintenance Network

Marel’s service and maintenance teams provide both preventative service under SLAs and ad hoc service to customers. Service and maintenance teams serve customers locally, providing on-site technical expertise backed by Marel’s global wealth of competence in food processing solutions.

Marel proactively incorporates customer feedback into its operations through surveys, enabling Marel to improve service delivery in direct response to customer feedback. In April 2023, Marel implemented its “Focus First” operating model to foster more customer centricity, enhance end-to-end accountability and enable cross-business collaboration. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Marel prioritized the development and integration of digital and connected services, such as remote service and data-driven preventative maintenance, to help its customers proactively increase efficiency.

Suppliers

Marel has a wide range of suppliers across geographies. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Marel’s ten largest suppliers by spend accounted for approximately 15% of Marel’s total supplier spend (both product and non-product related). Its main suppliers provide raw materials (primarily stainless steel) and spare parts to support its manufacturing operations and aftermarket offerings, particularly the manufacture, sale and installation of spare parts.

 

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Marel’s procurement department is responsible for managing Marel’s supply chains and relationships with its broad base of suppliers. The procurement department is composed of several category teams that each focus on a particular category of supplies, such as certain kinds of spare parts, stainless steel and other raw materials. Each category team is responsible for defining a procurement strategy for its category in line with the department’s procurement strategy, balancing total sourcing cost against quality and incorporating technology as available to rationalize purchasing and shipping costs. Suppliers are selected, vetted and approved in a controlled process in close collaboration with Marel’s quality assurance team. Once a supplier has been contracted, its performance is closely monitored using KPIs such as lead time, on-time delivery and time to remedy defective shipments. Working with suppliers to improve performance is a continuous process, and targets are realigned annually. The procurement department is also actively involved from the start of new product development, partnering with Marel’s innovation teams and third-party technology providers to create buying strategies and risk mitigation plans on a component-by-component basis.

Employees and Pensions

Marel employs around 7,300 FTEs globally, averaging 7,789, 8,018 and 7,140 FTEs in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. To deal with seasonal fluctuations in order processing and other variations in project loads, Marel employs a number of temporary workers. In the year ended December 31, 2023, the ratio of full-time temporary workers to Marel’s total workforce as an average for the period was 4.9%, a decrease from the average of 6.4% in the prior year ended December 31, 2022.

The following table shows by geography the number of Marel’s average FTEs for FY23.

 

Employees in FTEs

   2023      2022  

Europe, Middle East and Africa(1)

     5,142        5,250  

Americas

     1,940        1,819  

Asia and Oceania

     325        435  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Employees

     7,407        7,504  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

3rd party workers

     382        514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,789        8,018  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Iceland accounts for 778 FTE (2022: 835 FTE) excluding 3rd party workers.

The increase in the average number of FTEs per year from the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2023, owing in part to Marel’s acquisition of Wenger combined with temporary workers and outsourcing, when necessary, has enabled Marel to improve its operations and customer relations while managing its staff costs. For further discussion, see the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of MarelKey Factors Affecting Marels Results of Operations and Financial ConditionLabor Costs.”

Some Marel employees in Europe are unionized, mainly manufacturing personnel. For example, Marel employees in the Netherlands, Denmark and Iceland participate in a multi-employer union plan, which is determined in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements effective for the industry in which Marel operates. Marel has not experienced any major strikes in the last three years.

Once a hire has been made, Marel focuses on retaining talented employees. Active learning and career development programs groom candidates for leadership positions, and Marel’s remuneration policy is designed to attract, motivate and retain talented employees. In the year ended December 31, 2023, Marel’s employee turnover rate rose to 14.9%, compared to 13.3% and 11.4% in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

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Marel maintains various pension plans covering the majority of its employees. Marel’s pension costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 were EUR 43.7 million, which included defined contribution plans as well as a pension plan based on a multi-employer union plan.

Marel is committed to respecting the rights of all employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining without discrimination, as established in the International Conventions adopted by the International Labour Organisation, Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (C. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (C.98). Marel seeks to ensure that all of it employees and those of its business partners directly associated with Marel’s services, products and operations can exercise these rights.

Health, Safety and Environment

Providing a healthy and safe working environment for all employees, contractors and visitors working in its facilities is a top priority for Marel. Marel’s manufacturing and distribution facilities and service and maintenance personnel use industrial machinery to produce, assemble the parts of and maintain and service its processing systems. Employees interacting with such machinery face a risk of injury and may incur long-term medical costs as a result of other aspects of the work environment, which injury or costs could result in legal liability or increased personnel costs for Marel. To address these risks, Marel has implemented a global health, safety and environment (“HSE”) policy. Local management of all Marel entities is responsible for ensuring that local processes and procedures are in compliance with Marel’s HSE policy and local occupational safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where Marel operates. In addition, Marel has a dedicated global HSE team, which monitors compliance with its HSE policy and facilitates improvements.

In the periods under review, Marel’s employees had zero accidents with fatalities or severe injuries. Further, Marel’s efforts over the last five years to standardize implementation of HSE across the company have resulted in a reduction of both the total recordable injury rate (“TRIR”) and absolute number of injuries over the same period, with some locations being recognized as incident free for over 12 months. Starting from a TRIR of 1.24 per 100 employees in 2019, the rate decreased to 0.91 in 2020, 0.78 in 2021, 0.67 in 2022 and increased slightly to 0.74 in 2023.

Intellectual Property

Marel seeks to protect and enhance its proprietary intellectual property rights through patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws, as well as through technological safeguards and operating policies and procedures designed and implemented by its intellectual property team. As of December 31, 2023, Marel owned over 440 patent families with approximately 3,050 patent registrations in different countries relating to key technologies associated with industry-specific product clusters. Marel has agreements in place with its innovation personnel and its university partners to ensure that Marel owns the rights to the results of those collaborations. Marel aims to file at least one patent for every product that it brings to market, to further entrench its technological edge over competitors.

Marel also relies upon unpatented proprietary expertise, continuing technological process innovations and other trade secrets to develop and maintain its competitive position. Marel also owns a number of domain names for itself and its subsidiaries.

As of December 31, 2023, Marel had in excess of 700 trademark registrations worldwide. These trademarks primarily relate to Marel’s brand name and logo as well as certain other trademarks on Marel’s products and services. Among Marel’s key trademarks are the Marel brand name, Stork Poultry Processing, Townsend Further Processing, MAJA, Sulmaq, FleXicut, SensorX, RevoPortioner, TREIF and Wenger.

 

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Information Technology

Marel uses a suite of applications to manage reporting requirements, client relationships, and business analytics. In addition, Marel operates integrated information technology systems across its global network. Marel believes that an appropriate information technology structure across its network is important to support its future growth.

In order to further integrate processes across Marel’s locations and operating segments, Marel centralizes data in cloud-based applications as much as possible and utilizes an outsourced data center when necessary. Other critical operations such as backup and restore are also outsourced to reliable third-party suppliers.

Marel is implementing a company-wide operating system that integrates Marel’s own application platforms with those of industry-leading IT service providers to support transactions, manage customer relationships and sale analytics, automate financial reporting, safeguard employee data and coordinate communication and innovation within the company. Key IT service providers used by Marel include: Microsoft Azure (for cloud computing, database storage and analytics); Oracle (for global financial consolidation and reporting and global collaboration in innovation); Salesforce (for customer relationship management); ServiceMax (for global service management processes); Workday HRM (for global HR processes and employee data); SAP (for global supply chain management, processing financial transactions and financial reporting) and Microsoft’s suite of applications for cloud-based collaboration, business intelligence, management and security.

Insurance

Marel has obtained liability (including product and professional liability), directors’ and officers’ liability, property damage and business interruption, marine mounting, cyber, employment practices liability, business travel, accident and construction all risk and other insurance coverage to the extent it believes it is prudent in order to operate its business, including, where required, stand-alone local policies relating to employee and automobile insurance matters. Marel believes the types and amounts of insurance coverage it maintains are consistent with industry standards and are sufficient to meet its needs in light of potential current and future operations and future litigation and claims asserted against it. Marel regularly reviews its insurance program together with its insurance broker. Marel cannot guarantee, however, that it will not incur losses beyond the limits or outside the coverage of its insurance policies. In addition, longer interruptions of business in one or more of its plants can, even if insured, result in loss of sales, profits, customers and market share.

Litigation

At any given time, Marel may be a party to litigation or be subject to non-litigated claims arising out of the normal operations of its business. Neither Marel nor any of its subsidiaries are, or during the 12 months preceding the date of this proxy statement/prospectus have been, involved in any governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings (including any such proceedings which are pending or threatened of which Marel is aware) that may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on Marel’s business financial condition or results of operations.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF MAREL

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Marel should be read in conjunction with the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Marel’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements, together with the notes thereto, beginning on page F-1 of this proxy statement/prospectus. Marel’s consolidated financial statements and the financial information discussed herein have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The following discussion includes forward-looking statements that reflect the current view of Marel’s management and involve risks and uncertainties. The actual results of Marel could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements as a result of factors discussed below and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, particularly in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

Marel is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the food processing industry, as well as a leading provider in processing solutions for pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed, with a presence in over 30 countries and six continents and around 7,300 FTEs. Marel designs, manufactures and services technologically advanced processing solutions ranging from standard equipment to full-line processing systems, with sophisticated software capabilities and aftermarket services. Marel strives to be a catalyst for sustainable and affordable global food production, continuously enhancing development activities to ensure solutions meet market challenges such as labor scarcity, resource efficiency and consumer demand for diverse end-products. Marel develops automated and digitalized solutions, efficiently transferring proven technologies like waterjet cutting, robotics and sensor inspection across multiple segments, thereby serving its customers more effectively.

On a consolidated basis, Marel’s revenues and net loss were EUR 412.6 million and EUR 3.2 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, Marel had an order book of EUR 560.3 million, representing 33.2% of Marel’s LTM revenues.

Key Factors Affecting Marel’s Results of Operations and Financial Conditions

Marel’s results of operations and financial condition are affected by a number of factors, some of which are beyond its control. This section sets forth certain key factors which have affected Marel’s results of operations and financial condition during the periods under review and could affect Marel in the future, including the following:

 

   

positive trends in global consumer demand for protein;

 

   

industry mix;

 

   

size of installed base and business mix;

 

   

labor costs, supply chain and logistics;

 

   

operational efficiency, capacity management and utilization;

 

   

impact of innovation investments;

 

   

impact of acquisitions;

 

   

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

   

animal disease, macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical developments;

 

   

food safety hazards, system regulations and standards related to the production process; and

 

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size and composition of order book and timing of revenue recognition.

Positive Trends in Global Consumer Demand for Protein

Demand for Marel’s equipment, systems, software and services is impacted by trends in underlying global consumer demand for protein and pet food, which in turn drives levels of investment by Marel’s customer base. Processors of protein and pet food have historically responded to sustained increases in demand for, and prices of, protein, together with consumer concerns around food safety and traceability, by investing in automation, capacity expansion, efficiency improvements and optimized processing through digital solutions and modernization. Such investments positively impact Marel’s volumes and value of systems and equipment sales.

During the periods under review, Marel’s Equipment revenues, which comprise revenues from greenfield and large projects and sales of standard equipment and modernizations, have been positively impacted by underlying growth in protein demand as a result of population growth and urbanization, which in turn drive protein production growth and, in developing markets, a shift from backyard farming to large-scale commercial livestock farming. In developing markets, these developments have predominantly driven investments in greenfield projects and capacity expansions whereas in developed markets these developments have driven capacity and efficiency investments by food processors as they seek to increase the levels of automation in their production facilities to increase yield and throughput and optimize the use of raw materials, water and energy.

In addition, Marel’s Equipment revenues are affected by other secular trends in the global market for protein, as consumers and regulators are increasingly focused on food safety and sustainability, traceability, animal wellbeing and health and wellness. These developments have contributed to a robust and growing demand from food processors for technologically-advanced equipment and solutions that enable them to improve monitoring and compliance with increasingly stringent health and safety standards and to reduce the risk of legal and reputational liability from a food contamination incident. Combined with Marel’s market-leading product offerings, these developments have contributed to the growth in Marel’s Equipment revenues during the periods under review.

Lastly, there are a number of technological, economic and consumer trends that represent significant opportunities for Marel’s future growth. The general scarcity of skilled labor and upward pressure on wages, combined with a push from retailers to reduce costs, drives food processors’ demand for increased yield and throughput. Consumers are demanding an increased number of different food products resulting in food product innovation and proliferation of SKUs. Marel can meet these needs by increasing the level of automation and digitalization in the equipment, systems and software it provides. In addition, as Marel’s customers’ processing lines become more sophisticated, demand for SLAs is expected to increase, positively impacting aftermarket revenues.

However, the consumption of animal and plant protein is subject to dietary, health or convenience trends. Accordingly, food processors may have difficulty accurately forecasting their needed manufacturing capacity and the related investment in equipment. For example, in parts of the western world, a popular commitment to animal wellbeing combined with consumption trends towards vegetarianism and veganism may lead to reduced demand for animal protein. If these political or dietary preferences gain widespread acceptance among consumer populations, demand for animal protein by the end consumers of Marel’s customers may suffer a long-term decline. Relatedly, the rise of manufactured meat and meat substitutes may in the long term divert some consumer demand away from processed animal and plant protein, if these products can be successfully commercialized. In the event that a widespread consumer demand shift away from animal protein were to outweigh the growth of active animal and plant protein consumers worldwide, demand for Marel’s systems and services may weaken or there may be a less rapid increase in demand for Marel’s processing systems and services than historical consumption patterns currently suggest. Such a demand shift away from protein products could have a material adverse effect on Marel’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Industry Mix

Marel has four business segments—Poultry Processing; Meat Processing; Fish Processing; and Plant, Pet and Feed—corresponding to the four food processing industries that it reports externally.

The following table sets forth certain operating segment information for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended March 31,
     Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million unless indicated otherwise)    2024     2023      2023      2022      2021  

Poultry Processing Revenues

     218.0       227.8        832.3        832.1        639.1  

Share of Total Consolidated Revenues (%)

     52.8     50.9      48.4      48.7      47.0

Meat Processing Revenues

     102.0       111.6        443.0        514.1        512.5  

Share of Total Consolidated Revenues (%)

     24.7     24.9      25.7      30.1      37.7

Fish Processing Revenues

     39.7       47.4        193.6        191.5        161.1  

Share of Total Consolidated Revenues (%)

     9.6     10.6      11.2      11.2      11.8

Plant, Pet and Feed Revenues

     45.4       54.6        232.3        144.2        —   

Share of Total Consolidated Revenues (%)

     11.0     12.2      13.5      8.4      —   

The revenue contribution from each of Marel’s business segments remained largely constant during the periods under review. Fluctuations between quarters are mainly due to general economic developments, timing of receiving and delivery of orders, margin on projects and business mix.

Marel believes that the structural drivers underlying growth across the four business segments are broadly similar. Moreover, Marel believes that there are limited structural differences in the potential profitability level of the different business segments. Providing a full-line offering throughout processing stages, increasing levels of standardization and modularization, cross-selling and up-selling through the processing steps as well as breadth of product offering, and improving share of wallet from aftermarket services from its large installed based are examples of steps that can be taken to improve profitability.

Size of Installed Base and Business Mix

Marel generates (i) Equipment revenues from greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and modernization; and (ii) Aftermarket revenues from service, maintenance and spare parts.

Changes in the business mix during the periods under review were driven by (i) the size and growth of Marel’s installed base, (ii) initiatives to grow the proportion of Aftermarket revenues, including through service network expansion and Marel’s ability to secure SLAs with customers, (iii) volumes and sizes of equipment and service orders as well as (iv) secular growth trends and macroeconomic conditions, as described under “—Positive Trends in Global Consumer Demand for Protein” and “—Macroeconomic Conditions and Political Developments.”

The following table shows Marel’s Equipment revenues and Aftermarket revenues for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,     Year ended December 31,  
     2024     2023     2023     2022     2021  
     (EUR
Million)
     (% of
Total)
    (EUR
Million)
     (% of
Total)
    (EUR
Million)
     (% of
Total)
    (EUR
Million)
     (% of
Total)
    (EUR
Million)
     (% of
Total)
 

Equipment revenues

     206.9        50.1     256.2        57.3     935.5        54.3     1,019.5        59.7     817.4        60.1

Aftermarket revenues

     205.7        49.9     191.2        42.7     785.9        45.7     689.2        40.3     543.4        39.9

Total revenues

     412.6        —        447.4        —        1,721.4        —        1,708.7        —        1,360.8        —   

 

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Marel’s revenues are affected by the size of its installed base, which directly impacts the volume of service, maintenance and spare parts and thus Aftermarket revenues. In addition, existing customers can become an important source of additional Equipment revenues through up-selling or cross-selling of equipment and systems over the customer cycle. Marel’s results of operations are therefore impacted by its ability to grow its installed base with new and existing customers.

During the periods under review, Marel sought to increase its proportion of Aftermarket revenues to strengthen its revenue profile. Marel has sought to improve its service offerings through improvements in its service network. In addition, during the periods under review Marel has increased the number of SLAs it enters into with customers to ensure greater reliability and predictability of its Aftermarket revenues. Marel aims to continue to increase the proportion of Aftermarket revenues derived from SLAs by increasing its emphasis on these contracts. Aftermarket growth reflects Marel’s strong market position and reputation as a trusted maintenance partner and underpins Marel’s commitment to investments in automating and digitizing the spare parts delivery model to improve operational efficiency and shorten lead times. Marel expects Aftermarket revenues to grow in line with the growing installed base in the medium term, in part as a result of Aftermarket revenue opportunities from newly acquired businesses.

Marel’s Equipment revenues may fluctuate between quarters due to the impact from the overall volumes and sizes of equipment and service orders, in particular greenfield and large projects which tend to involve larger orders delivered over a period of time and therefore have higher associated revenues than standalone equipment and service orders. A significant increase or decrease in orders for greenfield and large projects during a reporting period may therefore have a revenue impact on subsequent reporting periods due to the timing of revenue recognition as described under “—Order Book and Timing of Revenue Recognition.” In the periods under review, Marel secured large greenfield projects from new and existing customers in Australia, Belgium, Iraq, Romania, Saudi Arabia and the United States and across its business segments.

Marel’s results of operations are also impacted by varying profitability across its equipment and aftermarket businesses. Operating margins within Marel’s aftermarket business (particularly spare parts) are positively impacted by standardization and modularization due to lower engineering costs. In addition, within the equipment business, modernization and standard equipment tend to generate higher margins than greenfield and large projects due to greater standardization and lower engineering costs. Accordingly, the proportion of revenues generated by aftermarket services and modernization and standard equipment during a reporting period have, to a certain degree, a significant impact on Marel’s profitability for that period. Conversely, greenfield and large projects tend to generate lower margins due to higher design and engineering costs, and the proportion of revenues attributable to greenfield and large projects for a particular reporting period impacts Marel’s profitability during that period. However, greenfield and large projects frequently lead to significant additional revenue streams in the long term as customers with an installed base of Marel equipment and systems normally purchase equipment modernizations, maintenance, service and spare parts from Marel.

Labor Costs

Labor costs represent the largest portion of Marel’s operating expenses. Labor cost inflation has affected Marel’s results of operations for the periods under review and is expected to affect Marel’s results of operations in future periods. As of March 31, 2024, Marel employed around 7,300 FTEs. These employees generally fall into one of four main categories: (i) cost of sales (reflecting manufacturing and service personnel), (ii) sales and marketing, (iii) general and administrative, which includes Marel Group’s management and other senior executives (“G&A”) and (iv) research and development (“R&D”). In addition, Marel relies to varying degrees on in-house and outsourced contractors, which enables Marel to manage its fixed cost base relative to production requirements.

 

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The following table shows the development of Marel’s staff costs (including post-retirement costs) for the periods indicated within its main cost line items:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2023     2022     2021  
    

(EUR
million)

     (% of
revenues)
    (EUR
million)
     (% of
revenues)
    (EUR
million)
     (% of
revenues)
 

Staff costs recognized under:

               

Cost of Sales

     349.7        20.3     337.2        19.7     270.2        19.9

Selling and marketing expenses

     147.1        8.5     145.2        8.5     116.3        8.5

General and administrative expenses

     97.0        5.6     96.5        5.6     68.3        5.0

Research and development expenses(1)

     88.0        5.1     83.5        4.9     66.0        4.9

Total

     681.8        39.6     662.4        38.8     520.8        38.3

 

(1)

EUR 20.3 million, EUR 21.1 million and EUR 13.2 million were capitalized as intangible assets in the financial years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

During the periods under review, increasing demand for highly qualified technology and engineering personnel led to an increase in labor costs. Competition for skilled and non-skilled employees among companies that rely heavily on engineering, technology, and manufacturing is intense, and Marel faces competition in particular for technological personnel in the Netherlands and the United States, as its operations there are based outside of major cities with higher concentrations of human capital. In particular, this impacted the cost of engineers, which are accounted for within Cost of Sales, as well as costs related to Marel’s innovation engineering staff, which are accounted for in R&D expenses.

Marel’s selling and marketing staff costs also increased during the periods under review, mainly as a result of an increase in sales volumes and commissions and the number of employees in line with the growth of Marel and higher labor costs as well as establishment of a demo center in China. Marel expects selling and marketing costs as a percentage of revenue to remain at similar levels in the medium term. Staff costs within G&A expenses increased marginally during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year.

Operational Efficiency, Capacity Management and Utilization

Marel’s ability to manage its production capacity and operating efficiency influences its cost structure and profitability. The utilization level of Marel’s manufacturing facilities, in particular, affects its operating results due to certain fixed costs that are incurred irrespective of whether utilization levels are high or low. While capacity can be increased or decreased in response to expected changes in demand to avoid over- or underutilization of manufacturing facilities, including by leveraging Marel’s global manufacturing platform, the timing of such adjustments can be challenging.

Marel relies in part on its order book to manage its near-term production requirements and manage its cost base. In addition, Marel seeks to increase the number of SLAs with customers to ensure greater predictability of service orders, which aids manufacturing capacity management. SLAs are typically entered into for one-year periods and are often subject to automatic renewal in line with the lifecycle of the relevant equipment or system. In contrast to the revenue and costs associated with work under SLAs, the level of ad hoc service orders and new equipment orders may at times be difficult to forecast, which may expose Marel to higher costs if it is unable to ensure operational flexibility and increase or decrease capacity. In addition, Marel seeks to manage its capacity through the use of overtime, double shifts, outsourcing and flexible workers.

In addition, Marel has implemented a co-location production strategy, under which manufacturing loads are allocated more cost-effectively, which allows for better production management of manufacturing load fluctuations. Under this strategy, Marel is positioned in countries around the world where it can achieve optimized efficiency in production and logistics and support future growth by granting access to global talent in proximity to customers’ processing facilities.

 

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Impact of Innovation Investments

Marel’s approach to innovation is aligned with its business model, which relies on the development of innovative solutions to entrench Marel as a provider of high-quality food processing equipment, systems, software and services. Marel’s innovation initiatives are predominantly focused on improvements in efficiency, automation sustainability and the development of its software solutions which enable it to launch new solutions to new and existing customers. Innovation investments are therefore a key driver of equipment sales and modernization, which in turn drive revenue from Marel’s equipment business. In addition, Marel focuses its innovation investments on improving standardization and modularization in its product offering, which is critical to improve operating margins, particularly in the Meat Processing and Fish Processing business segments.

As a percentage of revenues, R&D expenses were 6.9%, 6.2% and 6.4% in the financial years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Depending on the nature of a project, Marel’s R&D expenses are either expensed directly in the income statement as they are incurred, or recorded as capitalized costs on the balance sheet under IFRS and amortized through the income statement over the relevant product life. R&D expenses are recognized as an expense as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects relating to the design and testing of new or improved products are recognized as intangible assets when it is probable that the project will generate future economic benefits, considering its commercial and technological feasibility, costs can be measured reliably and Marel intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset.

During the periods under review, the majority of Marel’s R&D expenses has been incurred for staffing costs in its four specialized R&D facilities in Iceland, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United States. Marel’s headcount dedicated to innovation was over 1,000 FTEs as of December 31, 2023.

Impact of Acquisitions

Acquisitions have been and continue to be key to Marel’s revenue growth strategy. Acquisitions help Marel complete its range of product offerings and further grow the business by expanding into new markets. During the periods under review, Marel made three acquisitions. See “Business of MarelHistory.”

The acquisition of Wenger had a significant impact on Marel’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Wenger contributed inorganic revenue growth of EUR 82.6 million and EUR 112.2 million for the financial years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Marel’s acquisitions may affect its results of operations and the period-to-period comparability of its financial statements. Marel accounts for acquisitions where it gains full control of an entity using the acquisition method, and the results of the acquired businesses are consolidated in Marel’s results from the date upon which Marel assumes control of the acquired entity.

Acquisitions also result in a considerable amount of goodwill being carried on Marel’s balance sheet. As of March 31, 2024, Marel carried EUR 862.7 million of goodwill on its balance sheet relating to historical acquisitions including MPS, Treif, Valka and Wenger, representing 33.0% of Marel’s total assets as of that date. Goodwill is recognized as an intangible asset and is subject to an impairment test which must be performed at least annually, or if particular circumstances or changes in circumstances occur that indicate an impairment under IFRS. To date, there have been no impairments of Marel’s goodwill.

 

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Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Marel conducts global operations, involving transactions denominated in a variety of currencies, but its reporting currency is the EUR. Accordingly, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact its results of operations. These impacts can take the form of transaction effects, which result from a currency mismatch between revenues and costs, or translation effects, which result from converting assets, liabilities and cash flows denominated in foreign currencies into EUR for reporting purposes.

While Marel generally seeks natural hedges in its operations by aligning as much as possible the currency of its revenues, operational costs and, with respect to operations in EUR and USD, its debt funding, it is exposed in particular to the mismatch between revenues earned in EUR and USD and costs incurred in ISK. Whereas around 6% of costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2023 were in ISK, less than 1% of revenues for that period were earned in ISK. This means that a strengthening of ISK against EUR (or other currencies in which Marel generates revenue), or a strengthening of EUR against USD, reduces Marel’s profit margin by amplifying the magnitude of its costs relative to its revenues. Conversely, a weakening of ISK against EUR, or a weakening of EUR against USD, tends to have a beneficial impact on Marel’s margins.

The results and financial position of Marel’s subsidiaries are reported in the relevant local currencies and then translated into EUR at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in Marel’s consolidated financial statements, which are stated in EUR. As a result, Marel’s results of operations and financial position are impacted by the value of EUR relative to such other currencies.

Marel may then be exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates to the extent non-EUR and non-USD revenue and/or operating expenses increase. In particular, because Marel reports its financial results in EUR but generated a significant share of its revenues in USD in the year ended December 31, 2023, a strengthening of EUR against USD (or other currencies in which Marel earns revenues) will negatively impact Marel’s revenues. Conversely, a weakening of EUR against USD will positively impact Marel’s revenues. For a further discussion including a sensitivity analysis of currency movements on Marel’s income statement, see Note 26(a) to Marel’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Macroeconomic Conditions and Political Developments

Marel’s results of operations are also influenced, to some degree, by macroeconomic conditions and political developments that affect international trade and investment.

Marel’s business is affected by fluctuations in demand from its customers as a result of global and local economic conditions affecting the food processing industry. In particular, during recessions and economic downturns, levels of investment by food processors in greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and equipment modernization tend to decline. Accordingly, a protracted decline in investment levels by its customers reduces Marel’s Equipment revenues and negatively impacts the growth of its installed base, thereby also impeding growth in Aftermarket revenue opportunities. Reductions or delays in investments during periods of economic decline, however, are typically offset in part by increased Aftermarket revenues as customers decide to service their existing production lines as opposed to investing in new solutions. Conversely, during periods of strong economic growth, Marel typically experiences strong growth in equipment demand as food processors, which may be new or existing customers, have capital investment capacity.

Additionally, levels of investment from food processors are generally affected by fluctuations in the cost of their inputs—including predominantly labor, livestock (the price of which is in turn sensitive to fluctuations in the prices of corn and soy) and energy—which may impair their profitability if they are unable to pass on cost increases to consumers. In developed markets such as Europe and the United States, investment levels by food processors are typically higher when commodity prices and the costs of other inputs are low, positively

 

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impacting Marel’s Equipment revenues. Conversely, increases in the cost of these inputs in the past have to some extent driven increased investment in automation and efficiency by food processors in the shorter term aiming to maintain their profitability. This has positively impacted demand for and revenues from equipment upgrades and, in some cases, accelerated investment in greenfield and large projects to replace existing production facilities. However, in the event of a sustained increase in commodities prices and labor costs, investment in equipment may suffer as food processors look to conserve cash, which would negatively impact Marel’s Equipment revenues. In such conditions, Marel has been able to mitigate these impacts to some extent by a shift to Aftermarket revenues and focus on durable, labor-saving solutions and less capital-intensive ventures.

In addition, government policies on international trade and investment such as import quotas, capital controls or tariffs, whether adopted by individual governments or addressed by regional trade blocs, can also reduce the demand for Marel’s products and services or adversely impact Marel’s competitive position. The implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as more detailed inspections, higher tariffs or new barriers to entry, in countries where Marel sells large quantities of products and services could negatively impact its business in the longer term. These political developments can also lead to a macroeconomic downturn discussed above and adversely affect Marel’s results of operations. Political instability may also impact Marel. However, political tensions could also lead to more business opportunities for Marel, as governments reduce their reliance on imports and increase domestic production.

Order Book and Timing of Revenue Recognition

Marel’s order book provides an indicator of its revenue generation in subsequent periods. Marel recognizes its Equipment revenues attributable to greenfield and large projects under the percentage-of-completion method. The revenue attributable to modernization and standard equipment and the Aftermarket revenue attributable to spare part sales is recognized when or as the customer obtains control of the goods. Equipment revenues from greenfield and large projects are typically recognized over a longer period of time (up to 12 months and sometimes longer depending on factory workload) than Equipment revenues from sales of modernization and standard equipment and Aftermarket revenues from the sale of spare parts and maintenance services due to longer lead times.

On average, Meat Processing’s projects tend to have longer lead times than those of Poultry Processing, while Fish Processing’s projects have shorter lead times than those of Poultry Processing. A strong order book improves working capital management as Marel requires customers to fund a significant part of the purchase price upfront in cash or provide coverage through a letter of credit at the time of confirmation of its orders.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, greenfield and projects with long lead times constituted the vast majority of Marel’s order book, with book-to-bill ratios of 0.95 and 0.94, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, the order book decreased relative to the prior year at EUR 560.3 million, compared to EUR 590.4 million as of March 31, 2023. This amounted to 33.2% of LTM revenues as of March 31, 2024.

Description of Key Statement of Profit or Loss Items

Revenues

Marel’s revenues are comprised of sales of processing equipment, systems, software and services to food processing companies across its business segments and geographies, net of value-added tax, rebates and discounts. The revenues consist principally of: (i) Equipment revenues, meaning revenues from greenfield and large projects, modernization and standard equipment and related installation revenues; and (ii) Aftermarket revenues, meaning from maintenance, service (provided on an ad hoc basis or under SLAs) and spare parts. Revenues from sales of modernization and standard equipment and spare parts are recognized upon delivery of the equipment to the customer in accordance with IFRS 15. Equipment revenues from greenfield and large

 

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projects and Aftermarket revenues from maintenance and service are recognized under the percentage of completion method under which revenues are recognized based on the services performed and direct expenses incurred to date as a percentage of the projected total services to be performed and projected total expenses to be incurred.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales encompasses all manufacturing costs (including raw materials such as stainless steel and energy, employee benefits relating to direct and indirect manufacturing, maintenance, rent and depreciation of manufacturing buildings and equipment, freight duties and service support fees) related to goods and services captured in net sales.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses encompass expenses related to the selling and marketing of Marel’s equipment and services, which mainly includes wages and commissions for sales personnel and travel expenses, as well as expenses relating to marketing materials, exhibitions and Marel’s product demonstration centers.

General and Administrative Expenses

G&A expenses represent costs incurred in relation to the implementation of Marel’s strategies and general management of its business, including business support activities of staff departments that are not directly related to the other functional areas of Marel’s business, which mainly consists of general management, finance, HR, IT, consultancy costs, costs associated with improvement projects and strategy and acquisition initiatives.

Research and Development Expenses

R&D expenses represent expenses in gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding and applying Marel’s research findings or other knowledge to a plan or (re-)design for the production of new or improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services before the commencement of commercial production or use. R&D expenses mainly include employee benefits relating to R&D personnel and materials used.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs predominantly reflect finance costs comprised of interest expenses on Marel’s borrowings and leases, gains or losses relating to ineffective hedging, changes in derivative instruments and foreign exchange transaction, net of finance income or gains.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Results of Operations for Q1 2024 and Q1 2023

 

      Three months ended March 31,   
(In EUR million)    2024      2023  

Revenues

     412.6        447.4  

Cost of sales

     (264.1      (294.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     148.5        152.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Selling and marketing expenses

     (64.6      (64.4

General and administrative expenses

     (40.4      (37.0

Research and development expenses

     (31.6      (28.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Result from operations

     11.9        23.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Three months ended March 31,  
(In EUR million)     2024        2023   

Finance costs

     (15.0      (13.7

Finance income

     1.2        0.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net finance costs

     (13.8      (12.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share of result of associates

     (0.1      (0.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Result before income tax.

     (2.0      10.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax

     (1.2      (0.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net result.

     (3.2      9.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Marel’s revenues decreased by 7.8% to 412.6 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 447.4 million in Q1 2023, owing to low project revenues as a result of low orders received in the first three quarters of 2023 and a soft order book. Poultry Processing continued to be the biggest revenue driver and accounted for 52.8% of Marel’s total revenues in Q1 2024, followed by Meat Processing (24.7%), Plant, Pet and Feed (11.0%) and Fish Processing (9.6%).

The following table sets forth Marel’s revenues by reporting segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
(In EUR million)    2024      2023      Change (%)  

Poultry Processing

     218.0        227.8        (4.3

Meat Processing

     102.0        111.6        (8.6

Fish Processing

     39.7        47.4        (16.2

Plant, Pet and Feed

     45.4        54.6        (16.8

Other(1).

     7.5        6.0        25.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total.

     412.6        447.4        (7.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Other includes revenues from non-core business areas.

Poultry Processing

Revenue in the Poultry Processing segment decreased by 4.3% to EUR 218.0 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 227.8 million in Q1 2023, owing to fewer orders received for large projects over the past quarters.

Meat Processing

Revenues in the Meat Processing segment decreased by 8.6% to EUR 102.0 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 111.6 million in Q1 2023, owing to declining projects revenues.

Fish Processing

Revenues in the Fish Processing segment decreased by 16.2% to EUR 39.7 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 47.4 million in Q1 2023, owing to lower project revenues resulting from low orders received in recent quarters.

 

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Plant, Pet and Feed

Revenues in the Plant, Pet and Feed segment decreased by 16.8% to EUR 45.4 million in Q1 2024, compared to revenues of EUR 54.6 million in Q1 2023, mainly driven by lower project revenues.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales decreased by 10.4% to EUR 264.1 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 294.7 million in Q1 2023, owing to lower revenue base in the quarter compared to the same quarter in 2023.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses was stable with a marginal 0.3% increase in absolute terms to EUR 64.6 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 64.4 million in Q1 2023, despite the first quarter being a seasonally cost-heavy quarter due to due to seasonal trade show activity and high customer engagement. Selling and marketing expenses for Q1 2024 represented 15.7% of revenues for the period, compared to 14.4% in Q1 2023, as revenues were 7.8% lower in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023.

General and Administrative Expenses

Marel’s G&A expenses increased by 9.2% to EUR 40.4 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 37.0 million in Q1 2023, primarily as a result of one off restructuring and acquisition related expenses due to the JBT transaction. G&A expenses for Q1 2024 represented 9.8% of revenues for the period, compared to 8.3% in Q1 2023 on the back of lower revenues in the quarter.

Research and Development Expenses

In Q1 2024, R&D expenses increased by 12.1% to EUR 31.6 million, compared to EUR 28.2 million in Q1 2023, as a result of higher amortization of capital software development that is now free for sale and impairment costs relating to restructuring and product portfolio optimization. R&D expenses for Q1 2024 represented 7.7% of revenues for the period, compared to 6.3% in Q1 2023.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs increased by 7.0% to EUR 13.8 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 12.9 million in Q1 2023, owing mainly to higher base interest rates and higher leverage.

Income tax

Income tax increased by 33.3% to EUR 1.2 million in Q1 2024, compared to EUR 0.9 million in Q1 2023, mainly as a result of non-tax-deductible costs associated with the JBT offer.

Comparison of Results of Operations for FY23 and FY22

The following table sets forth Marel’s results of operations for FY23 and FY22:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million)     2023        2022   

Revenues

     1,721.4        1,708.7  

Cost of sales

     (1,125.0      (1,130.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     596.4        578.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Selling and marketing expenses

     (249.1      (236.2

General and administrative expenses

     (134.4      (139.2

Research and development expenses

     (119.3      (105.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Result from operations

     93.6        97.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million)     2023        2022   

Finance costs

     (57.4      (23.7

Finance income

     0.4        10.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net finance costs

     (57.0      (13.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share of result of associates

     (0.5      (1.9

Impairment loss of associates

            (7.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Result before income tax.

     36.1        75.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax

     (5.1      (16.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net result.

     31.0        58.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Marel’s revenues increased by 0.7% to EUR 1,721.4 million in FY23, compared to EUR 1,708.7 million in FY22, owing to 4.9% acquired growth mostly attributable to the Wenger acquisition, offset by a 4.2% decline in organic growth. Project revenues declined due to the lower level of projects orders received in FY23, while Aftermarket revenue reflected an upward trend. Continued good momentum in aftermarket, Poultry Processing continued to be the biggest revenue driver and accounted for 48.4% of Marel’s total revenues in FY23, followed by Meat Processing (25.7%), Plant, Pet and Feed (13.5%) and Fish Processing (11.2%).

The following table sets forth Marel’s revenues by reporting segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million)    2023      2022      Change (%)  

Poultry Processing

     832.3        832.1        0.0  

Meat Processing

     443.0        514.1        (13.8

Fish Processing

     193.6        191.5        1.1  

Plant, Pet and Feed

     232.3        144.2        61.1  

Other(1).

     20.2        26.8        (24.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total.

     1,721.4        1,708.7        0.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Other includes revenues from non-core business areas.

Poultry Processing

In FY23, revenues in the Poultry Processing segment were flat at EUR 832.3 million, compared to EUR 832.1 million in FY22. The overall mix of business experienced a shift from projects, which declined due to market conditions, to Aftermarket revenues.

Meat Processing

Revenues in the Meat Processing segment decreased by 13.8% to EUR 443.0 million in FY23, compared to EUR 514.1 million in the prior year, owing to declining projects revenues, despite slight growth in Aftermarket revenues.

Fish Processing

Revenues in the Fish Processing segment increased by 1.1% to EUR 193.6 million in FY23, compared to EUR 191.5 million in the prior year, owing to a relatively higher volume of customized solutions compared to standard equipment.

 

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Plant, Pet and Feed

Revenues in the Plant, Pet and Feed segment increased by 6.8% to EUR 232.3 million in FY23, compared to pro forma revenues of EUR 217.5 million in the prior year, as a result of increased aftermarket revenues and high equipment volumes in 4Q 2023.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales decreased by 0.5% to EUR 1,125.0 million in FY23, compared to EUR 1,130.4 million in FY22, owing to improved cost coverage due to a reduction in the workforce and lower PPA costs.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses increased by 5.5% to EUR 249.1 million in FY23, compared to EUR 236.2 million in FY22, mostly due to increased customer engagement and inflation. Selling and marketing expenses for FY23 represented 14.5% of revenues for the period, compared to 13.8% in FY22.

General and Administrative Expenses

Marel’s G&A expenses decreased by 3.4% to EUR 134.4 million in FY23, compared to EUR 139.2 million in FY22, primarily as a result of lower acquisition-related costs and a reduction in headcount. G&A expenses for FY23 represented 7.8% of revenues for the period, compared to 8.1% in FY22.

Research and Development Expenses

In FY23, R&D expenses increased by 12.7% to EUR 119.3 million, compared to EUR 105.9 million in FY22, as a result of increased impairment related to restructuring and product portfolio optimization as well as general cost increases. R&D expenses for FY23 represented 6.9% of revenues for the period, compared to 6.2% in FY22.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs increased by 338.5% to EUR 57.0 million in FY23, compared to EUR 13.0 million in FY22, owing mainly to increased interest on borrowings as a result of higher base rates and increased borrowings for FY23 relative to FY22.

Income tax

Income tax decreased by 68.9% to EUR 5.1 million in FY23, compared to EUR 16.4 million in FY22, mainly as a result of weaker results before income tax relative to FY22.

Comparison of Results of Operations for FY22 and FY21

The following table sets forth Marel’s results of operations for FY22 and FY21:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million)     2022        2021   

Revenues

     1,708.7        1,360.8  

Cost of sales

     (1,130.4      (867.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     578.3        493.8  

Selling and marketing expenses.

     (236.2      (180.4

General and administrative expenses

     (139.2      (96.2

Research and development expenses

     (105.9      (86.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Result from operations

     97.0        130.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Year ended December 31,  
(In EUR million)     2022        2021   

Finance costs

     (23.7      (9.2

Finance income

     10.7        0.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net finance costs

     (13.0      (8.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share of results of associates

     (1.9      (0.9

Impairment loss of associates

     (7.0      —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Result before income tax.

     75.1        120.7  

Income tax

     (16.4      (24.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net result

     58.7        96.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Marel’s revenues increased by 25.6% to EUR 1,708.7 million in FY22, compared to EUR 1,360.8 million in FY21. Organic revenue growth was 16.1%, and acquired growth was 9.5%. Acquisitions contributed EUR 129.3 million in revenue for FY22. Challenging market conditions in the first half of FY22, such as supply chain disruption and high inflation, led to missing parts and inefficiencies in manufacturing, which affected revenues. Poultry Processing was the biggest revenue driver and accounted for 48.7% of Marel’s total revenues in FY22, followed by Meat Processing (30.1%), Fish Processing (11.2%) and Plant, Pet and Feed (8.4%).

The following table sets forth Marel’s revenues for FY22 and FY21 for each of its reporting segments:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
    

 

 
(In EUR million)    2022      2021      (%) Change  

Poultry Processing

     832.1        639.1        30.2  

Meat Processing

     514.1        512.5        0.3  

Fish Processing

     191.5        161.1        18.9  

Plant, Pet and Feed

     144.2        —         —   

Other(1)

     26.8        48.1        (44.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,708.7        1,360.8        25.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Other includes revenues which do not belong to the four core business segments. Up to the year ended December 31, 2021, Marel reported its revenue from plant-based protein and pet food processing industries in the Other segment.

Poultry Processing

Revenues in the Poultry Processing segment increased by 30.2% to EUR 832.1 million in FY22, compared to EUR 639.1 million in the prior year, driven by growth in both equipment and aftermarket sales.

Meat Processing

In the Meat Processing segment, revenues increased by 0.3% to EUR 514.1 million in FY22, compared to EUR 512.5 million in FY21. In 2022, the meat industry faced challenging market conditions such as geopolitical unrest, sanctions, lockdowns, inflation and the reappearance of African Swine Fever.

 

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Fish Processing

In FY22, revenues in the Fish Processing segment increased by 18.9% to EUR 191.5 million, compared to EUR 161.1 million in FY21, reflecting a record first half of the year, offset by the closings of several larger projects being moved into FY23 and the impact of proposed tax changes in Norway.

Plant, Pet and Feed

In the quarter ended September 30, 2022, Marel consolidated the newly acquired Wenger business in its segment reporting under the name of Plant, Pet and Feed. The segment performed in line with expectations in the year ended December 31, 2022, with a stronger second half of the year compared to the first half due to the timing of orders and shipments.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales increased by 30.4% to EUR 1,130.4 million in FY22, compared to EUR 867.0 million in FY21, due in part to an increase in the cost of inventories recognized as an expense in connection with the Wenger acquisition and an increase in employee benefits expenses recognized under Cost of Sales. Cost of Sales for FY22 represented 66.2% of revenues for the period, compared to 63.7% in FY21.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses increased by 30.9% to EUR 236.2 million in FY22, compared to EUR 180.4 million in FY21, reflecting the acquisition of Wenger and a step-up in market coverage and high levels of customer engagement, including trade show participation that showcased Marel’s pioneering solutions in the food processing industry. Selling and marketing expenses for FY22 represented 13.8% of revenues for the period, compared to 13.3% in FY21.

General and Administrative Expenses

G&A expenses increased by 44.7% to EUR 139.2 million in FY22, compared to EUR 96.2 million in FY21, which was mostly attributable to restructuring and acquisition-related costs. G&A expenses for FY22 represented 8.1% of revenues for the period, compared to 7.1% in FY21.

Research and Development Expenses

R&D expenses increased by 21.9% to EUR 105.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to EUR 86.9 million in FY21, as a result of an increased focus on digital and software product offering as well as increases in connection with newly-acquired businesses. R&D expenses for FY22 represented 6.2% of revenues for the period, compared to 6.4% in FY21.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs increased by 49.4% to EUR 13.0 million in FY22, compared to EUR 8.7 million in FY21. This increase was largely reflective of an increase in interest on borrowings to EUR 18.4 million, as compared to EUR 4.7 million for FY21, offset by a net foreign exchange gain of EUR 9.2 million in FY22. See “—Liquidity and Capital ResourcesBorrowings.”

Income tax

Income tax expense decreased by 33.1% to EUR 16.4 million in FY22, compared to EUR 24.5 million in FY21, mainly as a result of a lower result before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Marel’s liquidity requirements arise primarily from the need to fund net working capital requirements and operating expenses as well as for maintenance and growth capital expenditures, acquisitions in line with Marel’s strategy and to meet ongoing debt service requirements.

Marel believes that it generates strong cash flows, and its principal sources of liquidity are existing cash and cash equivalents, net cash from operating activities and, to the extent necessary, external debt funding. Marel’s principal external funding arrangements are described under “—Borrowings” below. Marel believes that its working capital is sufficient for Marel’s present requirements.

Cash Flows

The table below sets forth Marel’s cash flows for the periods indicated.

 

(In EUR million)    Three months ended
March 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
      2024       2023      2023     2022     2021  

Net cash from operating activities

     6.5       16.8       138.1       51.4       176.2  

Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities

     (11.3     (31.8     (95.9     (567.2     (121.4

Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities

     (28.3     5.2       (45.1     505.9       (64.3

Net increase (decrease) in net cash

     (33.1     (9.8     (2.9     (9.9     (9.5

Exchange (loss) / gain on net cash

     (0.9     (2.1     (2.9     8.5       8.0  

Net cash at beginning of the period

     69.9       75.7       75.7       77.1       78.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash at end of the period

     35.9       63.8       69.9       75.7       77.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

The primary source of Marel’s cash flows is funds generated by its operating activities. Marel’s net cash from operating activities primarily comprised Marel’s result from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, together with working capital movements, changes in provisions, tax paid and interest and finance income and costs.

Net cash from operating activities for Q1 2024 decreased by EUR 10.3 million to EUR 6.5 million, compared to EUR 16.8 million for Q1 2023, primarily due to due to lower profits and increased working capital commitments.

Net cash from operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by EUR 86.7 million to EUR 138.1 million, compared to EUR 51.4 million in the prior year, primarily due to favorable movements in working capital including rebalancing of inventory.

Net cash from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased by EUR 124.8 million to EUR 51.4 million, compared to EUR 176.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, colored by lower operational performance including one-off costs related to acquisitions and restructuring and unfavorable movements in working capital.

Net cash from (used in) investing activities

Marel’s net cash flow used in investing activities consisted of cash used for the purchase or cash received for the sale of property, plant and equipment, investments in R&D activities, and acquisitions.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities for Q1 2024 decreased by EUR 20.5 million to EUR 11.3 million, compared to EUR 31.8 million in Q1 2023, reflecting lower PP&E investment and investments in intangibles.

Net cash used in investing activities for FY23 decreased by EUR 471.3 million to EUR 95.9 million, compared to EUR 567.2 million in FY22, reflecting the acquisition of Wenger in FY22.

Net cash used in investing activities for FY22 increased by EUR 445.8 million to EUR 567.2 million, compared to EUR 121.4 million in FY21. This increase was primarily due to the high levels of net cash used in investing activities for FY22 including cash consideration of USD 519.3 million in connection with the Wenger acquisition.

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

Marel’s net cash from financing activities reflected sales and purchase of treasury shares and dividends paid as well as refinancing of long-term borrowings as described under “—Borrowings” below.

Net cash used in financing activities for Q1 2024 was EUR 28.3 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of EUR 5.2 million in Q1 2023. This change was primarily due to repayments of borrowings of EUR 25.5 million, compared to EUR 0.4 million in the prior period.

Net cash used in financing activities for FY23 was EUR 45.1 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of EUR 505.9 million in FY22, largely owing to the repayment of EUR 233.1 of borrowings as compared to EUR 215.0 million proceeds from borrowings, as compared to the proceeds from borrowings and repayments of borrowings of EUR 1,358 million and EUR 763.6 million, respectively, in the year prior. See “—Borrowings” below.

Net cash provided by financing activities for FY22 was EUR 505.9 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of EUR 64.3 million in FY21. This change was primarily due to an increase in proceeds from borrowings of EUR 1,358 million, compared to EUR 52.2 million in the prior year, and the purchase of EUR 19.8 million of treasury shares, and the repayments of borrowings of EUR 763.6 million, compared to EUR 62.9 million in the prior year.

Borrowings

The following table sets forth Marel’s total indebtedness as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 

(In EUR million)    March 31, 2024      December 31, 2023  

Long term debt, net

     800.9        819.8  

Short term debt, net

     0        0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

     800.9        819.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Below is a summary of Marel’s material financing arrangements as of December 31, 2023.

Schuldschein Promissory Notes

On December 7, 2018, Marel issued the Promissory Notes in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 140 million to a syndicate of commercial banks across continental Europe and Asia. Marel Holding B.V. issued the following series of Promissory Notes:

 

   

EUR 15.5 million at 1.366% fixed interest for 5 years;

 

   

EUR 8.5 million at 1.83% fixed interest for 7 years;

 

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EUR 106.0 million with floating EURIBOR rate and 1.1% margin for 5 years; and

 

   

EUR 10.0 million with floating EURIBOR rate and 1.3% margin for 7 years.

In December 2023, Marel repaid the Promissory Notes with 5-year terms in the aggregate principal amount of EUR 121.5 million.

In each case, the floating rate tranches include a 0% floor on the six-month EURIBOR rate.

Marel and certain subsidiaries of Marel guarantee all amounts under the Promissory Notes. The Promissory Notes are unsecured.

The Promissory Notes include customary covenants, including reporting obligations and a margin step-up mechanism if certain leverage thresholds are exceeded. The Promissory Notes include customary early termination rights including, but not limited to, non-payment by the borrower or the guarantors, cross- default, insolvency, initiation of insolvency proceedings, cessation of business and invalidity of a guarantee.

Dutch Revolving Credit Facility

On February 5, 2020, Marel Holding B.V. entered into the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility. The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility can be used both as a revolver and to issue guarantees for down payments. In July 2023, Marel requested a two-year extension to the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility, with the final maturity set in February 2027.

The initial interest terms were set at 80 basis points over EURIBOR/LIBOR and vary in line with Marel’s total net leverage ratio (calculated as Net Debt divided by EBITDA) and the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility utilization levels. The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility includes an incentive structure based on a set of sustainability KPIs. Based on the extent to which the KPIs are met, Marel will either receive a margin reduction or increase.

Marel and certain subsidiaries of Marel guarantee all amounts due to the lenders and other finance parties under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility. The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility is unsecured.

The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants, relating to interest cover and leverage in line with market practice.

The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility reflects Loan Market Association documentation, including with respect to customary events of default, and limitations on upstream dividend payments in the event that Marel exceeds its targeted leverage ratio.

As of March 31, 2024, Marel has EUR 351 million of borrowings outstanding under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility as well as EUR 8.4 million issued guarantees, reflecting a utilization of EUR 359.4 million of the EUR 700.0 million available under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility.

USD 300.0 Million Term Loan

On November 2, 2022, Marel signed a USD 300.0 million term loan with the same group of banks as the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility. The term of the loan is for three years with two uncommitted one-year extension options. Interest rates are based on SOFR +250 basis points and will vary in line with Marel’s total net leverage ratio.

 

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EUR 150.0 Million Term Loan

On July 17, 2023, Marel signed a EUR 150.0 million term loan with six international banks and used the liquidity to repay the 5-year term Promissory Notes and part of the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility. The term of the loan is approximately two years with two uncommitted one-year extension options. Interest rates are based on SOFR +250 basis points and will vary in line with Marel’s total net leverage ratio.

All of Marel’s facilities include a 0% interest floor on the relevant base rates.

Certain Other Contractual Commitments

The table below shows the breakdown by maturity of all financial liabilities as of March 31, 2024

 

(In EUR million)    Less than
1 year
     Between 1
and
5 years
     Over
5 years
 

Borrowings

     —         798.9        2.0  

Lease liabilities

     11.0        25.7        4.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total borrowings

     11.0        824.6        7.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contingent Liabilities

Marel does not currently engage in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements. For a discussion of Marel’s guarantee and pension commitments, see Notes 23 and 24 to the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for FY23 included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Marel uses interest rate swaps to hedge its net exposure to movements in interest rates on its floating rate long-term borrowings described under “—Liquidity and Capital ResourcesBorrowings” above to receive floating interest and to pay fixed interest. The fair value of these interest rate swaps is calculated using a credit-risk adjusted discount rate and therefore incorporates a debit or credit valuation adjustment as required. As of December 31, 2023, the notional principal amount of outstanding interest rate swaps was EUR 350.8 million. For a further discussion, see Note 26 to Marel’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for FY23 included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Marel’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in price, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Marel’s overall risk management program seeks to minimize potential adverse effects as noted below. For a further discussion, please see Note 26 to the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for FY23 included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Marel operates internationally and is particularly exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates of the USD, the British pound sterling, ISK and the Brazilian real, primarily with respect to the EUR, as the EUR is Marel’s reporting currency. Marel generally seeks natural hedges in its operations by matching revenues and operational costs as much as possible, with its main exposure being to revenues earned in USD and costs incurred in ISK (approximately 6% of costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2023 were in ISK whereas less than 1% of revenues for that period were earned in ISK). Marel monitors foreign exchange risk arising from commercial

 

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transactions, recognized assets and liabilities (transaction risk) that are determined in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency. Currency exposure arising from net assets of Marel’s major foreign operations (translation risk) is managed primarily through funding denominated in the main operational currencies to create natural hedging in the balance sheet. If necessary, Marel seeks to hedge its financial exposure in accordance with its general policy within set limits. In line with Marel’s risk management policy, Marel hedges up to 80% of its estimated foreign currency exposure in ISK relating to forecasted transactions over the following 12 months. For further discussion, see “—Key Factors Affecting Marels Results of Operations and Financial ConditionFluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates.”

Interest Rate Risk

Marel’s income and operating cash flows are impacted by changes in market interest rates. The interest rates of a majority of Marel’s leases, where it is lessee, are fixed at their inception. These leases expose the company to fair-value interest rate risk.

Marel’s cash-flow interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings at variable rates expose the company to cash-flow interest rate risk, while borrowings at fixed rates expose it to fair-value interest rate risk. Marel manages its cash-flow interest rate risk by using floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. See “—Liquidity and Capital ResourcesDerivative Financial Instruments.” Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting floating-rate financing to fixed rates. Marel obtains long-term financing at floating rates and swaps a portion of this to fixed rates. The risk involved, measured as the potential increase in interest paid during the coming year based on a defined movement in interest rates, is monitored and evaluated regularly. To ensure the certainty of future interest cash flows and compliance with debt covenants, Marel maintains a hedging policy under which it hedges 50-70% of its exposure to interest rate risks associated with its core debt with an interest rate swap with a maximum maturity of five years.

Credit Risk

Marel is exposed to credit risk from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The following table sets forth Marel’s maximum exposure to credit risk for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
     Year ended
December 31,
 
(In EUR million)     2024        2023        2023        2022   

Trade receivables – net

     196.5        231.7        215.2        218.3  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     3.2        4.0        1.7        3.3  

Other receivables and prepayments

     94.2        102.7        85.9        99.0  

Cash and cash equivalents

     35.9        63.8        69.9        75.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     329.3        402.2        372.7        396.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Marel has no significant concentrations of credit risk. Marel seeks to minimize credit risk by closely monitoring credit granted to customers and by obtaining security to cover potential losses. Marel has policies in place to ensure that sales of products and services are made to customers with an acceptable credit history and that products are not delivered until payments are secured.

Marel does its banking with a diversified set of financial institutions around the world. Marel has policies in place to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.

 

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Liquidity Risk

Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Marel aims to maintain flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under its Dutch Revolving Credit Facility, which can be used both as a revolver and to issue guarantees for down payments. As of March 31, 2024, Marel had EUR 351 million of borrowings outstanding under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility as well as EUR 8.4 million issued guarantees, reflecting a utilization of EUR 359.4 million of the EUR 700.0 million available under the Dutch Revolving Credit Facility, leaving a headroom of EUR 340.7 million. The Dutch Revolving Credit Facility is subject to interest cover and leverage covenants. As of March 31, 2024, Marel was in compliance with all covenants under its loan documents.

Cash flow forecasts are done at the local levels and monitored by Marel’s central treasury department. Group liquidity reports are viewed by management on a monthly basis. Marel has a cross border notional cash pool with the aim of making better use of its cash position and to further decrease the amount of idle cash.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

In preparing its financial statements, Marel makes judgments and estimates that affect the application of Marel’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The actual results will, by definition, seldom be exactly equal to the related accounting estimates used.

Estimates and judgments are continuously evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are recognized prospectively.

Material judgments are described in the following table:

 

 

Revenue recognition   

•  Determination of percentage of completion in contracts with customers recognized over time.

Goodwill and other intangible assets   

•  Valuation based on management assumptions using the discounted cash flow method.

Leases   

•  Judgment whether certain property lease extension options will be exercised by the Group.

Material estimates are described in the following table:

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets   

•  Determination of the discount rate using external market information about market risk, interest rates and some CGU-specific elements like country risk.

 

•  Estimation of future cash flows.

Income taxes   

•  Estimates of the recoverability of deferred tax assets, based on projected future taxable profits.

 

•  The Group recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due.

Inventory obsolescence   

•  Determination of the allowance for inventory obsolescence is based on the estimated future selling price of the inventory.

For further information on Marel’s material accounting judgments and estimates, please refer to Marel’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for FY23 included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN JBT AND MAREL

JBT, Marel and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates have not been engaged and are not engaged in commercial transactions and have not entered into commercial arrangements with each other in the ordinary course of business that are material, individually or in the aggregate, to JBT, Marel or their respective subsidiaries, other than the Transaction Agreement. Except as described in this proxy statement/prospectus, there are and have been no past, present or proposed material contracts, arrangements, understandings, relationships, negotiations or transactions concerning a merger, consolidation or acquisition, a tender offer for or other acquisition of securities, the election of directors or the sale or other transfer of a material amount of assets during the three immediately preceding calendar years between JBT or its affiliates, on the one hand, and Marel or its affiliates, on the other hand. A summary of the Transaction Agreement is set forth under the section titled “The Transaction Agreement.”

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE COMBINED COMPANY FOLLOWING THE TRANSACTION

References in this section to “we” and “our” generally refer to JBT, prior to the Transaction, and the combined company after giving effect to the Transaction.

Name and Headquarters of the Combined Company

It is anticipated that the combined company will be named “JBT Marel Corporation.” The combined company will maintain a long-term commitment to Marel’s heritage, including a significant Icelandic presence. The combined company plans to maintain a corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois with a European headquarters and global technology center of excellence in Garðabær, Iceland.

Executive Officers of the Combined Company

Brian Deck, current President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT and member of the JBT Board, will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and member of the board of directors of the combined company, Árni Sigurdsson, current Chief Executive Officer of Marel, will serve as President of the combined company and Matthew Meister, current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of JBT, will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company. The executive leadership team of the combined company following the closing will consist of a combination of individuals from the current JBT and Marel management teams.

Árni Sigurdsson. Mr. Sigurdsson, age 41, has served as Chief Executive Officer of Marel since December 2023, after serving as Marel’s Interim CEO since November 2023. He took over the role of Chief Business Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Marel in November 2022, where he was responsible for Marel’s business divisions, in addition to the overall business growth and the strategic direction of Marel. Mr. Sigurdsson joined Marel in 2014 as Head of Strategy before transitioning to the role of Chief Strategy Officer and EVP Strategic Business Units from 2020 to 2022. Before joining Marel, Mr. Sigurdsson worked at AGC Partners and Landsbanki Íslands, where he supported Marel in the acquisition of Stork Food Systems. Mr. Sigurdsson currently serves on the board of Worximity Technology Inc. Mr Sigurdsson holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Iceland.

Matthew J. Meister. Mr. Meister, age 45, was appointed Chief Financial Officer of JBT in December 2020. Mr. Meister joined JBT in May 2019 as Vice President and CFO for JBT Protein, with responsibility for all accounting and finance activity for the Protein Division within the FoodTech segment. Mr. Meister joined JBT with extensive experience in global manufacturing across various industries including automotive, medical devices and general industrial applications, including his prior roles at IDEX Corporation, where he held several operational finance leadership roles, ending with the Group Vice President, Health and Science Technologies role. Prior to joining IDEX, he held various roles of increasing responsibility within the business units and at corporate at Navistar International Corporation. Mr. Meister holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and completed a post undergraduate Certificate of Accountancy at DePaul University. He received his undergraduate education in Finance and Operations Management from Washington University in St. Louis.

Board of Directors of the Combined Company

Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of ten members, consisting of Mr. Deck, five independent directors from the pre-closing JBT Board selected by JBT and four independent directors from the pre-closing Marel Board selected by Marel. Prior to the 2026 Annual Meeting, the board of directors of the combined company, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of JBT Preferred Stock as set forth in the JBT Charter, will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible and designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors elected at the annual

 

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meeting of stockholders held in 2023 will serve out their three-year terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2026 Annual Meeting; directors whose terms expired at the 2024 Annual Meeting stood for re-election to a two-year term; and directors with terms expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting will serve out the remainder of their current terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Members of each class will hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. Commencing with the 2026 Annual Meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings of JBT Stockholders, all directors will be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of JBT Stockholders, with each such director to hold office until their successor will be elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office, and there will no longer be any director class designation. Until the 2026 Annual Meeting, in case of any increase or decrease, from time to time, in the number of directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of JBT Preferred Stock as set forth in the JBT Charter, the number of directors in each class will be apportioned as nearly equal as possible.

The following table lists the names, ages and positions of those individuals who we anticipate will become directors of the combined company:

 

Name

  

Age

  

Position

Barbara L. Brasier    65    Director
Brian A. Deck    56    Chief Executive Officer and Director
Alan D. Feldman    72    Director
Svafa Grönfeldt    59    Director
Olafur S Gudmundsson    54    Director
Charles Harrington    65    Director
Lawrence V. Jackson    70    Director
Polly B. Kawalek    69    Director
Antonius T.C. van der Laan    70    Director
Arnar Þór Másson    52    Director

Biographical information concerning the directors listed in the table is set forth below.

Barbara L. Brasier. Ms. Brasier was first elected to the JBT Board in 2019. Ms. Brasier was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Herc Holdings, Inc., an equipment rental company, from 2015 to 2018. Prior to her role at Herc Holdings, Inc., Ms. Brasier served as the Senior Vice President, Tax and Treasury of Mondelez International, Inc., a food company spun out from Kraft Foods Inc., from 2012 to 2015. Ms. Brasier currently serves on two other public company boards: Molina Healthcare, Inc. (since 2019); and Lancaster Colony Corporation (since 2019). Ms. Brasier has 35 years of experience in finance with a career that spanned diverse roles across public accounting, paper and packaging, industrial equipment and food manufacturing industries. Because of her significant operating, finance and M&A experience, we believe Ms. Brasier is well qualified to serve on the board of the combined company.

Brian A. Deck. Mr. Deck was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT, as well as a member of the JBT Board, in December 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Deck served as JBT’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 2014, after serving as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since joining JBT in February 2014. Prior to joining JBT, Mr. Deck served as Chief Financial Officer of National Material L.P., a private diversified industrial holding company since May 2011. He served as Vice President of Finance and Treasury (from November 2007 to May 2011) and as Director, Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (from August 2005 to November 2007) of Ryerson Inc., a metals distributor and processor. Prior to his service with Ryerson, Mr. Deck had increasing responsibilities with General Electric Capital, Bank One (now JPMorgan Chase & Co.) and Cole Taylor Bank. Mr. Deck holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from DePaul University in Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois. We believe Mr. Deck is well qualified to serve on the board of directors of the combined company due to his extensive experience as an executive at JBT.

 

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Alan D. Feldman. Mr. Feldman was first elected to the JBT Board in 2008 and has served as Chairman of the JBT Board since June 2020. Mr. Feldman currently serves as a board member of Foot Locker, Inc. and serves as a Governing Director of the University of Illinois Foundation. Mr. Feldman served on the Board of Directors for GNC Holdings, Inc. from 2013 to 2020. Before that, Mr. Feldman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Midas, Inc., an international automotive services company, from January 2003 until May 2012 and its Chairman from May 2006 until May 2012. Prior to joining Midas, Inc., Mr. Feldman held several senior management positions within McDonald’s Corporation, becoming President of McDonald’s USA in 1998 and Chief Operating Officer and President of McDonald’s Americas in 2001. Early in his career, Mr. Feldman served in financial and operations positions at Frito-Lay and Pizza Hut and was named Senior Vice President of Operations of Pizza Hut in 1990 and Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and Chief Financial Officer, in 1993. We believe Mr. Feldman’s expertise in the fast-food, quick-serve and snack food industries and his experience serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Midas, Inc. make him well qualified to serve on the board of directors of the combined company.

Svafa Grönfeldt. Ms. Grönfeldt has served on the Marel Board since 2021 and is currently a Professor of Practice at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is a founding member of MIT’s innovation accelerator DesignX, focused on the design and development of technology- and service-based ventures created at MIT. Ms. Grönfeldt is the co-founder of The MET fund, a Cambridge-based seed investment fund. She has served as the Vice-Chairman of the board of directors of Össur, a global leader in orthopedic solutions since 2008, and member of the board of directors of Icelandair since 2019, where she is also a member of the Audit Committee. Within the global life science field, Ms. Grönfeldt served as the Chief Organizational and Development Officer of Alvogen from 2010 to 2020 and Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer of Actavis Group from 2002 to 2007. For over twenty years, Ms. Grönfeldt’s executive career has been focused on organizational design for high growth companies, strategy implementation, service process design and performance tracking, as well as the integration of acquired companies and new business units. She is a former President of Reykjavik University. We believe Ms. Grönfeldt’s academic, entrepreneurial and executive experience makes her well qualified to serve on the board of the combined company.

Olafur S Gudmundsson. Mr. Gudmundsson has served on the Marel Board since 2014 and was elected Vice-Chairman of the Marel Board in 2021. Mr. Gudmundsson is currently a member of the board of directors of Eyrir Invest, Marel’s largest shareholder, and Noruz. Mr. Gudmundsson also currently serves as the Head of Discovery Pharmaceutics and Analytical Sciences at Bristol-Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company. For more than two decades, Mr. Gudmundsson has held roles of increasing responsibility within research and development, covering multiple therapeutic areas and stages of drug discovery, both for BMS and Genentech, Inc, a U.S. biotechnology corporation. At BMS, Mr. Gudmundsson has helped bring multiple drug candidates to clinical trials, several of which have become marketed products. In his time within the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Gudmundsson’s responsibilities have included involvement with global portfolio strategy, evaluation of external acquisitions, strategic innovations, and integration of merged companies. He has participated in governance teams providing input on global portfolio optimization and prioritization, led process optimization teams and chaired integration teams. Mr. Gudmundsson is also associated with the graduate program of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry department at Purdue University. Because of his extensive management, research and development experience, notably withing the pharmaceutical industry, we believe Mr. Gudmundsson is well qualified to serve on the board of the combined company.

Charles Harrington. Mr. Harrington was first elected to the JBT Board in 2022 and currently serves as a board member of J.G. Boswell Company, Constellation Energy Corporation and Korn Ferry International. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Digital Engineering USA (IDEUSA) and as Vice Chairman of the Cal Poly Foundation. Mr. Harrington retired in 2022 as Executive Chairman of Parsons Corporation, a digitally enabled solutions provider in diverse markets with a focus on security, defense and infrastructure. Mr. Harrington previously served as Parson Corporation’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President from April 2008 until he retired in July 2021. During his career at Parsons Corporation, Mr. Harrington also served in various roles including as Chief Financial Officer, Group President, Senior Vice President and

 

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Vice President, Program Management and Business Development. Mr. Harrington served on the Board of Directors of The AES Corporation from 2013 to 2020. We believe Mr. Harrington is well qualified to serve on the board of directors of the combined company due to his significant experience in executive and leadership positions.

Lawrence V. Jackson. Mr. Jackson was first elected to the JBT Board in 2020. Mr. Jackson has served as Chairman of SourceMark, LLC, privately-held, since 2010 and previously served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Jackson has also served as a Senior Advisor for New Mountain Capital, LLC, a New York-based private investment firm, since 2008 and he currently serves as a board member for several of the firm’s private portfolio companies. Mr. Jackson is also a board member of Assurant, Inc. and Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Mr. Jackson was previously the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Procurement Division and the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. from 2004 to 2007. Prior to joining Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Mr. Jackson was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Dollar General Corporation from 2003 to 2004. Because of his extensive management and senior executive experience in leading consumer product and food related companies, we believe Mr. Jackson is well qualified to serve on the board of directors of the combined company.

Polly B. Kawalek. Ms. Kawalek was first elected to the JBT Board in 2008. Ms. Kawalek has served on the board of directors of several companies including serving on the board of Elkay Manufacturing Company from 2005 to March 2020, Martek Biosciences Corp. from 2005 until February 2011 and Kimball International, Inc. from 1998 until January 2009. In 2004, Ms. Kawalek retired from Quaker Oats, Inc., which in 2001 became a business unit of PepsiCo, after serving for 25 years in various capacities including as President of Quaker Oats’ U.S. Foods division from 2001 until 2004, and from 1997 through 2000 as President of its Hot Breakfast division. We believe Ms. Kawalek is well qualified to serve on the board of directors of the combined company due to her many years of food industry experience and her insight into strategic planning.

Antonius T.C. van der Laan. Mr. van der Laan has served on the Marel Board since 2019 and is a member of Marel’s Audit Committee. Mr. van der Laan currently serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal de Heus, a global feed company and Vice-Chairman of the board of directors of Rainforest Alliance in New York. He is a non-executive board member of Dümmen Orange, a company active in flower and plant genetics, and a board member of the United Feed Company in Saudi Arabia. Mr. van der Laan has extensive experience from several executive roles in the food, feed and commodity industries. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. van de Laan served as CEO of Nidera, a company globally active in financing and distribution of grains and oilseeds. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President for Cargill Animal Proteins and Animal Nutrition globally and CEO of Provimi in the Netherlands, one of the global leaders in animal nutrition. Previously, for over 22 years, Mr. van der Laan held several executive roles at Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer food company, where he was located in the Netherlands, UK, Czech Republic and Slovakia. He has also served as Managing Director of Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care. We believe Mr. van der Laan is well qualified to serve as on the board of the combined company because of his extensive experience in multi-national businesses, strategic planning, portfolio management, acquisitions and company restructuring, large- and small -scale integrations and top team development.

Arnar Þór Másson. Mr. Másson has served on the Marel Board since 2001 and was elected Chairman of the Marel Board in 2021. Mr. Másson currently serves on the board of directors of Síminn, the largest telecom company in Iceland, listed on Nasdaq Iceland, where he also serves on the Remuneration Committee. He also serves on the board of directors of Íslandshótel, Iceland’s largest hotel chain. Mr. Másson is a member of the University Council of the University of Iceland and is a board member of Festa – Center for Sustainability in Iceland. Mr. Másson was Chief Human Resources and Strategy Officer at Isavia, a company that handles the operations and development of all airports in Iceland, from 2019 to 2020. Prior to that, from 2016 to 2019, he was an alternate director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London, an investment and development bank that works primarily with private sector clients in developing economies. Before joining EBRD, Mr. Másson worked in the government offices in Iceland, first in the Ministry of Finance

 

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and later as Director General in the Prime Minister’s Office. From 2000 to 2008, Mr. Másson held an adjunct lecturer position at the Department of Political Science at the University of Iceland. Mr. Másson has experience in strategy development and implementation, human resources, Environmental, Social and Governance, M&A, political affairs and has worked in emerging markets. He has completed executive courses for board directors both at Harvard Business School and IMD. Because of his broad international managerial and governmental experience, we believe Mr. Másson is well qualified to serve on the board of directors of the combined company.

Governing Documents of the Combined Company

The combined company will be governed by the governing documents of JBT. No changes are expected to be made to the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws except to reflect the changed name of the combined company.

 

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COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS

This section describes the material differences between the rights of JBT Stockholders (which will be the rights of JBT Stockholders, including Marel Shareholders who receive JBT Offer Shares, upon consummation of the Transaction) and Marel Shareholders. The differences between the rights of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders result from the differences among Delaware and Icelandic law and the respective governing documents of JBT and Marel.

This section does not include a complete description of all differences among the rights of JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders, nor does it include a complete description of their specific rights. Furthermore, the identification of some of the differences of these rights as material is not intended to indicate that other differences that may be equally important do not exist. All JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders are urged to carefully read the relevant provisions of the DGCL, the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies no. 2/1995, the JBT Charter, the JBT Bylaws and the Marel Articles of Association. It is possible the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws will change following the completion of the Transaction.

 

JBT Stockholders

  

Marel Shareholders

Authorized Equity Interests

Common Stock. JBT is authorized to issue up to 120,000,000 JBT Shares. As of     , 2024, there were     JBT Shares issued and outstanding.

 

Preferred Stock. JBT is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of JBT Preferred Stock. As of     , 2024, there were no shares of JBT Preferred Stock outstanding.

   The Marel Board is authorized, according to the Marel Articles of Association, to increase its share capital by up to ISK 75,000,000 nominal value by issuing new shares. As of     , the share capital of Marel amounts to ISK     .
Rights of Preferred Stock
The JBT Board is authorized by resolution or resolutions to fix the voting powers and dividends, if any, designations, powers, preferences, and the relative, participation, optional or other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of any unissued series of JBT Preferred Stock; and to fix the number of shares constituting such series, and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any such series (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding).    Not applicable.
Dividends

Section 170 of the DGCL provides that the directors of every corporation, subject to any restrictions contained in its certificate of incorporation, may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock either: (i) out of its surplus, as defined in and computed in accordance with Sections 154 and 244 of the DGCL; or (ii) in case there will be no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

 

The JBT Bylaws provide that the JBT Board may from time to time declare, and JBT may pay, dividends on its

   Distributions to shareholders may not be made under Icelandic laws unless the distribution is made in accordance with the rules relating to the allocation of dividends, is a refund owing pursuant to a reduction of share capital or reserve fund, or is made on the dissolution of a company. It is only permissible to distribute profit in accordance with approved annual accounts for the immediate past financial year, profit brought forward from previous years and available reserves after deducting unmet losses and the monies which must legally be allocated to a reserve fund or for other uses.

 

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Marel Shareholders

outstanding shares in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by law and the JBT Charter.    A shareholders’ meeting will decide the allocation of a dividend after the board of directors has submitted a proposal in that respect. Shareholders may not decide to distribute a larger dividend than the board of directors has proposed or approved.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
The JBT Charter and JBT Bylaws provide that the annual meeting of the JBT Stockholders will be held on such date and at such time as may be fixed by resolution of the JBT Board. At the annual meeting, JBT Stockholders will elect directors and transact such other business as properly may be brought before the meeting.   

Under the Marel Articles of Association, the annual general meeting of Marel will be held within eight months from the end of each year. The annual general meeting will be announced with a minimum of three weeks’ notice, unless Marel Shareholders have approved shorter notices as provided for and with the relevant conditions stipulated under Icelandic laws.

 

The annual general meeting will take decisions relating to, inter alia, the election of board of directors and auditors as well as deciding the remuneration to the members of the board of directors, the dissolution of a company, a share capital increase, unless the board of directors has been authorized to exercise that right by a meeting of the shareholders, reduction of share capital, amendments to the company’s articles of association and the confirmation of the annual accounts as well as deciding how the company’s profit or loss during the financial year will be handled.

Special Meetings of Stockholders
The JBT Charter and JBT Bylaws provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of JBT Preferred Stock with respect to such series of JBT Preferred Stock, special meetings of JBT Stockholders may be called only by the JBT Board. Any power of JBT Stockholders to call a special meeting is specifically denied. No business other than that stated in the notice of the special meeting will be transacted at any special meeting.    The Marel Board will call a shareholders’ meeting when deemed necessary or when elected auditors or shareholders that control at least 1/20 of all Marel Shares make a written request to that effect, stating the subject matter of the proposed meeting. A shareholders’ meeting will be announced with a minimum of three weeks’ notice, unless Marel Shareholders have approved shorter notices as provided for and with the conditions stipulated under Icelandic laws.
Voting Rights
Except as otherwise provided by law or by the resolution or resolutions adopted by the JBT Board designating the rights, powers and preferences of any series of JBT Preferred Stock, the JBT Shares will have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes. Each JBT Share will have one vote, and the JBT Shares will vote together as a single class.    At shareholders’ meetings in Marel, one vote will accompany each share in Marel.

 

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JBT Stockholders

  

Marel Shareholders

 

Each JBT Stockholder of record entitled to vote at any meeting may do so in person or by proxy appointed by instrument in writing (or in such manner prescribed by the DGCL), subscribed by such JBT Stockholder or his duly authorized attorney in fact, and filed with the secretary of JBT.

  
Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Under the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken by JBT Stockholders may be effected only at a duly called annual or special meeting of JBT Stockholders and may not be effected by a written consent or consents by JBT Stockholders in lieu of such a meeting.   

Under Icelandic laws, shareholders will exercise their powers at a lawfully convened meeting of the shareholders, which is the highest authority regarding all matters of a company.

 

If the Marel Board considers it feasible to give shareholders the opportunity to participate in shareholders’ meetings using electronic means, shareholders will be given the opportunity to vote on proposals or participate in allotting through the mail.

Quorum and Adjournment

Except as otherwise provided by law, the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of JBT Voting Stock, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at a meeting of the JBT Stockholders, except that when specified business is to be voted on by a class or series of stock voting as a class, the holders of a majority of the shares of such class or series will constitute a quorum of such class or series for the transaction of such business.

 

The presiding officer of the meeting or a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time, whether or not there is such a quorum. No notice of the time and place of adjourned meetings need be given except as required by law. The JBT Stockholders present at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough JBT Stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

  

The shareholders present in person or by proxy at the general meeting of shareholders constitute a quorum. A shareholders’ meeting is legally constituted if lawfully convened, regardless of how many persons attend it.

 

If shareholders controlling a minimum of a third of the share capital so require in writing at an annual general meeting, decisions on matters relating to (i) the confirmation of the annual accounts and (ii) allocation of the company’s profits will be deferred until an extended annual general meeting which will be held at the earliest one month and at the latest two months later.

Required Vote
When a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter will be the act of the JBT Stockholders, unless the matter to be acted upon is one which by express provision of law, the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws requires a larger or different vote, in which case such express provision will govern and control the decision of such matter.   

A simple majority of votes will decide issues at a shareholders’ meeting, unless otherwise stipulated in laws or a company’s articles of association. In case votes break even at elections in the company, lots drawn will decide issues, unless otherwise stipulated in a company’s articles of association.

 

However, a decision relating to an amendment to a company’s articles of association will be made at a shareholders’ meeting and will only become valid provided it obtains the approval of a minimum of

 

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Such exceptions include (as subject to further qualifications and exceptions as provided in applicable law, the JBT Bylaws or the JBT Charter):

 

•  a nominee for director will be elected to the JBT Board if the votes cast for such nominee’s election exceed the votes cast against such nominee’s election; provided, however, that directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting of JBT Stockholders for which (i) the secretary of JBT receives a notice that a JBT Stockholder has nominated a person for election to the JBT Board in compliance with the notice requirements for JBT Stockholder nominees for director set forth in the JBT Bylaws and (ii) such nomination has not been withdrawn by such JBT Stockholder on or prior to the day next preceding the date JBT first mails its notice of meeting for such meeting to the JBT Stockholders. If directors are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, JBT Stockholders will not be permitted to vote against a nominee;

 

•  any director of the JBT Board or the entire JBT Board may be removed from office at any time with or without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of JBT Voting Stock, voting together as a single class;

 

•  the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of JBT Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, will be required to alter, amend or repeal any provision of the JBT Bylaws; and

 

•  the affirmative vote of not less than 80% of the total voting power of all classes of outstanding capital stock of JBT entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, will be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, certain provisions in the JBT Charter.

  

two-third of the votes cast and also the approval of shareholders controlling at least two-third of the share capital in respect of which votes are wielded at the shareholders’ meeting.

 

The approval of all shareholders is required in order that decisions relating to the following amendments to a company’s articles of association enter into force: (i) to abridge shareholders’ rights to the payment of dividend or to other allocation from a company for the benefit of others than shareholders, (ii) to increase shareholders’ liabilities towards a company and (iii) to limit shareholders’ authority for the handling of their shares or to obligate shareholders to be subject to redemption of their shares without there being a case of dissolution of the company.

 

Increased majorities also apply in certain other cases, specified under Icelandic laws, such as relating to decisions that abridge the right of shareholders to dividend or other payments or derange the judicial relationship between shareholders.

Stockholder Proposals—Notice Requirements
Nominations of persons for election to the JBT Board and the proposal of business to be considered by JBT Stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of JBT Stockholders (i) pursuant to JBT’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the JBT Board or (iii) by any JBT Stockholder who was a holder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in the JBT Bylaws, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in the JBT Bylaws.    According to the Marel Articles of Association, each shareholder has the right to have a specific matter discussed at a shareholders’ meeting, if he submits a request to the Marel Board with enough notice to enable the matter to be placed on the agenda of the meeting, but not later than seven days after the Marel Board has published the final agenda and proposals for the meeting. No later than three days prior to the meeting, the Marel Board will inform the

 

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JBT Stockholders

  

Marel Shareholders

Pursuant to the JBT Bylaws, for nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a JBT Stockholder pursuant to the JBT Bylaws, the JBT Stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of JBT and such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for JBT Stockholder action. In addition to such JBT Stockholder complying with the provisions of Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act, to be timely, a JBT Stockholder’s notice will be delivered to JBT’s secretary at JBT’s principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the JBT Stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by JBT. In no event will the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Such JBT Stockholder’s notice will set forth:

 

(a)   as to each person whom the JBT Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director the following information relating to such nominee:

 

(i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the nominee,

 

(ii)  the principal occupation or employment of the nominee,

 

(iii)  the number of shares of JBT that are held of record or are beneficially owned by the nominee and any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any shares of JBT or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any shares of JBT, whether or not such instrument or right will be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of capital stock of the corporation or otherwise held or beneficially held by the nominee,

   shareholders of the proposal and update the agenda of the meeting.

 

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(iv) whether and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of the nominee with respect to any securities of JBT, and a description of any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, or to manage the risk or benefit of share price changes for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of the nominee,

 

(v)   a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nominations are to be made by the JBT Stockholder,

 

(vi) a written statement executed by the nominee acknowledging that, as a director of JBT, the nominee will owe a fiduciary duty under the DGCL with respect to JBT and JBT Stockholders,

 

(vii) a written statement executed by the nominee consenting to be named in any proxy statement and accompanying proxy cards as a nominee for director of JBT at any meeting held for the election of directors of JBT, and agreeing that the nominee will serve as a director if elected, and

 

(viii)any other information that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, including a representation that such JBT Stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, intends, or is part of a group that intends, to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to solicit the holders of at least 67% of the voting power of shares entitled to vote in the election of directors in support of director nominees other than JBT’s nominees in accordance with Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act;

 

(b)   as to any other business that the JBT Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such JBT Stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and

  

 

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Marel Shareholders

 

(c)   as to the JBT Stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made:

 

(i) the name and address of such JBT Stockholder, as they appear on JBT’s books, and of such beneficial owner,

 

(ii)  the class and number of shares of JBT which are owned beneficially or of record by such JBT Stockholder and such beneficial owner and any derivative instruments held or beneficially held by such JBT Stockholder and such beneficial owner, and

 

(iii)  whether and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of such JBT Stockholder or such beneficial owner with respect to any securities of JBT, and a description of any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, or to manage the risk or benefit from share price changes for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of, such JBT Stockholder or such beneficial owner with respect to any securities of JBT.

 

At the request of the JBT Board, any person nominated by a JBT Stockholder for election as a director must furnish, within five business days of any such request, to the secretary of JBT such other information as may reasonably be required by JBT to determine the eligibility of any proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of JBT or that could be material to a reasonable JBT Stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee, which may include a proposed nominee director questionnaire to be provided by JBT that will include all information related to the proposed nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with the solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) of the Exchange Act or the rules of any national stock exchange upon which JBT’s securities are listed; in the absence of the furnishing of such information if requested, such JBT Stockholder’s nomination will not be considered in proper form pursuant to the JBT Bylaws.

  

 

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Governance

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of JBT Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors on the JBT Board will be fixed, and may be increased or decreased from time to time, exclusively by resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors which JBT would have if there were no vacancies.

 

Prior to the 2026 Annual Meeting, the board of directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of JBT Preferred Stock as set forth in the JBT Charter, will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible and designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors elected at the annual meeting of stockholders held in 2023 will serve out their three-year terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2026 Annual Meeting; directors whose terms expired at the 2024 Annual Meeting stood for re-election to a two-year term; and directors with terms expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting will serve out the remainder of their current terms, and they and any successors will stand for re-election to a one-year term at the 2025 Annual Meeting Members of each class will hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. Commencing with the 2026 Annual Meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings of JBT Stockholders, all directors will be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of JBT Stockholders, with each such director to hold office until their successor will be elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office, and there will no longer be any director class designation. Until the 2026 Annual Meeting, in case of any increase or decrease, from time to time, in the number of directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of JBT Preferred Stock as set forth in the JBT Charter, the number of directors in each class will be apportioned as nearly equal as possible.

 

  

According to Icelandic laws, the corporate governance of Icelandic companies is based on a three-level administration: (i) the shareholders’ meeting, (ii) the board of directors and (ii) the managing director. The board of directors is elected at a shareholders’ meeting and the managing director is employed, and dismissed, by the board of directors.

 

The annual general meeting of Marel Shareholders annually elects seven people to sit on the Marel Board. Their suitability is determined by law. In elections to the Marel Board, the ratio of each gender will be no less than 40%.

Removal of Directors
The JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of JBT Preferred Stock with respect to such series of JBT Preferred Stock, any director or the entire JBT Board may be removed from office at any time with or without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of JBT Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.    A shareholders’ meeting can discharge the board of directors at any time.

 

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Marel Shareholders

Board Vacancies

The JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws provide that, subject to applicable law and the rights of the holders of any series of JBT Preferred Stock with respect to such series of JBT Preferred Stock, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the JBT Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause will be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the JBT Board, or by the sole remaining director.

 

Any director so chosen will hold office until his or her successor will be elected and qualified and, if the JBT Board at such time is classified, until the next election of the class for which such director will have been chosen. No decrease in the number of directors will shorten the term of any incumbent director.

   A member of the board of directors can resign at any time during its term. In such a case, its reserve director, if one has been elected, takes his place. If there is no reserve director, the other members of the board of directors should call for an election or appointment of a new member for the remainder of the term. The remaining board members can, however, decide to postpone the election until the next annual general meeting if the board can still form a quorum.
Amendments to Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation

JBT reserves the right at any time from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in the JBT Charter, and any other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law. All rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon JBT Stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to the JBT Charter in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in Article VII of the JBT Charter.

 

The JBT Charter provides that any amendment to the following sections of the JBT Charter requires the affirmative vote of not less than 80% of the total voting power of all classes of outstanding capital stock of JBT entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class:

 

•  Article V (governing the classification, election and removal of directors);

 

•  Article VI (governing amendments to the JBT Bylaws);

 

•  the last sentence of Article VII (governing certain amendments to the JBT Charter): and

 

•  Article IX (governing JBT Stockholder actions and special meetings of JBT Stockholders).

   The Marel Articles of Association may only be amended at shareholders’ meetings that are duly constituted. A decision to amend the Marel Articles of Association will only be valid if it has been approved by at least 2/3 of the votes cast and approved by Marel Shareholders who control at least 2/3 of the shares represented at the relevant shareholders’ meeting.

 

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Amendments to Other Governing Documents
The JBT Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed at any meeting of the JBT Board or of JBT Stockholders, provided notice of the proposed change was given in the notice of the meeting and, in the case of a meeting of the JBT Board, in a notice given not less than two days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that, in the case of amendments by the JBT Board, notwithstanding any other provisions of the JBT Bylaws or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole JBT Board will be required to alter, amend or repeal any provision of the JBT Bylaws; provided, further, that, in the case of amendments by JBT Stockholders, notwithstanding any other provisions of the JBT Bylaws or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of the capital stock of JBT required by law, the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of JBT Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, will be required to alter, amend or repeal any provision of the JBT Bylaws.    Not applicable.
Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights
As a Delaware corporation subject to the DGCL, the JBT Stockholders have those appraisal rights provided by Section 262 of the DGCL, to the extent applicable, provided they satisfy the special criteria and conditions set forth in Section 262 of the DGCL.    Under Icelandic laws, certain transactions, specifically a statutory merger and a squeeze-out, may trigger appraisal rights for shareholders. In the event of these transactions, shareholders will be entitled to adequate compensation or consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court.
Preemptive Rights
The JBT Charter does not provide for any preemptive rights for JBT Stockholders.   

Under Icelandic laws and the Marel Articles of Association, shareholders are entitled to subscribe to new shares in direct proportions to their holdings upon an increase of share capital. Marel Shareholders may convey to other parties their right to subscription in part or in full. In case one of the older shareholders does not use or convey his right to subscription in full, other older shareholders possess an increased right to subscription which they cannot convey to others.

 

A shareholders’ meeting may, with the number of votes required to amend the Marel Articles of Association, decide to deviate from the preemptive rule outlined above, provided that Marel Shareholders be in no way treated with discrimination. A shareholders’ meeting cannot,

 

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   however, decide upon a more extensive deviation from Marel Shareholders’ right to subscription than that specified in the call to the meeting without the approval of those Marel Shareholders who are subject to an abridgment of their right of subscription.
Forum Selection
Unless otherwise waived by resolution of the JBT Board, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of JBT, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of JBT to JBT or JBT Stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against JBT arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the JBT Charter or the JBT Bylaws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time) or (iv) any action asserting a claim against JBT or any director of officer of JBT governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants.    Not applicable.
Equityholder Suits

Under the DGCL, stockholders may bring derivative litigation against a corporation if the corporation does not enforce its own rights. A stockholder must make a demand upon the board before bringing a derivative suit, unless the demand is excused. A stockholder bringing a derivative suit must (i) have been a stockholder at the time of the wrong complained of or the stockholder must have received stock in the corporation by operation of law from a person who was such a stockholder at the time of the wrong and (ii) remain a stockholder throughout the litigation. There is no requirement under the DGCL to advance the expenses of a lawsuit to a stockholder bringing a derivative suit.

 

An individual also may commence a class action suit on behalf of himself or herself and other similarly situated shareholders where the requirements for maintaining a class action have been met.

  

A shareholder may institute legal proceedings on account of a decision by a shareholders’ meeting which has been made in an unlawful manner or is in conflict with Act no. 2/1995 regarding public limited companies or the company’s articles of association.

 

Shareholders in a company which has been taken over by way of a statutory merger may require compensation from the company concerned if they have made a reservation to that effect at the shareholders’ meeting, where the merger was voted upon, and provided that the remuneration for their shares is neither reasonable nor substantiated.

Limitation of Personal Liability of Directors
The JBT Charter provides that a director of JBT will not be personally liable to JBT or JBT Stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.    A shareholders’ meeting may resolve to limit the liability of a director. If a resolution to that effect has been passed, a group of shareholders, holding at least 10% of the company’s total share capital, may make a claim for damages on behalf of the company. Any cost arising out of such proceeding will be for the account of the relevant shareholders. A shareholders’

 

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   resolution for the limitation of a director’s liability is not binding toward the company’s estate in a liquidation if the company was insolvent at the time of the resolution or the resolution was made less than one year prior to the liquidation reference date.
Rights of Inspection

Under Section 220 of the DGCL, any stockholder, in person or by attorney or other agent, will, upon written demand under oath stating the proper purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose, and to make copies and extracts from, JBT’s stock ledger, its list of stockholders and its other books and records.

 

The JBT Bylaws provide that, unless otherwise required by the laws of Delaware, the books and records of JBT may be kept at the principal office of JBT, or at any other place or places inside or outside the State of Delaware, as the JBT Board from time to time may designate.

  

A company must as a general rule, if so requested by a shareholder, provide information on matters which are deemed important for the company’s financial accounts or its position in general or which could influence the position of shareholders with regards to matters which are addressed at a shareholders’ meeting.

 

According to Icelandic laws, a shareholder may submit a proposal at a shareholders’ meeting to the effect that an investigation be conducted into the establishment of a company, specific items relating to the activities of the company or certain sectors of the book-keeping or the annual accounts. In case the proposal obtains the support of a group of shareholders controlling a minimum of one tenth of the share capital, a shareholder may at the latest a month after the meeting request that the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs nominates investigators to conduct a special audit in accordance with the above.

Indemnification
The JBT Bylaws provide that each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit, claim or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, 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 JBT or is or was serving at the request of JBT 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 maintained or sponsored by JBT, whether the basis of such proceeding 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, will be indemnified and held harmless by JBT to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL 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 JBT to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted JBT to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA   

Under Icelandic law, a Marel Shareholders’ meeting may grant the members of the Marel Board and management discharge from any and all of their actions committed. Such a discharge protects the relevant board members and management against claims for damages from the company.

 

However, minority shareholders representing at least 10% of the share capital vote can start proceedings against the board or management for damages suffered by the company. In addition, the decision of a shareholders’ meeting to discharge the board and management will not be binding for the company’s bankrupt estate, should the company enter into insolvent liquidation, if the company is deemed to have been insolvent at the time the decision was made or the reference date in the liquidation is commenced within a year from the time the decision was made.

 

Lastly, despite the approval of the shareholders’ meeting, board members and management will still be liable for willful misconduct, fraud or any criminal offenses.

 

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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 will continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and will inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 11.3 of the JBT Bylaws, JBT will 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 JBT Board.

 

The JBT Charter provides that JBT may, by action of the JBT Board, provide indemnification to employees or agents of JBT with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

  
Advancement of Expenses and Insurance

Advancement

 

The right to indemnification conferred in the JBT Bylaws and the JBT Charter also includes the right to be paid by JBT for the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, with such advances to be paid by JBT within 20 days after the receipt by JBT of a statement from the claimant requesting such advance or advances from time to time; provided, however, that if the DGCL 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, will be made only upon delivery to JBT of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it will ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under the JBT Bylaws or otherwise.

 

Insurance

 

The JBT Bylaws and the JBT Charter provide that JBT may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of JBT or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not JBT would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL. To the extent JBT maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each such

  

Normally, directors’ and officers’ insurance taken by a company will cover members of the board and management of the relevant company for damages and defense costs, as well as other related costs incurred due to claims against them.

 

Furthermore, under Icelandic law, a company’s shareholders’ meeting may grant the members of the board and management an indemnity, typically implying that the costs of defense against claims raised against members of the board and management and damages awarded to a claimant are paid by the company to the extent that is not covered by directors’ and officers’ insurance.

 

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director or officer, and each such agent or employee to which rights to indemnification have been granted as provided in Section 11.8 of the JBT Bylaws, will 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.   
Change of Control Laws

In general, Section 203 of the DGCL, subject to certain exceptions set forth therein, prohibits a transaction between a corporation and an interested stockholder within three years of the time such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the transaction or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, exclusive of shares owned by directors who are also officers and by certain employee stock plans, or (iii) at or subsequent to such time, the transaction is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized by the affirmative vote at a stockholders’ meeting of at least 6623% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Because the JBT Charter and the JBT Bylaws do not contain a provision expressly electing not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL, JBT is subject to Section 203 of the DGCL.

   Not applicable.
Exclusion of Minority Shareholders
Under Section 253 of the DGCL, if a corporation owns at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of stock of its subsidiary that are entitled to vote on a merger, the parent’s board of directors is authorized to merge itself into the subsidiary or to merge the subsidiary corporation into the parent without the approval of either corporation’s stockholders and without the approval of the subsidiary’s board of directors; provided that one of the companies involved in such merger is a Delaware corporation, while the other is either a Delaware corporation or a corporation organized in a domestic or alien jurisdiction that permits a corporation of such jurisdiction to merge with a corporation of another jurisdiction.   

In case a shareholder owns more than nine-tenth of share capital in a company and controls corresponding voting powers, the shareholder and the board of directors of the company may jointly decide to demand that other shareholders of the company sell their shares to him. Minority shareholders are also granted a right to demand a redemption if a majority shareholder controls more than nine-tenth of the share capital and voting rights.

 

Additionally, in exceptional cases, a shareholder may demand that the company redeems his shares, provided that he demonstrates that it is extremely critical for him to be able to exit the company for any of the following reasons:

 

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When completing a short form merger under the DGCL, where all of the shares of the subsidiary corporation are not owned by the parent corporation, a company has a statutory duty to send the target stockholders a copy of Section 262 of the DGCL, Delaware’s appraisal statute, and a notice informing them about the approval of the merger, the effective date of the merger and such stockholder’s right to seek appraisal.

  

 

•  the company’s board of directors, its managing director, other representatives of the company or its shareholders have acted in breach of Icelandic laws by engaging in acts benefiting certain shareholders at the expense of others,

 

•  another shareholder of the company has abused his powers in the company, or

 

•  profound, long-term disagreement between the relevant shareholder and other shareholders in relation to the company’s operations.

 

Icelandic laws also provide that shareholders controlling over a fifth of the share capital of a company may require a judgment to the effect that a company be dissolved on the grounds that shareholders have deliberately abused their position within the company or participated in offences against laws or the company’s articles of association.

 

Furthermore, shareholders in a company which is merged with others who have voted against amalgamation or merger to form a new company are entitled to redemption of their shares if this is required in writing within a month as of the time the shareholders’ meeting was held.

Approval of Extraordinary Transactions

In the case of a merger or consolidation, Section 251(c) of the DGCL requires that a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote approve of the merger or consolidation. However, under Section 251(f) of the DGCL, no approval by the stockholders of the surviving corporation in a merger is required if: (i) the merger agreement does not amend the certificate of incorporation of the surviving corporation; (ii) each share of the surviving corporation’s stock outstanding prior to the merger remains outstanding in identical form after the merger; and (iii) either no shares of common stock of the surviving corporation are to be issued in the merger or, if common stock will be issued, it will not increase the number of shares of common stock outstanding prior to the merger by more than 20%.

 

According to the NYSE Listed Company Manual, stockholder approval is required prior to the issuance of common stock, or of securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, in connection with the acquisition of the stock or assets of another company if, among other things:

 

•  the common stock has or will have upon issuance voting power equal to or in excess of 20% of the voting power outstanding before the issuance of

   In the case of a statutory merger, Icelandic laws require that a shareholders’ meeting in the company being taken over approves the merger by at least 2/3 of the votes cast and by shareholders who control at least 2/3 of the shares represented at the relevant shareholders’ meeting, with an exception in case of a merger with a company owning all shares in another company. A decision on a merger by the surviving company is taken by its board of directors, unless a shareholders’ meeting is needed for amendments to the articles of association to take effects in respects other than those which pertain to the name of the surviving company.

 

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such stock or of securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock; or

 

•  the number of shares of common stock to be issued is or will be equal to or in excess of 20% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding before the issuance of the common stock or of securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock.

  
Rights of Purchase and Reduction of Share Capital
Under Section 160 of the DGCL, the JBT Board can authorize JBT to purchase or to redeem shares of the corporation at any time and for any reason in exchange for consideration determined by the board of directors and not specifically prohibited by law.    Marel is permitted pursuant to Icelandic laws to own up to 10% of own shares. Voting rights may not be exercised for shares owned by Marel. Marel can only acquire its own shares in accordance with an authorization for the Marel Board at a meeting of Marel Shareholders.
Disclosure of Significant Ownership of Shares

JBT Stockholders owning more than 5% of any class of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act must comply with disclosure obligations under Section 13 of the Exchange Act. Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act require any person or group of persons who owns or acquires beneficial ownership of more than 5% of certain classes of equity securities to file ownership reports with the SEC on either Schedule 13D or, for passive investors, the short form Schedule 13G until their holdings drop below 5%.

 

If the JBT Stockholder is required to file a report on Schedule 13D, such a report must include information on, among other matters, the acquisition of securities by which the JBT Stockholder exceeded the 5% threshold and be filed within five business days after the acquisition. The schedule is filed with the SEC and is provided to the issuer, as well as to each stock exchange on which the security is traded. Schedule 13D is often filed in connection with a tender offer. Any material changes in the facts contained in the schedule necessitates the filing of an amendment within two business days after the triggering event. Schedule 13G is a shorter alternative to Schedule 13D, and is available to beneficial owners of more than 5% of a class of securities that are considered passive investors. Generally, passive investors are investors that do not intend to control or change the control of a company. A Schedule 13G filing has different information and timing requirements than a Schedule 13D filing.

 

A filer must, among other things, amend a Schedule 13G within two business days upon acquiring beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a registered class of

   In accordance with Icelandic laws, Marel and the Icelandic FSA must be notified in a verifiable manner if, as a result of the acquisition or disposal of Marel Shares, the proportion of voting rights of the holder of shares reaches, exceeds or falls below the thresholds of: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 66.7% or 90% of the total share capital of Marel. In such events, following the notification being sent to Marel and the Icelandic FSA, Marel will make such a notification public through the news system of Nasdaq Iceland.

 

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equity securities and must thereafter within two business days amend the Schedule 13G upon increasing or decreasing its beneficial ownership by more than 5% of the class. Once a Schedule 13G filer’s beneficial ownership exceeds 20% of the class, the filer loses the ability to file a on Schedule 13G and must change to filing a Schedule 13D within five business days after the filer’s beneficial ownership first equals or exceeds 20% of the class. Directors and officers of the issuer are generally not eligible to use Schedule 13G.   

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF JBT SHARES

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of JBT Shares as of , 2024 by:

 

   

each member of the JBT Board;

 

   

each named executive officer of JBT;

 

   

all of the executive officers and directors of JBT as a group; and

 

   

all those known by JBT to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding JBT Shares.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC. A person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of    , 2024. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, JBT believes, based on the information furnished to it, that the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all JBT Shares shown that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.

JBT Shares subject to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of    , 2024 are deemed to be outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding these options and the percentage ownership of any group of which the holder is a member but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of any other person.

Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o John Bean Technologies Corporation, 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Common Stock of John
Bean Technologies
Corporation
    Percent of Class(1)  
Directors and Named Executive Officers:

 

Barbara L. Braiser(2)

    

David C. Burdakin(3)

    

Brian A. Deck

    

C. Maury Devine(2)

    

Alan D. Feldman(2)

    

Charles L. Harrington(2)

    

Lawrence V. Jackson(2)

    

Polly B. Kawalek(2)

    

James L. Marvin

    

Matthew J. Meister

    

Robert J. Petrie

    

Luiz “Augusto” Rizzolo

    
All directors and executive officers of JBT as a group (16 persons)     
Other Stockholders:    Common Stock of John
Bean Technologies
Corporation
    Percent of Class(4)  

BlackRock, Inc.(5)
50 Hudson Yards
New York, New York 10001

     5,183,478 (5)      16.30

The Vanguard Group(6)
100 Vanguard Boulevard Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

     3,492,828 (6)      10.97

 

(1)

Percentages are calculated on the basis of the number of outstanding JBT Shares plus JBT Shares deemed outstanding pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act as of ,    2024. An asterisk in this

 

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  column indicates that the individual’s beneficial ownership is less than one percent of the outstanding JBT Shares.
(2)

Includes JBT Shares (i) owned by the individual and (ii) RSUs credited to individual accounts of non-employee directors under the incentive compensation plan that will vest within 60 days of    , 2024. The JBT Shares included in item (ii) consist of the following RSUs that will vest on    : Ms. Brasier,    ; Ms. Devine,    ; Mr. Feldman,    ; Mr. Harrington,    ; Mr. Jackson,    ; and Ms. Kawalek,    . These JBT Shares are also included in the JBT Shares reported for all non-employee directors and executive officers as a group. Non-employee directors who meet the ownership criteria may elect to have these shares distributed at the time of vesting, which is one year after grant date. Non-employee directors have no power to vote or dispose of JBT Shares underlying the RSUs until they are distributed upon either the vesting date or at the time of cessation of their service on the JBT Board. Until such distribution, these non-employee directors have an unsecured claim against us for such units. None of the non-employee directors hold any options to acquire JBT Shares.

(3)

Mr. Burdakin’s JBT Shares are not included in the JBT Shares reported for all non-employee directors and executive officers as a group. Mr. Burdakin was not an executive officer on March 13, 2024.

(4)

Percentages are calculated on the basis of the number of outstanding JBT Shares plus JBT Shares deemed outstanding pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act as of December 31, 2023.

(5)

Based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 22, 2024, BlackRock, Inc. reported sole voting power over 5,158,245 of such JBT Shares, sole dispositive power over 5,183,478 of such JBT Shares and no shared voting power nor shared dispositive power as of December 31, 2023.

(6)

Based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2024, The Vanguard Group reported shared voting power over 58,805 of such JBT Shares, sole dispositive power over 3,399,898 of such JBT Shares, shared dispositive power over 92,930 of such JBT Shares and no sole voting power as of December 29, 2023.

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF MAREL SHARES

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Marel Shares as of , 2024 by:

 

   

each member of the Marel Board;

 

   

each named executive officer of Marel;

 

   

all of the executive officers and directors of Marel as a group; and

 

   

all those known by Marel to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding Marel Shares.

Unless noted otherwise, the information in the table regarding those known to Marel to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding Marel Shares is provided as of    , 2024.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC. A person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of    , 2024. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, Marel believes, based on the information furnished to it, that the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Marel Shares shown that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.

Marel Shares subject to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of    , 2024 are deemed to be outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding these options and the percentage ownership of any group of which the holder is a member but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of any other person.

As of March 26, 2024, there were approximately 5,660 holders of record of Marel Shares.

 

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Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Common Shares of
Marel hf.
     Percent of Marel
Shares(1)
 
Directors and Executive Officers:      

Arnar Þór Másson

     

Dr. Olafur S. Gudmundsson

     

Ann Elizabeth Savage

     

Astvaldur Johannsson

     

Lillie Li Valeur

     

Dr. Svafa Grönfeldt

     

Ton van der Laan

     

Árni Sigurdsson

     

Linda Jonsdottir(2)

     

Sebastiaan Boelen

     

David Freyr Oddsson

     

Stacey Katz(3)

     

All current directors and executive officers of Marel as a group
(10 persons)

     
Other Shareholders:      

Eyrir Invest hf.(4)

        %  

Gildi-lífeyrissjóður (Gildi Pension Fund)(5)

        %  

Lífeyrissjóður verzlunarmanna (The Pension Fund of Commerce)(6)

        %  

Lífeyrissjóður starfsmanna ríkisins (The Pension Fund for State Employees in Iceland)(7)

        %  

 

(1)

Percentages are calculated on the basis of the number of outstanding shares plus shares deemed outstanding pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act as of    , 2024. An asterisk in this column indicates that the individual’s beneficial ownership is less than one percent of the outstanding Marel Shares.

(2)

Linda Jonsdottir resigned as Chief Operating Officer of Marel on January 16, 2024. Ms. Jonsdottir’s Marel Shares are not included in the Marel Shares reported for all directors and executive officers as a group.

(3)

Stacey Katz resigned as Chief Financial Officer of Marel on March 4, 2024 with immediate effect. Ms. Katz’s Marel Shares are not included in the Marel Shares reported for all directors and executive officers as a group.

(4)

The address of Eyrir Invest hf. is Skólavörðustíg 13, 101 Reykjavík.

(5)

The address of the Gildi Pension Fund is, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

(6)

The address of The Pension Fund of Commerce is Kringlunni 7, 103 Reykjavík, Iceland.

(7)

The address of The Pension Fund for State Employees in Iceland is Engjateigi 11, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

 

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CERTAIN MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to (i) U.S. Holders and non-U.S. Holders (each as defined below) of Marel Shares who receive consideration for their Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer, and (ii) ownership and disposition of JBT Shares by U.S. Holders and non-U.S. Holders. This section applies only to holders that hold Marel Shares and JBT Shares, as applicable, as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their particular circumstances or status, including:

 

   

financial institutions or financial services entities;

 

   

broker-dealers;

 

   

S corporations;

 

   

taxpayers that are subject to the mark-to-market accounting rules;

 

   

tax-exempt entities;

 

   

governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;

 

   

tax-qualified retirement plans;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts;

 

   

expatriates or former long-term residents or citizens of the United States;

 

   

persons that acquired their Marel Shares or JBT Shares pursuant to an exercise of employee share options, in connection with employee share incentive plans or otherwise as compensation;

 

   

persons that hold their Marel Shares or JBT Shares as part of a straddle, constructive sale, hedging, conversion, synthetic security or other integrated or similar transaction;

 

   

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

controlled foreign corporations;

 

   

corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

   

“qualified foreign pension funds” (within the meaning of Section 897(l)(2) of the Code) and entities whose interests are held by qualified foreign pension funds;

 

   

accrual method taxpayers that file applicable financial statements as described in Section 451(b) of the Code;

 

   

foreign corporations with respect to which there are one or more United States shareholders (within the meaning of Section 951(b));

 

   

United States shareholders (within the meaning of Section 951(b)); or

 

   

except as explicitly set forth below, passive foreign investment companies or their shareholders.

This discussion is based on current U.S. federal income tax laws as in effect on the date hereof, which is subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, which may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences described herein. Furthermore, this discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift, estate or Medicare net investment income tax laws, or state, local or non-U.S. laws.

 

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JBT has not sought, and does not intend to seek, a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as to any U.S. federal income tax considerations described herein. The IRS may disagree with the discussion herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Moreover, there can be no assurance that future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will not adversely affect the accuracy of the statements in this discussion.

This discussion does not consider the U.S. federal income tax treatment of entities or arrangements treated as partnerships or other pass-through entities (including branches) for U.S. federal income tax purposes (any such entity or arrangement, a “Flow-Through Entity”) or investors that hold their Marel Shares or JBT Shares through Flow-Through Entities. If a Flow-Through Entity is the beneficial owner of any such security, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investor holding such securities generally will depend on the status of such investor and the activities of such investor and such Flow-Through Entity. If you hold your Marel Shares or JBT Shares through a Flow-Through Entity, we urge you to consult your tax advisor.

As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Marel Shares or JBT Shares, as applicable, and is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation (or other entity that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust if (i) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more United States persons (within the meaning of the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a United States person.

As used herein, a “non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner (other than a Flow-Through Entity) of Marel Shares or JBT Shares, as applicable, that is not a U.S. Holder.

In certain cases, JBT may be required to withhold United States taxes at source, including on distributions.

THE FOLLOWING IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. EACH HOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDER OF THE TRANSACTION AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF JBT SHARES, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS.

Certain Consequences of Receiving Consideration for Marel Shares Pursuant to the Offer

U.S. Holders

The receipt of cash and/or JBT Offer Shares in exchange for Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax purposes. In general, and subject to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder who receives cash and/or JBT Offer Shares in exchange for Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer will recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized (equal to, as applicable, the cash and the fair market value of JBT Offer Shares to which such U.S. Holder is entitled pursuant to the Offer) and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in the Marel Shares. Such capital gain will generally be long term capital gain, on which a non-corporate U.S. Holder is generally taxed at preferential rates, if the Marel Shares were held for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

 

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The U.S. dollar value of cash received in euro by a cash basis U.S. Holder or an accrual basis U.S. holder that so elects will generally be determined by reference to the spot Euro/U.S. dollar rate on the settlement date of the sale. The U.S. dollar value of cash received in euro by an accrual basis U.S. holder that does not so elect will generally be determined by reference to the spot Euro/U.S. dollar rate on the date of the exchange (as determined under the Code’s general provisions), and such holder generally will recognize United States source foreign currency gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) equal to the difference between such amount and the U.S. dollar value of the cash on the settlement date of the sale.

If Marel has been a PFIC in any taxable year while a U.S. Holder held any Marel Shares, then, whether or not Marel continued to be a PFIC in any subsequent year and unless the U.S. Holder made a proper election to be taxed differently, gain realized on the exchange of Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer would generally be (i) allocated ratably to each taxable year in such U.S. Holder’s holding period for such Marel Shares, (ii) the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any year before the first taxable year for which Marel was a PFIC would generally be taxed as ordinary income in the current year, and (iii) the amount allocated to other taxable years would be taxed at the highest ordinary income tax rate for each such taxable year (without regard to losses, if any) and such U.S. Holder would be liable for an additional tax equal to an interest charge on the tax liability for each such prior years as if such liability had actually been due in each such prior year. In general, Marel would be considered a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which such U.S. Holder holds or held Marel Shares, after applying certain look through rules, either (a) at least 75% of the gross income of Marel for the taxable year is passive income or (b) at least 50% of the value, determined on the basis of a quarterly average, of Marel’s gross assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, “passive income” generally includes interest, dividends, rents, annuities, royalties and certain gains.

Although Marel has not undertaken to determine its PFIC status in any taxable year and has not sought or obtained any opinion of tax counsel as to such determination, Marel does not believe that it should be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in its current taxable year or in any prior taxable year. However, the determination of whether Marel was, or will be, a PFIC for any tax year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations and its status will depend, among other things, on changes in the composition and relative value of gross receipts and assets and the market value of its share capital in any year. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the possible PFIC status of Marel and the consequences to them in their particular circumstances.

Non-U.S. Holders

A non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain that the non-U.S. Holder realizes on the exchange of its Marel Shares pursuant to the Offer, unless:

 

   

such non-U.S. Holder is an individual that was present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such disposition and certain other requirements are met, in which case any gain realized will generally be subject to a flat 30% U.S. federal income tax; or

 

   

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of such non-U.S. Holder in the United States (and if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by such non-U.S. Holder), in which case such gain will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, net of certain deductions, at the same graduated individual or corporate rates applicable to U.S. Holders, and, if the non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, an additional “branch profits tax” may also apply.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information reporting requirements may apply with respect to a holder that participates in the Offer. A holder may also be subject to backup withholding at a current rate of 24 percent with respect to the proceeds of participating in the Offer unless the holder (1) comes within certain exempt categories and demonstrates this fact

 

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or (2) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A holder may be asked to provide its correct taxpayer identification number and certify that it is not subject to backup withholding.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. A holder subject to backup withholding may be allowed a credit in the amount withheld against such holder’s United States federal income tax liability and, if withholding results in an overpayment of tax, such holder may be entitled to a refund, provided that the requisite information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service on a timely basis. Holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules.

Certain Consequences of Owning and Disposing of JBT Offer Shares Received Pursuant to the Offer

U.S. Holders

Distributions on JBT Shares

A U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in gross income as dividends the amount of any cash distribution paid with respect to its JBT Shares, to the extent the distribution is paid out of JBT’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital that will be applied against and reduce (but not below zero) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its JBT Shares. Any remaining excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the JBT Shares and will be treated as described under “—Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of JBT Shares” below.

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of JBT Shares

Upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of JBT Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss. Any such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the JBT Shares so disposed of exceeds one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders will be eligible to be taxed at reduced rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Generally, the amount of such gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder will be an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received in such disposition and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its JBT Shares so disposed of.

Non-U.S. Holders

Distribution on JBT Shares

In general, any distributions made to a non-U.S. Holder with respect to JBT Shares, to the extent paid out of JBT’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, provided such dividends are not effectively connected with such non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States, will be subject to withholding tax from the gross amount of the dividend at a rate of 30%, unless such non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty and provides proper certification of its eligibility for such reduced rate (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable). Any distribution not constituting a dividend will be treated first as reducing (but not below zero) the non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its JBT Shares and then, to the extent such distribution exceeds the non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis, as gain realized from the sale or other disposition of such JBT Shares, which will be treated as described under “—Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of JBT Shares.” Dividends paid by JBT to a non-U.S. Holder that are effectively connected with such non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. Holder) will generally not be subject to U.S. withholding

 

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tax, provided such non-U.S. Holder complies with certain certification and disclosure requirements (usually by providing an IRS Form W-8ECI). Instead, such dividends will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax, net of certain deductions, at the same graduated individual or corporate rates applicable to U.S. Holders. If the non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, dividends that are effectively connected income may also be subject to a “branch profits tax” at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty).

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of JBT Shares

A non-U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of JBT Shares unless:

 

  (1)

such non-U.S. Holder is an individual that was present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such disposition and certain other requirements are met, in which case any gain realized will generally be subject to a flat 30% U.S. federal income tax;

 

  (2)

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of such non-U.S. Holder in the United States (and if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by such non-U.S. Holder), in which case such gain will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, net of certain deductions, at the same graduated individual or corporate rates applicable to U.S. Holders, and, if the non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, an additional “branch profits tax” may also apply; or

 

  (3)

JBT is or has been a “U.S. real property holding corporation” at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding such disposition and such non-U.S. Holder’s holding period, and (assuming JBT’s stock is and continues to be treated as regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of these rules) the non-U.S. Holder held, directly or indirectly, at any time during such period, more than 5% of JBT’s stock.

If paragraph (3) above applies to a non-U.S. Holder, gain recognized by such non-U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of JBT Shares will be subject to tax at generally applicable U.S. federal income tax rates. In addition, a buyer of JBT Shares from a non-U.S. Holder may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 15% of the amount realized upon such disposition. We do not expect JBT to be classified as a “U.S. real property holding corporation” following the Transaction. However, such determination is factual in nature and subject to change and no assurance can be provided as to whether JBT will be a U.S. real property holding corporation following the Offer or at any future time or whether JBT’s stock will continue to be treated as regularly traded on an established securities market.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Generally, Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments of distributions on and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of JBT Shares. A non-U.S. Holder may have to comply with certification procedures to establish that it is not a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise establish an exemption in order to avoid information reporting and backup withholding requirements or to claim a reduced rate of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. A holder subject to backup withholding may be allowed a credit in the amount withheld against such holder’s United States federal income tax liability and, if withholding results in an overpayment of tax, such holder may be entitled to a refund, provided that the requisite information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service on a timely basis. Holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance promulgated thereunder (“FATCA”) generally impose withholding at a rate of 30% in certain circumstances on

 

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dividends in respect of, and (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, securities which are held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless any such institution (i) enters into, and complies with, an agreement with the IRS to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to interests in, and accounts maintained by, the institution that are owned by certain U.S. persons and by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments, or (ii) if required under an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, reports such information to its local tax authority, which will exchange such information with the U.S. authorities. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. Accordingly, the entity through which JBT Shares are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in respect of JBT Shares held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity that does not qualify under certain exceptions will generally be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies to the applicable withholding agent that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which will in turn be provided to the U.S. Department of Treasury.

While withholding under FATCA generally would apply to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of securities, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued. All holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their participation in the Offer and their ownership and disposition of JBT Shares.

Certain Material Icelandic Tax Considerations

It should be noted that the tax legislation of the investor’s country and of Marel’s country of incorporation (i.e., Iceland) may have an impact on the income received from the securities. Below is a summary of certain Icelandic tax considerations relevant to (i) the disposition of Marel Shares pursuant to the acceptance of the Offer and (ii) the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares. The statements below regarding Icelandic taxation are based on provisions of existing Icelandic tax laws and administrative and judicial interpretations and the Convention and Protocol Between the United States of America and Iceland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (the “U.S.-Iceland Treaty”) all as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and all of which are subject to change, retroactively or prospectively.

The summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to (i) the disposition of Marel Shares and (ii) the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares. The tax consequences (Icelandic or otherwise) for Marel Shareholders in connection with an acceptance of the Offer and JBT Stockholders in connection with the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares, following the settlement of the Offer, depend on each shareholder’s individual circumstances. Shareholders are advised to seek specialist advice from tax advisers on the taxation of Marel Shares and JBT Shares, as applicable, in connection with the Offer.

Icelandic Tax Consequences of the Disposition of Marel Shares

Acceptance of the Offer will be regarded as a realisation of Marel Shares for Icelandic tax purposes, regardless of whether the Consideration is All-Stock Offer Consideration, All-Cash Offer Consideration or Mixed Offer Consideration. Realisation will, as the main rule, be deemed to have taken place when the Offer has been accepted by a shareholder of Marel and all Closing Conditions have been either satisfied or validly waived on the Expiration Date.

 

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Shareholders who are resident in Iceland for tax purposes

Capital gains from the sale of Marel Shares are subject to 22.0% tax in the case of individuals tax resident in Iceland, subject to certain rights to deduct capital losses resulting from the sale of shares or similar assets, with the first total ISK 300,000 of such capital gains income exempt from taxation.

Limited liability companies (e.g., ehf. and hf.), which are tax resident in Iceland, enjoy an effective participation exemption, allowing them to deduct the full amount of the capital gains.

Shareholders who are not resident in Iceland for tax purposes

With respect to Marel Shareholders who are not resident in Iceland, article 3(7) of the Icelandic Income Tax Act no. 90/2003 provides that any income received from Marel Shares, including capital gains, by any person or entity residing outside Iceland constitutes taxable income in Iceland. The tax rate applicable to income from any disposal of Marel Shares is (i) 22% for individuals and (ii) 20% for legal entities.

The tax liability under Icelandic laws may be reduced under certain applicable tax treaties. If a shareholder in Marel would like to take advantage of such applicable tax treaties by relief at source, the shareholder is required to obtain a confirmation from the Icelandic tax authorities regarding the applicable treaty protection. The confirmation is obtained via a filing of Icelandic tax form RSK 5.42.

Irrespective of the availability of any tax treaty protection, limited liability companies resident in the EEA, a state party to European Free Trade Association or in the Faroe Islands enjoy the effective statutory participation exemption which comparable Icelandic entities do, allowing them to deduct the full amount of the capital gains received. This exemption requires the filing of a tax return in Iceland to obtain a refund of taxes withheld.

Icelandic Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of JBT Shares

Shareholders who are resident in Iceland for tax purposes

Owners of JBT Shares who are resident in Iceland for tax purposes are subject to income tax in Iceland on any income from the JBT Shares in accordance with Icelandic tax laws and the U.S.-Iceland Treaty. The applicable tax rate depends on the tax status of such owners.

Cash dividends paid by JBT are subject to U.S. taxation according to its relevant domestic rules at any given time.

When paid to Icelandic individuals, the Icelandic individual is also subject to tax on the dividend payment at the rate of 22%. However, Icelandic individuals can credit the U.S. tax against the Icelandic tax resulting in no additional taxation in Iceland.

In Iceland, limited liability companies (e.g., ehf. and hf.), which are tax resident in Iceland, are also subject to tax on the dividend payment at the rate of 22%. However, an amount corresponding to the received dividend is fully deductible from the income of an Icelandic company, resulting in no effective taxation in Iceland, provided, however, that the company paying the dividend is a limited liability company registered in a foreign country and its profits are taxed in a similar way as in Iceland and not according to a tax rate that is lower than the general tax rate in one of the member states of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the EEA, the European Free Trade Association or in Faroe Islands.

If an Icelandic individual sells JBT Shares and realizes a gain from the sale, then the capital gain will be subject to tax in Iceland at the rate of 22%, subject to certain rights to deduct capital losses resulting from the sale of shares or similar assets, with the first total ISK 300,000 of such capital gains income exempt from taxation each year, provided, however, that the JBT Shares have been listed on Nasdaq Iceland.

 

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If a limited liability company (e.g. ehf. and hf.), which is a tax resident in Iceland, sells JBT Shares and realizes a gain from the sale, then the capital gain is subject to tax in Iceland at the rate of 22% of the capital. However, the company enjoys an effective participation exemption, allowing it to deduct the full amount of the capital gains, as in the case of dividends, provided, however, that the company whose shares have been sold with a gain is a limited liability company registered in a foreign country and its profits are taxed in a similar way as in Iceland and not according to a tax rate that is lower than the general tax rate in one of the member states of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the EEA or the European Free Trade Association.

Shareholders who are not resident in Iceland for tax purposes

Icelandic taxation of income from share capital of non-residents is limited to shareholding in Icelandic resident companies. Therefore, Iceland does not levy tax on dividends or capital gains on JBT Shares which are held by non-Icelandic tax residents.

There are no estate or inheritance taxes, succession duties or gift taxes imposed by the Icelandic government or any governmental authority in Iceland in respect of Marel Shares or JBT Shares if, at the time of death of the holder of the relevant shares or transfer of the shares, such holder or transferor was not a resident of Iceland. If, however, such holder or transferor was a resident of Iceland, a tax is imposed at a rate of 10% on an individual who inherits from the tax resident in Iceland, regardless of whether the recipient is a resident of Iceland or not.

Gifts, other than prepaid inheritance, are taxable as income in accordance with general principles.

No Icelandic issue tax or stamp duty will be payable in connection with Marel Shares or JBT Shares.

Certain Material Dutch Tax Considerations

General Information

This paragraph outlines certain Dutch tax consequences relevant to (i) the disposition of Marel Shares pursuant to the acceptance of the Offer and (ii) the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares. This paragraph is based on Dutch tax law as applied and interpreted by Dutch tax courts and as published and in effect on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, including the tax rates applicable on that date, without prejudice to any amendments introduced at a later date and implemented with or without retroactive effect.

Any reference in this paragraph made to Dutch taxes, Dutch tax or Dutch tax law should be construed as a reference to any taxes of any nature levied by or on behalf of the Netherlands or any of its subdivisions or taxing authorities or to the law governing such taxes, respectively. The Netherlands means the part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in Europe.

This paragraph does not present a comprehensive or complete description of all aspects of Dutch tax law which could be relevant to the disposition of Marel Shares pursuant to the acceptance of the Offer, and the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares. This paragraph is intended as general information only. Holders of Marel Shares or JBT Shares should consult their own tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of any acquisition, holding or transfer of the shares.

Marel and JBT do not have any significant presence in the Netherlands other than a relatively large shareholder base of Marel in the Netherlands. Therefore, this paragraph is only intended for certain shareholders that are tax resident in the Netherlands and participate in the Offer. This paragraph does not describe any Dutch tax considerations for individuals or entities that are not tax resident in the Netherlands. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does therefore also not describe any Dutch tax considerations for individuals or entities that are taxed in the Netherlands on the basis of a taxable presence other than residency, such as a permanent establishment (vaste inrichting), a permanent representative (vaste vertegenwoordiger), or another taxable

 

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presence in the Netherlands where the individual or entity is not considered a Dutch tax resident. This paragraph does also not describe any Dutch tax considerations or consequences that may be relevant where a holder of Marel Shares or JBT Shares:

 

  (i)

is an individual and the shareholder’s income or capital gains derived from the Marel Shares or JBT Shares are attributable to employment activities, the income from which is taxable in the Netherlands; or

 

  (ii)

has a substantial interest (aanmerkelijk belang) or a fictitious substantial interest (fictief aanmerkelijk belang) in JBT or Marel within the meaning of Chapter 4 of the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001 (Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001). Generally, a shareholder has a substantial interest in JBT or Marel if the shareholder, alone or – in case of an individual – together with a partner for Dutch tax purposes, or any relative by blood or by marriage in the ascending or descending line (including foster-children) of the shareholder or the partner, owns or holds, or is deemed to own or hold any shares or certain rights to any shares, including rights to directly or indirectly acquire any shares, directly or indirectly representing 5 percent or more of Marel’s or JBT’s issued capital as a whole or of any class of shares or profit participating certificates (winstbewijzen) relating to 5 percent or more of Marel’s or JBT’s annual profits or 5 percent or more of Marel’s or JBT’s liquidation proceeds;

Dutch Tax Consequences of the Disposition of Marel Shares

Dividend withholding tax in connection with the Disposition of Marel Shares

No Dutch dividend withholding tax (dividendbelasting) pursuant to the Dutch Dividend Withholding Tax Act 1965 (Wet op de dividendbelasting 1965) (the “DWTA”) will be withheld from the payment made by the Offeror to Marel Shareholders in consideration for the disposal of their Marel Shares under the Offer.

Taxes on Income and Capital Gains in connection with the Disposition of Marel Shares

Dutch tax resident individuals

A holder of Marel Shares, who is an individual resident or deemed to be resident in the Netherlands for Dutch tax purposes will be subject to regular Dutch income tax on any income derived from the Marel Shares and any capital gain realized upon the disposition of the Marel Shares by the holder thereof if:

 

  (i)

such holder of Marel Shares has an enterprise or an interest in an enterprise, to which enterprise the Marel Shares are attributable; and/or

 

  (ii)

such capital gain forms “a benefit from miscellaneous activities” (resultaat uit overige werkzaamheden) which, for instance, would be the case if the activities with respect to the Marel Shares exceed “normal active asset management” (normaal, actief vermogensbeheer) or if such capital gain is derived from the holding, whether directly or indirectly, of (a combination of) shares, debt claims or other rights (together, a “lucrative interest” (lucratief belang)) that the holder thereof has acquired under such circumstances that such capital gain is intended to be remuneration for work or services performed by such holder of Marel Shares (or a related person), whether within or outside an employment relation, where such lucrative interest provides the holder thereof, economically speaking, with certain benefits that have a relation to the relevant work or services.

If either of the abovementioned conditions (i) or (ii) applies, any income derived from the Marel Shares and any capital gain realized upon the Disposition of the Marel Shares will in general be subject to Dutch income tax at progressive rates up to 49.5% (2024).

Generally, Marel Shares held by a Dutch resident individual who is not engaged or deemed to be engaged in an enterprise or in miscellaneous activities, or who is so engaged or deemed to be engaged but the Marel Shares or JBT Shares are not attributable to that enterprise or miscellaneous activities will be subject to an annual

 

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income tax imposed on a fictitious yield on the fair market value of the Marel Shares on January 1 of each calendar year under the regime for savings and investments (inkomen uit sparen en beleggen). Irrespective of the actual income or capital gains realized, the annual taxable benefit from a Dutch resident individual’s assets and liabilities taxed under this regime, including the Marel Shares, is based on fictitious percentages applied to the fair market value of (i) bank savings, (ii) other assets, including the Marel Shares and (iii) liabilities.

Taxation only occurs if and to the extent the sum of the fair market value of bank savings and other assets minus the fair market value of the liabilities exceeds a certain threshold (heffingvrij vermogen). The tax rate under the regime for savings and investments is a flat rate of 36 percent (2024).

For the calendar year 2024, the fictitious percentages applicable to the first and third categories mentioned above (bank savings and liabilities) have not yet been determined. The fictitious yield percentage applicable to the second category mentioned above (other assets, including the Marel Shares) is 6.04 percent for the calendar year 2024.

Certain transactions that have the effect of reducing the fictitious yield by shifting net wealth between the aforementioned categories (i) and (ii) or increasing liabilities in any three months period starting before and ending after January 1 of the relevant year will for this purpose be ignored unless the Marel Shareholder or JBT Stockholder can demonstrate that such transactions are implemented for other reasons than tax reasons.

The fictitious percentages referred to above are considered by the Dutch government to be in compliance with a decision of the Dutch Supreme Court of December 24, 2021 (ECLI:NL:HR:2021:1963) regarding the incompatibility of the previous regime for savings and investments with the European Convention on Human Rights. Shareholders are nevertheless advised to consult their tax advisor on whether any tax levied under the current regime for savings and investments, including in respect of the Marel Shares, is in accordance with this convention.

Dutch tax resident legal and other entities

A holder of Marel Shares that is resident or deemed to be resident in the Netherlands for corporate income tax purposes, and that is:

 

  (i)

a corporation;

 

  (ii)

another entity with a capital divided into shares;

 

  (iii)

a cooperative (association);

 

  (iv)

another legal entity that has an enterprise or an interest in an enterprise to which the Marel Shares are attributable; or

 

  (v)

an entity that is regarded as a partnership for Dutch tax purposes but that is regarded as a corporate entity for tax purposes of its affiliated entities established outside of the Netherlands,

but which is not:

 

  (i)

a qualifying pension fund;

 

  (ii)

a qualifying investment institution (fiscale beleggingsinstelling) or a qualifying exempt investment institution (vrijgestelde beleggingsinstelling); or

 

  (iii)

another entity exempt from corporate income tax,

will in general be subject to regular Dutch corporate income tax, generally levied at a rate of 25.8 percent (19 percent over profits up to and including EUR 200,000) over any income derived from the Marel Shares and any capital gain realized upon Disposition of the Marel Shares, unless, and to the extent that, the participation

 

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exemption (deelnemingsvrijstelling) applies. Generally, the participation exemption applies if a holder of Marel Shares is subject to Dutch corporate income tax and it, or a related entity, holds an interest of 5% or more in the nominal paid-up share capital of Marel.

Dutch Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of JBT Shares

Dividend withholding tax in connection with distributions on JBT Shares

No Dutch dividend withholding tax (dividendbelasting) pursuant to the DWTA (Wet op de dividendbelasting 1965) will be withheld in respect of any distribution made by JBT to holders of JBT Shares.

Taxes on Income and Capital Gains in connection with the Ownership and Disposition of JBT Shares

Dutch tax resident individuals

The section “—Taxes on Income and Capital Gains in connection with the Disposition of Marel Shares” above applies inter alia to the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares.

In addition, a Dutch tax resident individual can, generally, credit any United States withholding tax due in connection with the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares with Dutch personal income, subject to the specific provisions in the United States – the Netherlands tax treaty.

Dutch tax resident legal and other entities

The section “—Taxes on Income and Capital Gains in connection with the Disposition of Marel Shares” above applies inter alia to the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares.

In addition, a Dutch tax resident legal or other entity can, generally, credit any United States withholding tax due in connection with the ownership and disposition of JBT Shares with Dutch corporate income tax, subject to the specific provisions in the United States – the Netherlands tax treaty.

Other Taxes and Duties

No other Dutch taxes, including taxes of a documentary nature, such as capital tax, stamp or registration tax or duty, are payable by, or on behalf of, the Marel Shareholder or the JBT Stockholder by reason only of the disposition of the Marel Shares or the disposition and ownership of the JBT Shares.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the JBT Shares and certain other matters of U.S. federal will be passed upon for us by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, New York, New York. Certain matters of Icelandic law will be passed upon for JBT by LEX.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this proxy statement/prospectus by reference to JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The consolidated financial statements of Marel as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for the years then ended, have been included in this proxy statement/prospectus in reliance upon the report of KPMG Accountants N.V., independent auditors, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

Certain of the individuals who may be directors and executive officers of the combined company, and certain experts named in this proxy statement/prospectus, reside outside of the United States. All or a substantial portion of the assets of such individuals may be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States upon such individuals, or to enforce against such individuals in United States courts judgments obtained in such courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

JBT files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including JBT, which you can access at www.sec.gov. In addition, you may obtain free copies of the documents JBT files with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form S-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, by going to JBT’s website at https://ir.jbtc.com/financials/sec-filings/. The JBT website is provided as inactive textual references only. The information contained on or accessible through the JBT website (other than the documents listed below that are incorporated by reference herein) does not constitute a part of this proxy statement/prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein.

Statements contained or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that contract or other document filed as an exhibit with the SEC. The SEC allows JBT to “incorporate by reference” in this proxy statement/prospectus documents that JBT files with the SEC, including certain information required to be included in the registration statement on Form S-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. This means that JBT can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference herein is considered to be a part of this proxy statement/prospectus, and later information that JBT files with the SEC will update and supersede that

 

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information. This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents and any documents subsequently filed by it pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed, including the portions of these documents that are furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of a Current Report on Form 8-K, including any exhibits included with such Items) from and including the date hereof to the date that is the later of the date of the Special Meeting and the date Marel Shares are accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offer, the date the Offer is terminated (with respect to the draft exchange offer document) or the date the Transaction is terminated. These documents contain important information about JBT’s businesses and financial performance.

This document incorporates by reference the following documents that have been previously filed with the SEC by JBT:

 

   

JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024;

 

   

the information in Part III of JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024, incorporated by reference from JBT’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for JBT’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024;

 

   

JBT’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2024;

 

   

JBT’s Current Reports on Form 8-K (excluding any information and exhibits furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 thereof) filed with the SEC on March  4, 2024, April  5, 2024 and May 14, 2024; and

 

   

the description of JBT’s registered securities contained in Exhibit 4.2 to JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022.

If you are JBT Stockholder, you may request a copy of this proxy statement/prospectus, any of the documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus or other information concerning JBT, without charge, through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by written or telephonic request to:

John Bean Technologies Corporation 70 West Madison Street Suite 4400 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 861-5900 Attention: Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

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INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED MAREL HF. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Independent Auditor’s Report

     F-1  

Consolidated Statement of Income

     F-3  

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

     F-4  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

     F-5  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

     F-6  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

     F-7  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

     F-66  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

     F-67  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

     F-68  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

     F-69  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

     F-70  

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

     F-71  

 

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Independent Auditor’s report

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Marel hf.

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Marel hf. and its subsidiaries (the Company), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Other Matter

The accompanying consolidated statement of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2021 were not audited, reviewed, or compiled by us, and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them.

Responsibilities of Management for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements are authorized for issuance.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from

 

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error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements.

In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:

 

   

Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

 

   

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.

 

   

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.

 

   

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

   

Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.

/s/ KPMG Accountants N.V.

Amstelveen, the Netherlands

May 9, 2024

 

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Consolidated Statement of Income

 

In EUR million unless stated otherwise

   Notes    2023     2022     20211  

Revenues

   5 & 6      1,721.4       1,708.7       1,360.8  

Cost of sales

   7      (1,125.0     (1,130.4     (867.0

Gross profit

        596.4       578.3       493.8  

Selling and marketing expenses

   7      (249.1     (236.2     (180.4

General and administrative expenses

   7      (134.4     (139.2     (96.2

Research and development expenses

   7      (119.3     (105.9     (86.9

Result from operations

        93.6       97.0       130.3  

Finance costs

   8      (57.4     (23.7     (9.2

Finance income

   8      0.4       10.7       0.5  

Net finance costs

   8      (57.0     (13.0     (8.7

Share of result of associates

        (0.5     (1.9     (0.9

Impairment loss of associates

        —        (7.0     —   

Profit before income tax

        36.1       75.1       120.7  

Income tax expense

   11      (5.1     (16.4     (24.5

Profit for the period

        31.0       58.7       96.2  

Of which:

         

- Net result attributable to Shareholders of the Company

   12      31.0       58.7       96.8  

- Net result attributable to non-controlling interests

        —        0.0       (0.6
Earnings per share for result attributable to Shareholders of the Company during the period (expressed in EUR cent per share):          

- Basic

   12      4.11       7.78       12.85  

- Diluted

   12      4.11       7.75       12.73  

 

1

Unaudited

 

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Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

In EUR million

   Notes    2023     2022     20211  

Net result

        31.0       58.7       96.2  

Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss:

         

Foreign currency translation differences

   20      (9.3     (11.0     4.9  

Cash flow hedges

   20      (2.1     (0.8     (0.5

Deferred income taxes

   18 & 20      0.4       0.2       0.2  

Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax

        (11.0     (11.6     4.6  

Total comprehensive income for the period

        20.0       47.1       100.8  

Of which:

         

- Total comprehensive income attributable to Shareholders of the Company

        20.0       47.1       101.4  

- Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

        —        0.0       (0.6

 

1

Unaudited

 

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Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

In EUR million

   Notes      2023     2022  

Assets

       

Property, plant and equipment

     13        345.8       327.1  

Right of use assets

     14        39.3       39.8  

Goodwill

     15        859.0       859.2  

Intangible assets

     16        541.2       562.3  

Investments in associates

        3.3       4.0  

Other non-current financial assets

        3.5       3.7  

Derivative financial instruments

     25        0.6       1.5  

Deferred income tax assets

     18        38.9       31.6  

Non-current assets

        1,831.6       1,829.2  

Inventories

     19        352.5       403.6  

Contract assets

     6        36.3       65.8  

Trade receivables

     6 & 17        215.2       218.3  

Derivative financial instruments

     25        1.1       1.8  

Current income tax receivables

        7.3       3.0  

Other receivables and prepayments

     17        85.9       99.0  

Cash and cash equivalents

        69.9       75.7  

Current assets

        768.2       867.2  

Total assets

        2,599.8       2,696.4  

Equity and liabilities

       

Share capital

     20        6.7       6.7  

Share premium reserve

     20        439.3       440.2  

Other reserves

     20        (44.4     (33.4

Retained earnings

     20        640.0       614.6  

Total shareholders’ equity

        1,041.6       1,028.1  

Liabilities

       

Borrowings

     21        819.8       729.8  

Lease liabilities

     21        29.8       30.3  

Deferred income tax liabilities

     18        84.9       90.7  

Provisions

     22        5.5       6.9  

Other payables

     24        2.7       7.5  

Derivative financial instruments

     25        3.4       —   

Non-current liabilities

        946.1       865.2  

Contract liabilities

     6        295.0       324.3  

Trade and other payables

     24        290.4       316.8  

Derivative financial instruments

     25        0.6       3.5  

Current income tax liabilities

        4.9       14.2  

Borrowings

     21        0.0       121.5  

Lease liabilities

     21        11.2       10.8  

Provisions

     22        10.0       12.0  

Current liabilities

        612.1       803.1  

Total liabilities

        1,558.2       1,668.3  

Total equity and liabilities

        2,599.8       2,696.4  

 

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

In EUR million

  Share
capital
    Share
premium
reserve1
    Other
reserves2
    Other
equity
    Retained
earnings3
    Share-
holders’
equity
    Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 

Balance at 1 January 20214

    6.7       442.8       (27.5     —        536.4       958.4       0.3       958.7  

Net result for the period

            96.8       96.8       (0.6     96.2  

Other comprehensive income

        5.4       (0.8       4.6         4.6  

Total comprehensive income for the period

    —        —        5.4       (0.8     96.8       101.4       (0.6     100.8  

Transactions with owners of the Company

               

Treasury shares sold

    0.0       9.9             9.9         9.9  

Options granted / exercised / canceled

    0.0       (2.4         1.6       (0.8       (0.8

Non-controlling interest on acquisition of subsidiary

                8.5       8.5  

Transactions with non-controlling interests

          (12.8       (12.8       (12.8

Dividend

            (41.0     (41.0     (0.2     (41.2

Total transactions with owners of the Company

    0.0       7.5       —        (12.8     (39.4     (44.7     8.3       (36.4

Balance at 31 December 2021

    6.7       450.3       (22.1     (13.6     593.8       1,015.1       8.0       1,023.1  

Net result for the period

            58.7       58.7       0.0       58.7  

Other comprehensive income

        (11.3     (0.3       (11.6       (11.6

Total comprehensive income for the period

    —        —        (11.3     (0.3     58.7       47.1       0.0       47.1  

Transactions with owners of the Company

               

Treasury shares purchased

    (0.0     (19.8           (19.8       (19.8

Treasury shares sold

    0.0       4.2             4.2         4.2  

Options granted / exercised / canceled

    0.0       5.5           1.3       6.8         6.8  

Transactions with non-controlling interests

          13.9       (0.5     13.4       (8.0     5.4  

Dividend

            (38.7     (38.7       (38.7

Total transactions with owners of the Company

    0.0       (10.1     —        13.9       (37.9     (34.1     (8.0     (42.1

Balance at 31 December 2022

    6.7       440.2       (33.4     —        614.6       1,028.1       —        1,028.1  

Net result for the period

            31.0       31.0       —        31.0  

Other comprehensive income

        (11.0         (11.0       (11.0

Total comprehensive income for the period

    —        —        (11.0     —        31.0       20.0       —        20.0  

Business combinations, note 4

              —          —   

Transactions with owners of the Company

               

Options granted / exercised / canceled

    0.0       (0.9         6.1       5.2         5.2  

Dividend

            (11.7     (11.7       (11.7

Total transactions with owners of the Company

    0.0       (0.9     —        —        (5.6     (6.5     —        (6.5

Balance at 31 December 2023

    6.7       439.3       (44.4     —        640.0       1,041.6       —        1,041.6  

 

1

Includes reserve for share-based payments as per 31 December 2023 of EUR 13.5 million (31 December 2022: EUR 13.3 million, 31 December 2021: EUR 7.3 million).

2

For details on other reserves refer to note 21.

3

Includes a legal reserve for capitalized intangible assets related to product development projects as per 31 December 2023 of EUR 106.3 million (31 December 2022: EUR 102.8 million, 31 December 2021: EUR 88.1 million).

4

The 2021 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity is unaudited.

 

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

In EUR million

   Notes    2023     2022     20211  

Cash Flow from operating activities

         

Profit for the period

        31.0       58.7       96.2  

Adjustments for:

         

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right of use assets

   13 & 14      42.2       38.5       29.8  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

   16      55.6       43.1       38.8  

Net finance costs

   8      57.0       13.0       8.7  

Share of result and impairment loss of associates

        0.5       8.9       0.9  

Income tax expense

   10      5.1       16.4       24.5  

Adjustments for other non-cash income and expenses

        6.1       7.4       3.8  

Working capital provided by / (used in) operating activities

        197.5       186.0       202.7  

Changes in:

         

Inventories and contract assets and liabilities

        49.5       (65.4     (11.7

Trade and other receivables

        12.3       (59.7     (7.3

Trade and other payables

        (30.3     31.3       30.7  

Provisions

        (3.2     4.2       (2.1

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

        28.3       (89.6     9.6  

Cash generated from operating activities

        225.8       96.4       212.3  

Income taxes paid

        (32.2     (28.0     (29.2

Interest received

        0.2       1.2       0.5  

Interest paid

        (55.7     (18.2     (7.4

Net cash from operating activities

        138.1       51.4       176.2  

Cash Flow from investing activities

         

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   13      (49.9     (52.8     (46.1

Investments in intangibles

   16      (36.2     (35.6     (24.8

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

   13 & 16      1.9       1.9       3.8  

Investments in associates

        —        —        (10.4

Investments in other non-current financial assets

        —        (2.9     —   

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

   4      (11.7     (477.8     (43.9

Net cash used in investing activities

        (95.9     (567.2     (121.4

Cash Flow from financing activities

         

Purchase of treasury shares

   20      —        (19.8     —   

Options exercised

   20      (1.0     0.6       0.7  

Dividends paid

   20      (11.7     (38.7     (41.2

Proceeds from borrowings

   21      215.0       1,358.0       52.2  

Repayments of borrowings

   21      (233.1     (763.6     (62.9

Payments of lease liabilities

   21      (14.3     (14.2     (13.1

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

        —        (16.4     —   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

        (45.1     505.9       (64.3

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (2.9     (9.9     (9.5

Exchange gain / (loss) on cash and cash equivalents

        (2.9     8.5       8.0  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

        75.7       77.1       78.6  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

        69.9       75.7       77.1  

 

1

Unaudited

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. General information

1.1. Reporting entity

Marel hf. (“the Company”) is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Iceland. The address of its registered office is Austurhraun 9, Gardabaer.

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2023 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as “the Group” or “Marel”).

The Group is a leading global provider of advanced solutions, software and services to food processing industries and is involved in the manufacturing, development, distribution and sales of solutions for these industries.

These Consolidated Financial Statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors and CEO on 9 May 2024.

The Company is listed on the Nasdaq Iceland (“Nasdaq”) and on Euronext Amsterdam (‘‘Euronext’’) exchanges.

1.2. Basis of Accounting

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities classified as ‘fair value through profit or loss’, which are reported in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2.

Details of the Group’s material accounting policies are included in note 2.

1.3. Functional and presentation currency and exchange rates

Items included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of each entity in the Group are measured using the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to that entity (“the functional currency”). The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro (“EUR”), which is the Group’s reporting currency and the functional currency of Marel hf.

All amounts are in millions of EUR unless otherwise indicated.

Exchange rates

The currency exchange rates that were used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements are listed below for the most relevant currencies.

 

     Year end rate      Average rate  
     2023      2022      2021      2023      2022      2021  

1 euro =

                 

USD

     1.10        1.07        1.14        1.08        1.05        1.18  

GBP

     0.87        0.89        0.84        0.87        0.85        0.86  

ISK

     150.42        152.00        147.45        149.08        142.19        150.22  

BRL

     5.36        5.64        6.34        5.40        5.44        6.38  

 

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1.4. Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the Consolidated Financial Statements are disclosed in note 3. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future period affected.

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The Group has an established control framework with respect to the measurement of fair values.

Further information about the assumptions made in measuring fair values is included in note 2, note 3 and note 24.

1.5. 2021 comparative financial information

The comparative financial information as at and for the year ended 31 December 2021 is not audited.

2. Summary of material accounting policies

2.1. General

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. The accounting policies set out in these Consolidated Financial Statements have been applied consistently for all periods presented.

Changes in accounting policies

Global minimum top-up tax

The Company has adopted International Tax Reform—Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12). The amendments provide temporary mandatory exception from deferred tax accounting for the top-up tax, which is effective immediately, and require new disclosures about the Pillar Two exposure.

The mandatory exception applies retrospectively. However, because no new legislation to implement the top-up tax was enacted or substantively enacted at 31 December 2022 in any jurisdiction in which the Group operates and no related deferred tax recognized at that date, the retrospective application has no impact on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Material accounting policy information

The Company has also adopted Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2) from 1 January 2023. Although the amendments did not result in any changes to the accounting policies themselves, they impacted the accounting policy information disclosed in the financial statements.

The amendments require the disclosure of ‘material’, rather than ‘significant’, accounting policies. The amendments also provide guidance on the application of materiality to disclosure of accounting policies, assisting entities to provide useful, entity-specific accounting policy information that users need to understand other information in the financial statements.

 

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Management reviewed the accounting policies and made updates to the information disclosed in note 2 in certain instances in line with the amendments.

Other new and amended standards and interpretations

A number of other new and amended standards and interpretations are also effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023, including:

 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and amendments to IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts;

 

Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8: Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors);

 

Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12: Income Taxes).

The Group adopted the new/amended standards and interpretations in preparing the Group’s 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements; none of which had a material impact.

Presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Income

Marel presents expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income in accordance with their function. This allows the presentation of gross profit on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Income, which is a widely used performance measure in the industry. The composition of the costs allocated to the individual functions is explained as follows:

 

   

cost of sales encompasses all manufacturing costs (including raw materials, employee benefits, and depreciation and amortization) related to goods and services captured in revenues. They are measured at their actual cost based on “first in, first out” or weighted average cost;

 

   

selling and marketing expenses relate to the selling and marketing of goods and services;

 

   

research and development expenses consist of:

research, which is defined as original and planned investigation undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding; and development, which is defined as the application of research findings or other knowledge to a plan or (re-)design for the production of new or substantially improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services before the start of commercial production or use; and

 

   

general and administrative expenses relate to the strategic and governance role of the general management of the Company as well as the representation of Marel as a whole in the financial, political or business community. General and administrative expenses also relate to business support activities of staff departments that are not directly related to the other functional areas.

Presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been prepared applying the indirect method whereby profit for the period is adjusted for the effects of transactions of a non-cash nature, any deferrals or accruals of past or future operating cash receipts or payments, and items of income or expense associated with investing or financing cash flows.

Cash flows in foreign currencies have been translated, in principle, at average exchange rates; certain material (mainly financing) transactions are translated at the exchange rate at the day of the transaction. Exchange differences concerning cash items are shown separately in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

 

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Relevance and importance of notes to the primary users of the Consolidated Financial Statements

In order to enhance the informational value of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes are prepared based on relevance and importance for the primary users of the Consolidated Financial Statements. This can result in information that has been evaluated as neither important nor relevant for the primary users of the Consolidated Financial Statements, not being presented in the notes.

2.2. Consolidation

Business combinations

The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when the acquired set of activities and assets meets the definition of a business and control is transferred to the Group. The Group determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities and assets include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.

Acquisitions by Marel as part of business combinations will result in recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets. The amounts assigned to the acquired assets and liabilities are based on assumptions and estimates about their fair values. In making these estimates, management consults with independent, qualified appraisers, if appropriate. A change in assumptions and estimates could change the values allocated to certain assets and their estimated useful lives, which could affect the amount or timing of charges to the Consolidated Statement of Income, such as amortization of intangible assets.

The purchase consideration in the acquisition is generally measured at fair value, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. Any goodwill that arises is tested at least annually for impairment. Any gain on a purchase is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income immediately. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred, except if related to the issuance of debt or equity securities.

The purchase consideration does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Any contingent consideration payable is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, then it is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between Group entities are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

 

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2.3. Foreign currency translation

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective functional currencies of Group entities, and from there into the Group’s reporting currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are revalued.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income, except when deferred in equity as a permanent loan, or as qualifying cash flow hedges as explained in note 2.13. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents as well as all other foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Income within finance income or finance costs.

Group entities

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

   

assets and liabilities presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that Consolidated Statement of Financial Position;

 

   

income and expenses for each transaction in the Consolidated Statement of Income are translated at average exchange rates, unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions; and

 

   

translation results of the consolidation of subsidiaries reporting in foreign currencies, as well as a currency revaluation related to financing of subsidiaries are recognized as a separate component of equity (translation reserve).

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations, and of borrowings and other currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and accumulated in translation reserve. When a foreign operation is partially disposed of or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in OCI are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the period as part of the gain or loss on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising due to the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate.

In case of a non-wholly-owned subsidiary, the relevant proportionate share of the translation difference is allocated to the non-controlling interest (“NCI”). When a foreign operation is disposed of such that control, significant influence or joint control is lost, the cumulative amount in the translation reserve related to that foreign operation is reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Income as part of the gain or loss on disposal. When the Group disposes of only part of its interest in a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation while retaining control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reattributed to NCI. When the Group disposes of only part of its investment in an associate or joint venture that includes a foreign operation while retaining significant influence or joint control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reclassified to OCI.

2.4. Revenue recognition

Marel recognizes revenue based on the considerations specified in contracts with customers using the five-step process as described in IFRS 15.

 

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Revenue is recognized, when or as control over distinct goods or services is transferred to the customer; i.e. when the customer is able to direct the use of the transferred goods or services and obtains substantially all of the remaining benefits, provided a contract with enforceable rights and obligations exists and amongst others collectability of consideration is probable taking into account the customer’s creditworthiness. Revenue is the transaction price Marel expects to be entitled to.

If a contract contains more than one distinct good or service, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on relative stand-alone selling prices. If stand-alone selling prices are not observable, the Company reasonably estimates those. Revenue is recognized for each performance obligation either at a point in time or over time. Determining the timing of the transfer of control – at a point in time or over time – requires judgment.

The following is a description of the nature and the timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations in contracts with customers, including significant payment terms, and the related revenue recognition policies.

Equipment revenue

In Marel’s business model, equipment revenue relates to sales of standard equipment and sales of complete solutions or systems.

Standard equipment requires no or minor modifications as requested by customers. Sales of complete solutions or systems require significant modifications either requested by the customer or required to fulfill the customer’s needs.

Revenues for standard equipment are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods passes to the customer, usually upon delivery of the goods. Invoices are issued at that point in time.

Revenues for complete solutions or systems will be recognized over time as all these complete solutions or systems are deemed to not have an alternative use and Marel has an enforceable right to payment. Revenue is recognized under the cost-to-cost (percentage-of-completion) method, based on the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to total estimated costs as based on Marel’s assessment it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer.

Aftermarket revenue

Aftermarket revenue relates to the sale of spare parts as well as performing related maintenance services to the equipment.

Revenues for spare part sales are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods passes to the customer, usually upon delivery of the goods. Invoices are issued at that point in time.

The total consideration in the service contracts will be allocated to all services based on their stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling prices will be determined based on the list prices at which the Group sells the services in separate transactions. Revenue relating to maintenance services is recognized over time under the percentage-of-completion method as described above. A contract liability is recognized for the payments received up-front and is recognized as revenue over the service period.

Payment terms

For the sale of complete solutions or systems and for most of the standard equipment down payments are obtained. Payment terms on invoices are usually 30 days from the date of invoice issued according to the contractual terms.

 

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Commissions

The Group applies the practical expedient in relation to the incremental costs of obtaining a contract. The Group recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.

Impairment of receivables

When a receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income.

2.5. Contract assets and contract liabilities

The contract assets (cost exceed billing) primarily relate to the Group’s rights to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred to receivables when the rights become unconditional. This usually occurs when the Group issues an invoice to the customer.

The contract liabilities (billing exceed cost) primarily relate to the advance consideration received from customers for standard equipment for which revenue is recognized at a point in time and for the sale of complete solutions or systems for which revenue is recognized over time.

2.6. Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based compensation

The Group operates an equity-settled share-based compensation plan, under which the entity receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (stock options) of the Group. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the stock options is recognized as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the stock options granted, excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (for example: profitability, sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period). Service and non-market performance vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of stock options that are expected to vest. The total amount to be expensed is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied.

At reporting date, the entity revises its estimates of the number of stock options that are expected to vest based on the service and non-market performance vesting conditions. It recognizes the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the Consolidated Statement of Income, with a corresponding adjustment to the share premium reserve in equity. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the stock options are exercised. The fair value of the employee stock options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes formula.

Measurement inputs include exercise price of the stock options, expected volatility based on weighted average historic volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly available information, defined vesting period, expected dividends, and the risk-free interest rate based on government bonds.

 

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Profit sharing and bonus plans

Under some circumstances, a liability for key employee benefits in the form of profit sharing and bonus plans is recognized in other payables when it is managements intention to settle the liability and at least the condition is met that there is a formal plan and the amounts to be paid are determined before the time of issuing the financial statements.

Liabilities for profit sharing and bonus plans are expected to be settled within 12 months and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when they are settled.

Pension plans

Marel has several pension plans in accordance with local rules and conditions. These pension plans are classified as defined contribution pension plans. Obligations relating to defined contribution pension plans are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Income as employee benefit expenses when the contributions are payable. Contributions paid in advance are presented as assets to the extent that cash repayment or a reduction in future contributions is available.

2.7. Current and deferred income tax

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income except to the extent that it relates to business combinations, or items recognized directly in shareholders’ equity or in OCI. In case of recording directly in shareholders’ equity, the tax on this item is included in deferred taxes; the net amount is recognized in shareholders’ equity.

The Group has determined that the global minimum top-up tax, which it is required to pay under Pillar Two legislation, is an income tax in the scope of IAS 12. The Group has applied temporary mandatory relief from deferred tax accounting for the impact of the top-up tax and accounts for the top-up tax as a current tax when it is incurred.

Current tax

Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to the tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. The amount of current tax payable or receivable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current tax also includes any tax arising from dividend income.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met.

Deferred tax

Deferred income tax is provided in full on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deferred tax is not recognized for:

 

   

temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction (i) affects neither accounting nor taxable profits and (ii) does not give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences;

 

   

temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and

 

   

taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

 

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Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and temporary differences to the extent it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the assets can be used. Future taxable profits are determined based on managements internal forecasts for individual subsidiaries in the Group. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. Such reductions are reversed when the probability of future taxable profits improves.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority.

2.8. Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings comprise mainly factories, warehouses and offices. All property, plant and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, except for land, which is shown at cost less impairment. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Subsequent expenditures are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Income in the period in which they are incurred.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of each asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life, as follows:

 

   

Buildings: 30-50 years

 

   

Plant and machinery: 4-15 years

 

   

Vehicles and equipment: 3-7 years

The assets’ residual values, depreciation methods and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount (note 2.11).

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount and are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income when the disposal is completed.

Borrowing cost is expensed as incurred except when directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use. Such borrowing cost is capitalized as part of the cost of the asset when it is probable that it will result in future economic benefits to the entity and the cost can be measured reliably.

2.9. Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

 

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Goodwill is allocated to groups of Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the business combinations in which the goodwill arose.

Technology, research and development

Technology costs have a finite useful life and are capitalized and amortized using the straight line method over the period of maximum 30 years.

Research expenditure is recognized as an expense as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects relating to the design and testing of new or improved products are recognized as intangible assets when it is probable that the project will generate future economic benefits, considering its commercial and technological feasibility, costs can be measured reliably and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Other development expenditures are recognized as an expense as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.

Development costs that have been capitalized are amortized from the commencement of the commercial production of the product on a straight-line basis over the period of its expected benefit, not exceeding five years.

Customer relationships, patents & trademarks

Customer relationships have been acquired as part of recent acquisitions and are capitalized and amortized using the straight line method over their useful life of maximum 20 years.

Expenditure to acquire patents, trademarks and licenses is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives, but not exceeding 8 years in case of patents and licenses, or 20 years in case of trademarks.

Other intangible assets

Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are recognized as an expense as incurred. Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are recognized as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

 

   

it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use;

 

   

management intends to complete the software product and use or sell it;

 

   

there is an ability to use or sell the software product;

 

   

it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits;

 

   

adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software product are available; and

 

   

the expenditure attributable to the software product during its development can be measured reliably.

Directly attributable costs capitalized as part of the software product include the software development employee costs, consultancy costs and the license fees incurred during the development phase of the software product.

Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognized as an expense as incurred.

Computer software development costs recognized as intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which can vary from 3 to 5 years.

 

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General

Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income as incurred. Development costs previously recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period.

Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life or that are not amortized are tested annually for impairment.

2.10. Leases

Marel leases property, plant and equipment including manufacturing and demo facilities, office buildings, small equipment and cars. The leases for manufacturing and demo facilities can run up to 10 years. The leases for office buildings are typically annual, with an automatic renewal. The lease payments, if relevant, are adjusted every year based on the change in the consumer price index in the preceding year. The small equipment and car leases typically run for a period of 3-5 years.

Marel recognizes a right of use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group uses the definition of a lease in IFRS 16.

Right of use assets

The right of use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received.

The right of use asset is depreciated using the straight line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right of use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives of the assets are determined on the same basis as those of property, plant and equipment. In addition, the right of use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain re-measurements of the lease liability.

Lease liabilities

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate.

The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased by lease payments made. The lease liability is re-measured when there is a change in future lease payments.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

Marel has elected not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for short term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. The Group recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight line basis over the lease term.

 

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2.11. Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffer impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. Assets held for sale which are valued at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, are reviewed at each reporting date.

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets (other than inventories and deferred tax assets) to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment.

For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGUs. Goodwill arising from business combinations is allocated to groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

The recoverable amount of an asset, a CGU or groups of CGUs is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. Value in use is based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset, CGU or group of CGUs.

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset, CGU or group of CGUs exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. They are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the groups of CGUs, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the groups of CGUs on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. For other assets, an impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

2.12. Financial instruments

Trade receivables and debt securities issued are initially recognized when they are originated. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized when Marel becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component) and a financial liability are initially measured at fair value. In the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset are added to the fair value measurement. A trade receivable without a significant financing component is initially measured at the transaction price.

On initial recognition, the Group classifies its financial assets as measured at amortized cost or fair value through profit or loss on the basis of both:

 

   

the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets; and

 

   

the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.

 

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Financial assets at amortized cost

Financial assets are measured at amortized cost if both:

 

   

the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

 

   

the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

A financial asset measured at amortized cost is initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs directly attributable to the asset. After initial recognition, the carrying amount of the financial asset measured at amortized cost is determined using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

When the above-mentioned conditions for classification as a financial asset at amortized cost are not met, a financial asset is classified as “at fair value through profit or loss” and measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.

A financial asset measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognized initially at fair value and its transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss when incurred. A gain or loss on a financial asset measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the reporting period in which it arises.

The Company may, at initial recognition, irrevocably designate a financial asset as measured at fair value through profit or loss if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains and losses on them on different bases.

Fair value measurement

The fair values of quoted assets are based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active (and for unlisted securities), the Group establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These include the use of recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same and discounted cash flow analysis refined to reflect the issuer’s specific circumstances.

The fair value of investments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each reporting date. Further information is included in note 24.

Impairment – Financial assets and contract assets

Loss allowances are measured based on the Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. Marel’s financial assets are currently limited to trade receivables and contract assets without significant financing components and are as such always impaired based on lifetime ECLs.

Based on materiality considerations, Marel reports impairment losses on trade receivables and contract assets as other expenses within selling and marketing expenses, instead of presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Impairment losses on other financial assets are presented under finance costs.

 

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Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents can include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts which are part of the cash pool are netted against cash and cash equivalents; other bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortized cost or at fair value through profit or loss. A financial liability is classified at fair value through profit or loss if it is classified as held for trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognized in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also recognized in profit or loss.

An entity has to account for modifications and revisions on its financial liabilities and report any (expected) gain or loss as a result in the Consolidated Statement of Income on the day of modification or revision.

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognizes a financial asset when:

 

   

the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire; or

 

   

it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which either:

substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred; or the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Group derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or canceled, or expire. The Group also derecognizes a financial liability when its terms are modified and the cash flows of the modified liability are substantially different, in which case a new financial liability based on the modified terms is recognized at fair value.

On derecognition of a financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount extinguished and the consideration paid (including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

2.13. Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

The Group uses financial derivatives such as foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps to hedge risks associated with foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently revalued at their fair value and changes therein are recognized in profit or loss unless cash flow hedge accounting is applied. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risk of the host contract and the embedded derivative are not directly closely related.

 

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The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

The Group designates certain derivatives as either:

 

   

hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge); or

 

   

derivatives at fair value through profit or loss.

The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an on-going basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

Movements on the hedge reserve in equity are shown in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining hedged item is more than 12 months and as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as current asset or liabilities.

Cash flow hedge

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in OCI and presented in the hedge reserve in equity. The profit or loss relating to the ineffective portion (mainly as a result of changes in timing of the hedged transactions) is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Income within finance income or finance costs.

Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the Consolidated Statement of Income in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. When the forecasted transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset (for example, inventory or non-current assets) the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset. The deferred amounts are ultimately recognized in the cost of goods sold for inventory or in depreciation for non-current assets.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or the hedging instrument is sold, expires, is terminated or is exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. When hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated in the hedging reserve remains in equity until, for a hedge of a transaction resulting in the recognition of a non-financial item, it is included in the non-financial item’s cost on its initial recognition or, for other cash flow hedges, it is reclassified to profit or loss in the same period or periods as the hedged expected future cash flows affect profit or loss.

If the hedged future cash flows are no longer expected to occur, then the amounts that have been accumulated in the hedging reserve are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

2.14. Inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of historical cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprise raw materials, direct labor, other direct costs and related production overhead based on normal operating capacity but exclude borrowing costs.

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the costs of completion and any applicable variable selling expenses.

 

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2.15. Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or stock options are shown in shareholders’ equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Transaction costs, net of tax, for transactions in shares are deducted from the share premium reserve.

When any Group entity purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s shareholders until the shares are canceled or reissued. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares. The nominal value of the treasury shares is presented in share capital; payments for treasury shares in excess of nominal value are presented in the share premium reserve. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received in excess of nominal value, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects is included within share premium.

2.16. Provisions

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

A provision for guarantee commitments is recognized when the underlying product and services are sold based on historical warranty data and a weighting of possible outcomes against their associated probabilities.

A provision for restructuring is recognized when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring either has commenced or has been announced publicly. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.

2.17. New standards and standards issued but not yet effective

A number of new standards are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2023 and earlier application is permitted; however, the Group has not early adopted the new or amended standards in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following new and amended standards and interpretations are not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

   

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1);

 

   

Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7);

 

   

Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16); and

 

   

Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21).

3. Use of judgments and estimates

In preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Group has made judgments and estimates that affect the application of the Group’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The actual results will, by definition, seldom be exactly equal to the related accounting estimates used.

 

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Material judgments are described in the following table:

 

 

  

 

Revenue recognition   

•  Determination of percentage of completion in contracts with customers recognized over time.

Goodwill and other intangible assets   

•  Valuation based on management assumptions using the discounted cash flow method.

Leases   

•  Judgment whether certain property lease extension options will be exercised by the Group.

Estimates and judgments are continuously evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are recognized prospectively.

Material estimates are described in the following table:

 

 

  

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets   

•  Determination of the discount rate using external market information about market risk, interest rates and some CGU specific elements like country risk. For further information refer to note 14.

 

•  Estimation of future cash flows. For further information refer to note 14 and note 15.

Income taxes   

•  Estimates of the recoverability of deferred tax assets, based on projected future taxable profits. For further information refer to note 10 and note 17.

 

•  The Group recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due.

Inventory obsolescence   

•  Determination of the allowance for inventory obsolescence is based on the estimated future selling price of the inventory. For further information refer to note 18.

4. Business combinations

Under IFRS 3, up to one year from the acquisition date, the initial accounting for business combinations is to be adjusted to reflect new information that has been received about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date and would have affected the measurement of amounts recognized as of that date. As a result of such adjustments the values of assets and liabilities recognized may change in the one-year period from the acquisition date.

2023 acquisitions

E+V Technology

On 4 April 2023, Marel acquired 100% of the operating assets related to E+V, a global provider of advanced vision systems for the meat and poultry industries. E+V was founded in 1992, has 19 employees and annual revenues are around EUR 5 million. The company is headquartered in Oranienburg, Germany.

The total investment amounted to EUR 10.0 million, of which EUR 8.0 million was paid at closing of the deal and the remaining EUR 2.0 million will be paid in one year after closing of the deal subject to certain conditions.

 

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Goodwill of EUR 5.2 million is allocated to the poultry and meat segments, related to the opportunity to leverage E+V’s product portfolio of vision solutions, its long-standing customer relationships and Marel’s global sales and service network. The goodwill for the E+V acquisition is deductible for corporate income tax if certain conditions are met.

 

Impact on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in 2023

   E+V  

Property, plant and equipment

     0.1  

Intangible assets

     4.5  

Inventories

     0.2  

Assets acquired

     4.8  

Liabilities assumed

     —   

Total net identified assets

     4.8  

Purchase consideration

     10.0  

Goodwill on acquisition

     5.2  

2022 acquisitions

Sleegers

On 21 April 2022, Marel concluded the acquisition of the entire share capital of Sleegers, a Dutch provider of interleaving, stacking, loading, and slicing solutions for food processers globally. Sleegers was founded in 1993, has 27 employees and around EUR 5.0 million in annual revenues. The joint offering by the two companies strengthens Marel’s position in the case-ready and prepared foods segments. The purchase consideration was paid with EUR 12.9 million in cash. The acquisition was financed through Marel’s strong cash position and existing credit facilities.

Goodwill amounted to EUR 5.9 million and is allocated to the meat and other segments and is primarily related to the strategic fit of Sleegers and Marel with a highly complementary product portfolio in the case-ready and prepared foods segments. The goodwill for the Sleegers acquisition is not deductible for corporate income tax

Wenger

On 9 June 2022, Marel concluded the acquisition of the entire share capital of Wenger, including all relevant business activities of the group. Wenger is a global leader in processing solutions focused on pet food, plant-based proteins and aqua feed. Founded in 1935, Wenger is a family-owned business headquartered in Sabetha, Kansas, USA. Wenger has around 500 employees and around USD 190.0 million of annual revenues.

The purchase consideration included a cash consideration of USD 519.3 million (EUR 484.9 million), 1.0 million Marel shares (EUR 4.2 million) and a cash contribution of USD 4.0 million (EUR 3.8 million) into a not-for-profit private foundation, to continue the legacy of Wenger and its meaningful impact on the community, which was paid in 2023. The fair value of the Marel shares transferred was based on the listed share price of the Company at 9 June 2022 of EUR 4.37 per share.

In 2023, the PPA for Wenger Manufacturing LLC (“Wenger”) was finalized. No changes were recognized compared to the provisional PPA outcomes reported in the Group’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. Goodwill amounted to EUR 146.7 million and is primarily related to the strategic and cultural fit and a highly complementary product portfolio. The goodwill is allocated to the new segment plant, pet and feed. The goodwill for Wenger is tax deductible in the US.

 

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The impact to Marel’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of acquisitions in 2022 is shown in the following table.

 

Impact on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in 2022

   Wenger      Sleegers      Valka1      Total  

Property, plant and equipment

     69.2        0.3        —         69.5  

Right of use assets

     1.1        —         —         1.1  

Intangible assets

     206.7        5.1        (0.2      211.8  

Other non-current assets

     0.9        —         —         0.9  

Inventories

     78.4        1.7        —         80.1  

Contract assets

     —         —         (1.8      —   

Trade receivables

     22.3        0.9        —         23.2  

Other receivables and prepayments

     11.8        0.8        0.1        12.6  

Cash and cash equivalents

     19.8        0.2        —         20.0  

Assets acquired

     410.2        9.0        (1.9      419.2  

Non-controlling interests

              —   

Borrowings, current and non-current

     12.1        —            12.1  

Lease liabilities, current and non-current

     1.1        —            1.1  

Provisions, current and non-current

     1.3        —            1.3  

Deferred and other tax liabilities

     0.4        1.2        (0.4      1.6  

Contract liabilities

     33.0        0.3        (0.1      33.3  

Trade and other payables

     16.1        0.5           16.6  

Liabilities assumed

     64.0        2.0        (0.5      66.0  

Total net identified assets

     346.2        7.0        (1.4      353.2  

Purchase consideration

     492.9        12.9        (1.3      505.8  

of which paid / to be paid in cash

     488.7        12.9        (1.3      501.6  

of which paid / to be paid in shares

     4.2        —         —         4.2  

of which fair value of previously held interest

     —         —            —   

Goodwill on acquisition

     146.7        5.9        0.1        152.6  

 

1

Relates to PPA finalization for the 2021 Valka acquisition.

Valka

In 2022, the PPA for Valka ehf. was finalized. Compared to the provisional goodwill reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended 31 December 2021, it resulted in an increase of goodwill of EUR 0.1 million and a decrease of the purchase consideration of EUR 1.3 million.

Purchase of non-controlling interest

On 1 February 2022, Marel acquired the remaining 50.0% of the shares of Curio for an additional investment of EUR 15.9 million. Curio and Marel have worked closely together since Marel’s initial investment in Curio on 22 October 2019 and as such, Marel initiated the acquisition of the remaining shares ahead of the timing agreed in the put option. Curio was consolidated in Marel’s financial results as of Q1 2021 at the moment Marel assessed it had control over Curio.

On 21 June 2022, Marel acquired the remaining 24.0% of the shares of MPS France S.A.R.L. (“MPS France”) for an additional investment of EUR 0.5 million.

As these additional investments in Curio and MPS France do not result in a change of control, the purchase is treated as an equity transaction. As a result, no changes in the carrying amounts of assets (including goodwill) were recognized. The difference between the change in non-controlling interest and the consideration paid is recognized directly in equity.

 

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5. Segment information

Operating segments

The identified operating segments comprise the four core business segments. These operating segments form the basis for managerial decision taking.

The following summary describes the operations in each of the Group’s reportable segments:

 

   

Poultry processing: Our poultry full-line product range offers automated in-line solutions, software and services for all stages of processing broilers, turkeys and ducks;

 

   

Meat processing: Our meat segment is a full line supplier for primary, secondary and further processing equipment, systems, software and services of pork, beef, veal and sheep;

 

   

Fish processing: Marel provides advanced equipment, systems, software and services for processing salmon and whitefish, both farmed and wild, on-board and ashore;

 

   

Plant, pet and feed: The plant, pet and feed segment provides solutions and services to the pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed markets.

 

   

The ‘Other’ segment includes any revenues, result from operations and assets which do not belong to the four core business segments.

The reporting entities are reporting their revenues per operating segment based on the segment for which the customer is using Marel’s product range. Therefore inter-segment revenues do not exist, only intercompany revenues within the same segment.

Results are monitored and managed at the operating segment level, up to the adjusted result from operations. Adjusted result from operations is used to measure performance as management believes that this information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of the respective Marel segments relative to other entities that operate in the same business segment. Adjusted result from operations is calculated by adjusting result from operations to exclude the impact of PPA related costs (consisting of depreciation and amortization of acquisition related (in)tangible assets), acquisition related expenses and restructuring costs. In Q4 2023, result from operations is also adjusted for one-off write offs within “Other”, related to rationalization of the product portfolio.

The Group’s CEO reviews the internal management reports of each segment on a monthly basis.

Decisions on tax and financing structures including cash and cash equivalents are taken at a corporate level and are not allocated to the operating segments. The profit or loss per operating segment is the adjusted result from operations; finance costs, taxes and results of associates are reported in the column total.

 

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Intercompany transactions are entered at arm’s length terms and conditions comparable to those available to unrelated parties. Information on assets per operating segment is reported; however, decisions on liabilities are taken at a corporate level and as such are not included in this disclosure.

 

31 December 2023

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     Plant, pet
and feed
    Other     Total  

Revenues

     832.3       443.0       193.6       232.3       20.2       1,721.4  

Adjusted result from operations

     125.2       2.9       (8.9     35.3       (1.4     153.1  

PPA related charges

     (0.4     (14.7     (1.6     (23.1     (0.9     (40.7

Acquisition related expenses

               (4.3

Restructuring costs

               (7.4

Other

               (7.1

Result from operations

               93.6  

Net finance costs

               (57.0

Share of result of associates

               (0.5

Result before income tax

               36.1  

Income tax

               (5.1

Net result for the period

               31.0  

Assets excluding cash and cash equivalents1

     867.0       817.8       255.7       549.9       39.5       2,529.9  

Capital expenditures

     52.3       21.8       16.7       11.5       0.5       102.8  

Depreciation and amortization

     (27.1     (32.7     (12.3     (17.3     (1.2     (90.6

Impairment

     (5.4     (0.5     (1.3     —        —        (7.2

 

31 December 2022

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     Plant, pet
and feed
    Other     Total  

Revenues

     832.1       514.1       191.5       144.2       26.8       1,708.7  

Adjusted result from operations

     118.3       21.0       (0.9     21.4       3.6       163.4  

PPA related charges

     (0.4     (15.2     (2.3     (24.6     (1.0     (43.5

Acquisition related expenses

               (14.5

Restructuring costs

               (8.4

Result from operations

               97.0  

Net finance costs

               (13.0

Share of result of associates

               (1.9

Impairment loss of associates

               (7.0

Result before income tax

               75.1  

Income tax

               (16.4

Net result for the period

               58.7  

Assets excluding cash and cash equivalents1

     891.7       870.2       249.6       576.5       32.7       2,620.7  

Capital expenditures

     47.9       29.7       16.2       6.3       1.1       101.2  

Depreciation and amortization

     (26.7     (33.9     (8.9     (9.7     (2.4     (81.6

 

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31 December 2021

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     Plant, pet
and feed
     Other     Total  

Revenues

     639.1       512.5       161.1       —         48.1       1,360.8  

Adjusted result from operations

     91.2       47.0       9.1       —         6.3       153.6  

PPA related charges

     (0.4     (17.0     (2.0     —         (1.7     (21.1

Acquisition related expenses

                (2.2

Restructuring costs

                —   

Result from operations

                130.3  

Net finance costs

                (8.7

Share of result of associates

                (0.9

Result before income tax

                120.7  

Income tax

                (24.5

Net result for the period

                96.2  

Assets excluding cash and cash equivalents1

     803.6       844.5       227.3       —         52.5       1,927.9  

Capital expenditures

     39.6       32.3       10.2       —         3.0       85.1  

Depreciation and amortization

     (25.5     (32.8     (7.0     —         (2.6     (67.9

Impairment

     (0.3     (0.4     —        —         —        (0.7

 

1

Calculated as total assets minus cash and cash equivalents.

Geographical information

The Group’s operating segments operate in three main geographical areas, although they are managed on a global basis. The Group is domiciled in Iceland.

 

Assets excluding cash and

 

cash equivalents

   2023      2022  

Europe, Middle East and Africa1

     1,739.7        1,785.8  

Americas

     763.3        801.3  

Asia and Oceania

     26.9        33.6  

Total

     2,529.9        2,620.7  

 

1

Iceland accounts for EUR 276.8 million (31 December 2022: EUR 278.2 million).

The Group’s cash pool is managed at a corporate level and therefore not allocated geographically. Capital expenditures include investments in property, plant and equipment, right of use assets and intangible assets (including capitalized technology and development costs, refer to note 15).

 

Capital expenditure

   2023      2022      2021  

Europe, Middle East and Africa1

     88.4        88.8        65.5  

Americas

     13.6        11.0        14.4  

Asia and Oceania

     0.8        1.4        5.2  

Total

     102.8        101.2        85.1  

 

1

Iceland accounts for EUR 12.8 million (2022: EUR 14.1 million, 2021: 16.9 million).

6. Revenues

Revenues

The Group’s revenue is derived from contracts with customers. Within the segments and within the operating companies, Marel is not relying on any individual major customers.

 

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Disaggregation of revenue

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical markets (revenue is allocated based on the country where the customer is located):

 

Revenue by geographical

 

markets

   2023      2022      2021  

Europe, Middle East and Africa1

     857.0        818.8        692.5  

Americas

     689.4        709.6        491.3  

Asia and Oceania

     175.0        180.3        177.0  

Total

     1,721.4        1,708.7        1,360.8  

 

1

Iceland accounts for EUR 10.3 million (2022: EUR 16.6 million, 2021: EUR 10.9 million).

In the following table revenue is disaggregated by equipment revenue (comprised of revenue from greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and modernization equipment) and aftermarket revenue (comprised of maintenance, service and spare parts):

 

Revenue by business mix

   2023      2022      2021  

Equipment revenue

     935.5        1,019.5        817.4  

Aftermarket revenue

     785.9        689.2        543.4  

Total

     1,721.4        1,708.7        1,360.8  

Trade receivables and contract balances

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

 

Trade receivables and contract

 

balances

   2023      2022      2021  

Trade receivables

     215.2        218.3        154.7  

Contract assets

     36.3        65.8        69.6  

Contract liabilities

     (295.0      (324.3      (306.0

The contract assets (cost exceed billing) primarily relate to the Group’s rights to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred to receivables when the rights become unconditional. This usually occurs when the Group issues an invoice to the customer.

The contract liabilities (billing exceed cost) primarily relate to the advance consideration received from customers for standard equipment for which revenue is recognized at a point in time and for the sale of complete solutions or systems for which revenue is recognized over time.

No information is provided about remaining performance obligations at 31 December 2023 that have an original expected duration of one year or less, as allowed by IFRS 15, “Revenues from Contracts with Customers”.

Marel continuously reassesses the trade receivables and contract assets. A part of the impairment is related to product risk, the contract assets were impacted by an impairment charge of EUR 1.3 million (2022: EUR 2.3 million, 2021: EUR 1.0 million).

 

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7. Expenses by nature

 

Expenses by nature

   2023      2022      2021  

Direct material costs

     617.1        638.2        483.2  

Employee benefits

     681.8        662.4        520.8  

Other personnel expenses

     32.9        33.1        25.1  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment

     97.8        81.6        68.6  

Other1

     198.2        196.4        132.8  

Total

     1,627.8        1,611.7        1,230.5  

 

1

Other expenses include mainly consultancy, IT, maintenance, marketing, outsourcing services, travel and utilities.

8. Net finance costs

 

Net finance costs

   2023      2022      2021  

Finance costs:

        

Interest on borrowings

     (49.3      (18.4      (4.7

Interest on lease liabilities

     (1.4      (1.2      (1.0

Other finance expenses

     (6.1      (4.1      (2.1

Net foreign exchange loss

     (0.6      —         (1.4

Subtotal finance costs

     (57.4      (23.7      (9.2

Finance income:

        

Interest income

     0.4        1.5        0.5  

Net foreign exchange gain

     —         9.2        —   

Subtotal finance income

     0.4        10.7        0.5  

Total

     (57.0      (13.0      (8.7

9. Employee benefits

 

Employee benefit expenses

   2023      2022      2021  

Salaries and wages

     556.1        546.1        430.2  

Social security contributions

     75.8        68.9        54.3  

Equity-settled share-based payment expenses

     6.2        7.4        3.8  

Post retirement costs

     43.7        40.0        32.5  

Total

     681.8        662.4        520.8  

The employee benefit expenses relate to employees who are working on the payroll of Marel, both with permanent and temporary contracts.

Employee benefit expenses are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income as follows:

 

Employee benefit expenses

   2023      2022      2021  

Cost of sales

     349.7        337.2        270.2  

Selling and marketing expenses

     147.1        145.2        116.3  

General and administrative expenses

     97.0        96.5        68.3  

Research and development expenses1

     88.0        83.5        66.0  

Total

     681.8        662.4        520.8  

 

1

EUR 20.3 million were capitalized in 2023 (2022: EUR 21.7 million, 2021: EUR 13.2 million) as intangible assets.

 

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For further information on post-employment benefit costs, refer to note 22.

For details on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and Marel’s management, refer to note 26.

10. Income tax

 

Income tax recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income

   2023      2022      2021  

Current tax

     (18.2      (32.1      (30.7

Deferred tax

     13.1        15.7        6.2  

Total

     (5.1      (16.4      (24.5

The Group believes that its accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open tax years based on its assessment of many factors, including interpretations of tax laws and prior experience.

The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated companies as shown in the next table.

 

Reconciliation of applicable to effective income tax

   2023     %     2022     %     2021     %  

Result before income tax

     36.1         75.1         120.7    

Income tax using Icelandic rate

     (7.2     20.0       (15.0     20.0       (24.2     20.0  

Effect of tax rates in other jurisdictions

     (1.0     2.7       (4.2     5.6       (4.7     3.9  

Weighted average applicable tax

     (8.2     22.7       (19.2     25.6       (28.9     23.9  

Foreign exchange effect Iceland

     0.1       (0.3     (0.3     0.4       0.6       (0.5

Research and development tax incentives

     4.0       (11.1     5.0       (6.7     4.6       (3.8

Other permanent differences

     (2.2     6.2       (2.5     3.3       (0.1     0.1  

(Impairment)/reversal of tax losses

     (0.4     1.1       (1.1     1.5       (0.1     0.1  

Effect of changes in tax rates

     0.1       (0.3     (0.3     0.4       (1.4     1.2  

Others

     1.5       (4.2     2.0       (2.7     0.8       (0.7

Tax charge included in the Consolidated Statement of Income

     (5.1     14.1       (16.4     21.8       (24.5     20.3  

Global minimum top-up tax

The Group operates in a number of jurisdictions, among others the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, which have implemented the global minimum top-up tax.

The Group performed an assessment of its potential exposure to Pillar Two income taxes. This assessment is based on the most recent information available regarding the financial performance of the constituent entities in the Group and the country-by-country reporting. Based on the assessment performed, the Pillar Two effective tax rates in most of the jurisdictions in which Marel operates are above 15% and management is currently not aware of any circumstances under which this might change.

For the jurisdictions which do not meet the minimum Pillar Two effective tax rate of 15%, the transitional safe harbor would be applicable based on the available financial information. As such, Marel does not expect a significant impact of Pillar Two top-up taxes.

Tax rate change—Iceland

The Icelandic tax rate will change in 2024 (one-time) from 20% to 21%. The Group performed an assessment of the impact of this one-time tax rate change and concluded that this tax rate change does not have a material impact on the Group’s tax position.

 

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11. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to Shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Group and held as treasury shares.

 

Basic earnings per share

 

(EUR cent per share)

   2023      2022      2021  

Net result attributable to Shareholders (EUR millions)

     31.0        58.7        96.8  

Weighted average number of outstanding shares issued (millions)

     753.5        754.3        753.6  

Basic earnings per share (EUR cent per share)

     4.11        7.78        12.85  

The diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

The Company has one category of dilutive potential ordinary shares: stock options. For the stock options a calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the Company’s shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding stock options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the stock options.

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

(EUR cent per share)

   2023      2022      2021  

Net result attributable to Shareholders (EUR millions)

     31.0        58.7        96.8  

Weighted average number of outstanding shares issued (millions)

     753.5        754.3        753.6  

Adjustments for stock options (millions)

     0.5        2.8        6.9  

Weighted average number of outstanding shares for diluted earnings per share (millions)

     754.0        757.1        760.5  

Diluted earnings per share (EUR cent per share)

     4.11        7.75        12.73  

 

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12. Property, plant and equipment

 

     Land &
buildings
    Plant &
machinery
    Vehicles &
equipment
    Under
con-
struction
    Total  

At 1 January 2023

          

Cost

     293.1       178.0       73.3       29.2       573.6  

Accumulated depreciation

     (87.6     (103.2     (55.7     —        (246.5

Net book value

     205.5       74.8       17.6       29.2       327.1  

Year ended 31 December 2023

          

Opening net book value

     205.5       74.8       17.6       29.2       327.1  

Divestments

     (0.8     (0.9     (0.2     —        (1.9

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (0.2     (0.9     (0.3     (0.0     (1.4

Additions

     5.4       9.4       6.7       28.4       49.9  

Business combinations, note 4

     —        —        0.1       —        0.1  

Transfer between categories

     20.1       6.8       0.6       (27.5     —   

Depreciation

     (8.6     (14.1     (5.3     —        (28.0

Closing net book value

     221.4       75.1       19.2       30.1       345.8  

At 31 December 2023

          

Cost

     315.0       185.5       77.8       30.1       608.4  

Accumulated depreciation

     (93.6     (110.4     (58.6     —        (262.6

Net book value

     221.4       75.1       19.2       30.1       345.8  

 

     Land &
buildings
    Plant &
machinery
    Vehicles &
equipment
    Under
con-
struction
    Total  

At 1 January 2022

          

Cost

     233.0       103.9       61.4       16.1       414.4  

Accumulated depreciation

     (72.7     (64.6     (48.4     —        (185.7

Net book value

     160.3       39.3       13.0       16.1       228.7  

Year ended 31 December 2022

          

Opening net book value

     160.3       39.3       13.0       16.1       228.7  

Divestments

     (0.9     (0.6     (0.4     —        (1.9

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     0.8       0.9       0.1       0.4       2.2  

Additions

     4.6       8.9       5.0       34.3       52.8  

Business combinations

     32.3       31.3       2.3       3.6       69.5  

Transfer between categories

     18.1       4.8       2.3       (25.2     —   

Depreciation

     (9.7     (9.8     (4.7     —        (24.2

Closing net book value

     205.5       74.8       17.6       29.2       327.1  

At 31 December 2022

          

Cost

     293.1       178.0       73.3       29.2       573.6  

Accumulated depreciation

     (87.6     (103.2     (55.7     —        (246.5

Net book value

     205.5       74.8       17.6       29.2       327.1  

 

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Depreciation PPE

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment analyzes as follows in the Consolidated Statement of Income:

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 
     2023      2022      2021  

Cost of sales

     13.4        10.7        7.6  

Selling and marketing expenses

     1.1        0.9        0.5  

General and administrative expenses

     11.6        11.5        9.3  

Research and development expenses

     1.9        1.1        0.2  

Total

     28.0        24.2        17.6  

13. Right of use assets

 

     Land &
buildings
     Plant &
machinery
     Vehicles &
equipment
     Total  

At 1 January 2023

           

Cost

     44.6        2.8        29.2        76.6  

Accumulated depreciation

     (19.6      (1.3      (15.9      (36.8

Net book value

     25.0        1.5        13.3        39.8  

Year ended 31 December 2023

           

Opening net book value

     25.0        1.5        13.3        39.8  

Divestments

     (1.0      —         (1.8      (2.8

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (0.2      (0.0      (0.0      (0.2

Additions

     4.7        —         12.0        16.7  

Depreciation

     (6.6      (0.3      (7.3      (14.2

Closing net book value

     21.9        1.2        16.2        39.3  

At 31 December 2023

           

Cost

     47.8        2.8        35.6        86.2  

Accumulated depreciation

     (25.9      (1.6      (19.4      (46.9

Net book value

     21.9        1.2        16.2        39.3  

 

     Land &
buildings
     Plant &
machinery
     Vehicles &
equipment
     Total  

At 1 January 2022

           

Cost

     39.5        1.8        27.7        69.0  

Accumulated depreciation

     (13.4      (0.8      (14.3      (28.5

Net book value

     26.1        1.0        13.4        40.5  

Year ended 31 December 2022

           

Opening net book value

     26.1        1.0        13.4        40.5  

Divestments

     (0.0      (0.2      (1.2      (1.4

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     0.8        0.0        0.3        1.1  

Business combinations

     1.1        —         —         1.1  

Additions

     3.4        1.2        8.2        12.8  

Depreciation

     (6.4      (0.5      (7.4      (14.3

Closing net book value

     25.0        1.5        13.3        39.8  

At 31 December 2022

           

Cost

     44.6        2.8        29.2        76.6  

Accumulated depreciation

     (19.6      (1.3      (15.9      (36.8

Net book value

     25.0        1.5        13.3        39.8  

 

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Depreciation of right of use assets

For the annual maturity of the lease liabilities, refer to note 20.

Depreciation of right of use assets analyzes as follows in the Consolidated Statement of Income:

 

Depreciation of right of use assets

   2023      2022      2021  

Cost of sales

     4.2        3.6        3.4  

Selling and marketing expenses

     2.5        2.3        2.3  

General and administrative expenses

     7.2        8.1        6.2  

Research and development expenses

     0.3        0.3        0.3  

Total

     14.2        14.3        12.2  

14. Goodwill

 

     2023      2022  

At 1 January

     

Cost

     859.2        705.2  

Net book value

     859.2        705.2  

Year ended 31 December

     

Opening net book value

     859.2        705.2  

Business combinations, note 4

     5.2        152.7  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (5.4      1.3  

Closing net book value

     859.0        859.2  

At 31 December

     

Cost

     859.0        859.2  

Net book value

     859.0        859.2  

For 2023 business combinations relate to the acquisition of E+V Technology (increase in goodwill of EUR 5.2 million).

For 2022 business combinations relate to the acquisition of Wenger (increase in goodwill of EUR 146.7 million), Sleegers (increase in goodwill of EUR 5.9 million) and Valka (increase in goodwill of EUR 0.1 million due to the finalization of the PPA).

Further information on the acquisitions is disclosed in note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment testing

Annually, goodwill is tested for impairment at the level of the group of CGUs, which are Marel’s operating segments:

 

   

Poultry

 

   

Meat

 

   

Fish

 

   

Plant, pet and feed; and

 

   

Other

Only at the level of the operating segments, the connection can be made between the businesses for which the goodwill was originally paid for and the results of the synergies after those acquisitions.

 

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The annual goodwill impairment test includes property, plant and equipment, right of use assets, goodwill, other intangible assets and net working capital allocated to the group of CGUs to determine the final recoverable amount.

The purpose of impairment testing is to determine whether the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount. The recoverable amount of an operating segment is determined as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the group of CGUs, based on amongst others:

 

   

the estimated future cash flows that the Group expects the group of CGUs to earn;

 

   

possible variations in the amount or timing of those future cash flows;

 

   

the time value of money, which is reflected by using a discount rate based on the current market risk-free rate of interest; and

 

   

the price for the uncertainty inherent in the group of CGUs.

Key assumptions used in the impairment tests for the group of CGUs were sales growth rates, an adjusted EBITDA metric (defined as results from operations before depreciation, impairment and amortization) and the rates used for discounting the projected cash flows.

The sales growth rates and adjusted EBITDA used to estimate future cash flows are based on past performance, external market growth assumptions and industry long-term growth averages. Adjusted EBITDA in all segments is expected to increase over the projected period as a result of volume growth and cost efficiencies.

The cash flow projections for the period 2024-2026 are derived from Marel’s business plan as approved by the Board of Directors. The weighted growth rate for the years 2027 and 2028 of forecast cash flows is between 4.3% and 7.1% for all groups of CGUs, which is management’s best estimate. These growth rates are in line with external market predictions of the worldwide industry for providing equipment and solutions for the protein industry. Revenues, operating results and cash flows beyond the 5 year forecast period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates of 2.1% (31 December 2022: 2.2%). The terminal growth rate was determined based on management’s estimate of the long-term compound annual adjusted EBITDA growth rate, consistent with the assumptions that a market participant would make.

The time value of money and price of uncertainty, calculated as the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”), are based on external market information about market risk, interest rates and some group of CGUs specific elements like country risk. The post-tax discount rate is calculated at the level of the groups of CGUs and is in the range of 9.0%—10.2% (2022: 9.5%—10.1%) for all groups of CGUs. The pre-tax discount rate for the groups of CGUs is calculated in the range of 10.8%—13.0% (2022: 11.9%—13.0%).

The key assumptions used for the impairment tests are listed below.

 

2023

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     Plant, pet
and feed
    Other     Total  

Goodwill

     342.4       315.4       52.2       142.2       6.8       859.0  

Terminal growth rate2

     2.1     2.1     2.1     2.1     2.1  

Discount rate (post-tax)3

     10.2     9.4     9.0     10.0     9.1  

 

2022

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     Plant, pet
and feed1
     Other     Total  

Goodwill

     347.4       311.0       46.8       147.2        6.8       859.2  

Terminal growth rate2

     2.2     2.2     2.2     n/a        2.2  

Discount rate (post-tax)3

     10.1     9.8     9.7     n/a        9.5  

 

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Table of Contents

 

1

Since the PPA process for the acquisition of Wenger was not completed, no impairment test was performed in 2022.

2

Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond management’s internal forecast period.

3

Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections.

The goodwill impairment test performed in the fourth quarter is rolled forward to 31 December 2023. The goodwill impairment tests performed in 2023 and 2022 showed that there is sufficient headroom and that there are no triggers indicating that impairment is necessary. For all operating segments the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount by a substantial amount.

Sensitivity tests were performed on growth assumptions (a 50% reduction of the sales growth rate), adjusted EBITDA margin assumptions (a 1% decrease in adjusted EBITDA) and for WACC (a 1% increase in WACC). All sensitivity tests showed that the conclusions would not have differed if significant adverse changes in key parameters had been assumed.

The market capitalization of Marel at 31 December 2023 amounted to EUR 2.4 billion (31 December 2022: EUR 2.5 billion) which is clearly above the carrying amount of net assets, thus providing an additional indication that goodwill was not impaired.

15. Intangible assets

 

     Technology &
development
costs
     Customer
relations,
patents &
trademarks
     Other
intangibles
     Total  

At 1 January 2023

           

Cost

     469.4        388.0        101.7        959.1  

Accumulated amortization

     (211.8      (104.1      (80.9      (396.8

Net book value

     257.6        283.9        20.8        562.3  

Year ended 31 December 2023

           

Opening net book value

     257.6        283.9        20.8        562.3  

Business combinations, note 4

     1.1        3.4        —         4.5  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (2.5      (3.7      (0.0      (6.2

Additions

     28.8        —         7.4        36.2  

Impairment charge

     (6.3      —         (0.9      (7.2

Transfer between categories

     —         (0.4      0.4        —   

Amortization

     (22.8      (18.8      (6.8      (48.4

Closing net book value

     255.9        264.4        20.9        541.2  

At 31 December 2023

           

Cost

     487.5        385.4        109.0        981.9  

Accumulated amortization and impairments

     (231.6      (121.0      (88.1      (440.7

Net book value

     255.9        264.4        20.9        541.2  

 

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Table of Contents
     Technology &
development
costs
     Customer
relations,
patents &
trademarks
     Other
intangibles
     Total  

At 1 January 2022

           

Cost

     351.6        261.5        94.1        707.2  

Accumulated amortization

     (189.3      (86.2      (74.5      (350.0

Net book value

     162.3        175.3        19.6        357.2  

Year ended 31 December 2022

           

Opening net book value

     162.3        175.3        19.6        357.2  

Business combinations

     87.1        124.7        —         211.8  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     0.8        0.0        0.0        0.8  

Additions

     28.0        —         7.6        35.6  

Amortization

     (20.6      (16.1      (6.4      (43.1

Closing net book value

     257.6        283.9        20.8        562.3  

At 31 December 2022

           

Cost

     469.4        388.0        101.7        959.1  

Accumulated amortization and impairments

     (211.8      (104.1      (80.9      (396.8

Net book value

     257.6        283.9        20.8        562.3  

Business combinations for 2023 relate to the acquisition of E+V Technology. Business combinations for 2022 relate to the acquisition of Wenger and Sleegers. Further information on the acquisitions is disclosed in note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The additions for 2023 of EUR 36.2 million (2022: EUR 35.6 million) predominantly comprise internally generated assets for product development and for development of software products.

The recoverability of the capitalized development cost is subject to an annual impairment test, to verify if expected future economic benefits justify the values captured in the intangible fixed assets. The Group used a discounted cash flow analysis for this purpose based on a post-tax discount rate of 10.6%.

Amortization of intangible assets analyzes as follows in the Consolidated Statement of Income:

 

Amortization of intangible assets

   2023      2022      2021  

Selling and marketing expenses

     18.8        16.2        11.8  

General and administrative expenses

     7.0        6.4        7.9  

Research and development expenses

     22.6        20.5        18.4  

Total

     48.4        43.1        38.1  

16. Trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments

 

Trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments

   2023      2022  

Trade receivables

     217.4        221.3  

Less: allowance for impairment

     (2.2      (3.0

Trade receivables—net

     215.2        218.3  

Prepayments

     31.2        27.7  

Other receivables

     54.7        71.3  

Other receivables and prepayments

     85.9        99.0  

The carrying amounts of trade receivables and other receivables and prepayments approximate their fair value.

 

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The individually impaired receivables mainly relate to customers, which are in unexpectedly difficult economic situations. There were no material reversal of write-downs of trade receivables. The impairment and reversals have been included in selling and marketing expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Due to the insignificant amount impaired, these are not shown separately in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

The other receivables and prepayments do not contain impaired assets. Information about the Group’s exposure to credit and market risks is included in note 24.

The aging of trade receivables is as follows:

 

Aging of trade receivables

   2023      2022  

Not overdue

     134.9        124.8  

Up to 90 days overdue

     61.3        67.3  

Over 90 days overdue

     21.2        29.2  

Total trade receivables

     217.4        221.3  

Allowance for impairment

     (2.2      (3.0

Total trade receivables - net

     215.2        218.3  

The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade receivables (current portion) are denominated in the following currencies:

 

Trade receivables in currencies

   2023      2022  

EUR

     109.2        106.1  

USD

     82.6        85.3  

GBP

     2.7        4.3  

BRL

     7.8        6.6  

Other currencies

     15.1        19.0  

Total trade receivables

     217.4        221.3  

Allowance for impairment

     (2.2      (3.0

Total trade receivables - net

     215.2        218.3  

17. Deferred income tax

Deferred income taxes are calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method.

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

 

Deferred income taxes

   2023      2022  

At 1 January

     (59.1      (74.0

Exchange differences

     (0.4      0.4  

Consolidated Statement of Income charge (excluding tax rate change)

     12.9        16.0  

Effect of changes in tax rates

     0.2        (0.3

Business combinations

     —         (1.4

Recognized in other comprehensive income

     0.4        0.2  

At 31 December

     (46.0      (59.1

Deferred income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are as follows:

 

Deferred income taxes

   2023      2022  

Deferred income tax assets

     38.9        31.6  

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (84.9      (90.7

Total

     (46.0      (59.1

 

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The recoverability of deferred income tax assets recognized for tax loss carry forwards has been tested based on future profits expected in managements internal forecasts; in 2023, EUR 0.4 million tax losses were impaired (2022: an impairment of EUR 1.1 million, 2021: an impairment of EUR 0.1 million). Sensitivity tests on impairment of tax losses were performed using the assumption of decreasing the forecasted profit before tax by 5%. The sensitivity test showed that the conclusions would not have been different if significant adverse changes had been assumed.

The Group has no unrecognized deferred tax liabilities.

Available tax losses will expire according to below schedule:

 

     2023      2022  
     Total      Of which      Total      Of which  

Tax losses

   tax losses      not recognized      tax losses      not recognized  

Less than 6 years1

     34.9        10.5        39.8        13.8  

Between 6 and 10 years

     37.3        6.5        34.4        6.3  

More than 10 years

     1.5        1.4        1.9        1.4  

Indefinite

     57.4        15.0        34.1        15.8  

Total

     131.1        33.4        110.2        37.3  

 

1

EUR 8.7 million tax losses will expire in the next year (2022: EUR 6.4 million).

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

 

Movement in deferred tax balances

   At
1 January
2023
    Recognized
in income
statement
    Other1     At
31 December
2023
    Deferred
Tax
Assets
    Deferred
Tax
Liabilities
 

Property, plant and equipment

     (12.9     2.3       (0.6     (11.2     1.1       (12.3

Right of use assets

     0.2       —        0.1       0.3       10.0       (9.7

Intangible assets

     (85.5     (1.8     (0.1     (87.4     7.7       (95.1

Other receivables

     1.3       (0.5     0.0       0.8       4.0       (3.2

Other financial assets

     (0.2     (0.1     0.8       0.5       0.9       (0.4

Inventories

     4.1       2.8       (0.2     6.7       7.3       (0.6

Non-current liabilities

     2.1       4.8       (0.1     6.8       7.0       (0.2

Provisions

     1.7       0.3       0.0       2.0       2.6       (0.6

Current liabilities

     13.6       (2.9     0.1       10.8       11.1       (0.3

Subtotal

     (75.6     4.9       0.0       (70.7     51.7       (122.4

Subtotal tax losses

     16.5       8.0       0.2       24.7       24.7      
— 
 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) before set-off

     (59.1     12.9       0.2       (46.0     76.4       (122.4

Set-off of tax

           —        (37.5     37.5  

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

           (46.0     38.9       (84.9

 

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Movement in deferred tax balances

   At
1 January
2022
    Recognized
in income
statement
    Other1     At
31 December
2022
    Deferred
Tax
Assets
    Deferred
Tax
Liabilities
 

Property, plant and equipment

     (9.7     (0.2     (3.0     (12.9     1.0       (13.9

Right of use assets

     0.0       0.1       0.1       0.2       10.1       (9.9

Intangible assets

     (93.5     (0.9     8.9       (85.5     10.7       (96.2

Other receivables

     0.6       0.7       (0.0     1.3       5.2       (3.9

Other financial assets

     0.2       (0.4     (0.0     (0.2     0.7       (0.9

Inventories

     5.4       5.9       (7.2     4.1       8.1       (4.0

Non-current liabilities

     0.7       0.8       0.6       2.1       2.3       (0.2

Provisions

     1.3       0.4       0.0       1.7       2.2       (0.5

Current liabilities

     8.9       4.8       (0.1     13.6       14.0       (0.4

Subtotal

     (86.1     11.2       (0.7     (75.6     54.3       (129.9

Subtotal tax losses

     12.1       4.8       (0.4     16.5       16.5       —   

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) before set-off

     (74.0     16.0       (1.1     (59.1     70.8       (129.9

Set-off of tax

           —        (39.2     39.2  

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

           (59.1     31.6       (90.7

 

1

Other includes the effect of tax rate changes and movements of assets and liabilities recognized in OCI, which includes foreign currency translation differences, acquisitions and divestments.

18.

 

Inventories

   2023      2022  

Raw materials

     21.5        34.8  

Semi-finished goods

     311.2        338.7  

Finished goods

     66.2        72.0  

Gross inventories

     398.9        445.5  

Allowance for obsolescence and/or net realizable value

     (46.4      (41.9

Net inventories

     352.5        403.6  

The cost of inventories recognized as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to EUR 846.6 million (2022: EUR 834.5 million, 2021: EUR 666.4 million).

In 2023, inventories have been reduced by EUR 8.0 million (2022: EUR 9.0 million, 2021: EUR 6.5 million) as a result of write-down to net realizable value. The write-down is recognized as an expense and included in cost of sales. There were no material reversals of write-downs to net realizable value.

 

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19. Equity

 

Share capital

   Ordinary
shares
(thousands)
    Treasury
shares
(thousands)
    Outstanding
number of
shares
(thousands)
 

At 1 January 2023

     771,008       (18,293     752,715  

Treasury shares - used

     —        1,236       1,236  

At 31 December 2023

     771,008       (17,057     753,951  
     100.00     2.21     97.79

At 1 January 2022

     771,008       (15,263     755,745  

Treasury shares - purchased

     —        (4,602     (4,602

Treasury shares - used

     —        1,572       1,572  

At 31 December 2022

     771,008       (18,293     752,715  
     100.00     2.37     97.63

At 1 January 2021

     771,008       (18,768     752,240  

Treasury shares - used

     —        3,505       3,505  

At 31 December 2021

     771,008       (15,263     755,745  
     100.00     1.98     98.02

 

Class of share capital

   2023      2022      2021  

Nominal value

     6.7        6.7        6.7  

Share premium reserve

     425.8        426.9        443.0  

Reserve for share-based payments

     13.5        13.3        7.3  

Total share premium reserve

     439.3        440.2        450.3  

Share capital

The total authorized number of ordinary shares on the Nasdaq and Euronext exchanges is 771.0 million (31 December 2022: 771.0 million, 31 December 2021: 771.0 million) with a nominal value of ISK 1 per share. All issued shares are fully paid.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at shareholders meetings of the Company. Shareholders who hold shares in Marel on Nasdaq and Euronext have identical voting rights and the same rights to dividends. All rights attached to the Company’s treasury shares are suspended until those shares are sold again.

Dividends

In 2023, a dividend of EUR 11.7 million (EUR 1.56 cents per share) was declared and paid to the shareholders for the operational year 2022. This corresponds to approximately 20% of net result for the operational year 2022 (in 2022, a dividend of EUR 38.7 million (EUR 5.12 cents per share) was declared and paid for the operational year 2021, in 2021, a dividend of EUR 41.0 million (EUR 5.45 cents per share) was declared and paid for the operational year 2020).

During the Company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting, a dividend of EUR 6.2 million (EUR 0.82 cents per share) was declared to the shareholders for the operational year 2023, corresponding to approximately 20% of net results.

Treasury shares

From time to time the Company purchases its own shares in the market. Treasury shares purchased by the Company are intended to be used for issuing stock options and as payment for potential future acquisitions. Buy

 

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and sell decisions are taken by the Board of Directors. Based on a motion approved in the Annual General Meeting of shareholders on 22 March 2023, the Board of Directors can purchase up to 10% of the Company’s own shares. Requirements pursuant to Article 55 of the Icelandic Companies Act No. 2/1995 need to be taken into consideration when own shares are purchased on the basis of this authorization. This authorization is effective for 18 months following the motions approval.

In 2023, Marel used 1.2 million treasury shares (EUR 2.7 million) to fulfill obligations of a share based compensation program granted to the Wenger employees, as agreed during the acquisition, and to fulfill obligations of stock option agreements to Marel employees. At the end of 2023 Marel held 17.1 million treasury shares.

In 2022, Marel purchased 4.6 million treasury shares for a total amount of EUR 19.8 million. Marel used 0.6 million treasury shares (EUR 0.5 million) to fulfill obligations of stock option agreements to its employees and used 1.0 million treasury shares (EUR 4.2 million) as part of the purchase consideration for the acquisition of Wenger. At the end of 2022 Marel held 18.3 million treasury shares.

In 2021, Marel used 1.7 million treasury shares (EUR 4.2 million) to fulfill obligations of stock option agreements to its employees. Marel used 1.8 million treasury shares (EUR 9.9 million) as part of the purchase consideration for the acquisition of Valka. At the end of 2021 Marel held 15.3 million treasury shares.

Stock options

Stock options are granted to management and selected employees in strategic positions. The exercise prices of options granted are originally the same as the market price at the date of each granting. The exercise prices are adjusted afterwards according to dividend per share when paid, i.e. the exercise prices are lowered by the same amount as the paid dividend per share (cent against cent).

The option holders in Marel’s senior leadership are required to hold shares, corresponding to the net profit gained from the options (after tax) until the following holding requirements are reached, measured in total share value owned as a multiple of annual base salary: CEO three times, other members of the Executive Board two times, and other members in Marel’s senior leadership, as decided by the Executive Board, one time.

Options are conditional on the employee completing particular periods’ / years’ service (the vesting period).

The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

Movements in the number of stock options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:

 

Movements of stock options

   Average
exercise
price per
share
     Stock options
(thousands)
 

At 1 January 2023

     EUR 4.516        23,117  

Granted

     EUR 3.768        10,440  

Exercised

     EUR 3.185        (3,998

Forfeited / expired

     EUR 4.306        (6,068

At 31 December 2023

     EUR 4.450        23,491  

Exercisable stock options at 31 December 2023

        4,560  

At 1 January 2022

     EUR 4.005        18,419  

Granted

     EUR 5.477        8,171  

Exercised

     EUR 2.459        (1,412

Forfeited / expired

     EUR 4.720        (2,061

At 31 December 2022

     EUR 4.516        23,117  

Exercisable stock options at 31 December 2022

        6,220  

 

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In 2023 the following stock options were exercised.

 

     Shares
(thousands)
     Exercise
price per
share (EUR)
 

Stock options granted 2019

     3,998        3.185  

Total

     3,998     

In 2022 the following stock options were exercised.

 

     Shares
(thousands)
     Exercise
price per
share (EUR)
 

Stock options granted 2015

     200        1.351  

Stock options granted 2016

     252        1.727  

Stock options granted 2018

     450        2.713  

Stock options granted 2019

     510        3.031  

Total

     1,412     

Outstanding stock options, if exercised, represent 3.05% (2022: 3.00%) of the total issued shares.

 

Stock options granted in the year

   2020      2021      2022      2023  

Stock options expire in year

   2024      2025      2026      2027  
The exercise price per share after:1
24 April 2023
     EUR 3.679        —         —         —   

5 February 2024

     —         EUR 5.579        —         —   

9 February 2025

     —         —         EUR 5.473        —   

3 May 2025

     —         —         EUR 4.934        —   

17 February 2026

     —         —         —         EUR 3.784  

16 May 2026

     —         —         —         EUR 2.920  

 

1

Exercise prices after dividend payment in 2020; EUR 0.0579, after dividend payment in 2021; EUR 0.0545, after dividend payment in 2022; EUR 0.0512, and after dividend payment in 2023; EUR 0.0156.

The fair value of the employee stock options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes model. Variables used in the Black-Scholes calculation are shown in the table below.

 

     Exercise
price per
share
(EUR)
     Expected
term
(years)
     Annual
dividend
yield
    Expected
risk-free
interest
rate1
    Estimated
volatility
    Weighted
average
remaining
contr. life
in months2
 

Option plan April 2020

              

100% exercisable > 24 April 2023

     3.800        3.0        0.00     0.00     23.32     4  

Option plan February 2021

              

100% exercisable > 5 February 2024

     5.700        3.0        0.00     0.00     24.51     13  

Option plan February 2022

              

100% exercisable > 9 February 2025

     5.540        3.0        0.00     0.00     24.63     26  

Option plan May 2022

              

100% exercisable > 3 May 2025

     4.950        3.0        0.00     0.48     25.49     28  

Option plan February 2023

              

100% exercisable > 17 February 2026

     3.800        3.0        0.00     2.63     29.83     38  

Option plan May 2023

              

100% exercisable > 16 May 2026

     2.920        3.0        0.00     2.40     29.97     41  

 

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1

If the expected risk-free interest rate is negative, 0.00% is used in the Black-Scholes calculation.

2

Based on last possible exercise dates in each stock option grant.

Share premium reserve

The share premium reserve is comprised of payments in excess of nominal value of ISK 1 per share that shareholders have paid for shares sold by the Company, less payments in excess of nominal value that the Company has paid for treasury shares. According to the Icelandic Companies Act, 25% of the nominal value share capital must be held in reserve which cannot be paid out as dividend to shareholders. Marel is compliant with this requirement.

Other reserves

Other reserves in shareholder’s equity include the following:

 

   

hedge reserve: comprises revaluations on derivatives, on which hedge accounting is applied. The value relates to derivatives for the Group, the interest rate swap contracts and the foreign exchange contracts; and

 

   

translation reserve: comprises the translation results of the consolidation of subsidiaries reporting in foreign currencies, as well as a currency revaluation related to financing of subsidiaries.

 

Other reserves

   Hedge
reserve
     Translation
reserve
     Total
other
reserves
 

Balance at 1 January 2023

     (0.0      (33.4      (33.4

Total other comprehensive income

     (1.7      (9.3      (11.0

Balance at 31 December 2023

     (1.7      (42.7      (44.4

 

Other reserves

   Hedge
reserve
     Translation
reserve
     Total
other
reserves
 

Balance at 1 January 2022

     0.6        (22.7      (22.1

Total other comprehensive income

     (0.6      (10.7      (11.3

Balance at 31 December 2022

     (0.0      (33.4      (33.4

 

Other reserves

   Hedge
reserve
     Translation
reserve
     Total
other
reserves
 

Balance at 1 January 2021

     0.9        (28.4      (27.5

Total other comprehensive income

     (0.3      5.7        5.4  

Balance at 31 December 2021

     0.6        (22.7      (22.1

Limitation in the distribution of Shareholders’ equity

As at 31 December 2023, pursuant to Icelandic law, certain limitations exist relating to the distribution of shareholders’ equity. Such limitations relate to legal reserves required by Icelandic law included under retained earnings for capitalized intangible assets related to product development projects and for legal reserves relating to any legal or economic restrictions to the ability of affiliated companies to transfer funds to the parent company in the form of dividends.

The legal reserve included under retained earnings for capitalized intangible assets related to product development projects amounted to EUR 106.3 million as at 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: EUR 102.8 million).

 

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Since the profits retained in Marel hf.’s subsidiaries can be distributed and received in Iceland, no legal reserve for any legal or economic restrictions to the ability of affiliated companies to transfer funds to the parent company in the form of dividends is required.

The amount of the legal reserve for the share of profit of affiliates is reduced by dividends received from those companies and those dividends from them which can be claimed. Therefore Marel could, based on its control as the parent company, decide to let its subsidiaries pay dividends. The dividends would lower the amount of legal reserves within equity and therefore leave more room for Marel to make dividend payments to its shareholders. The provision of the Icelandic Financial Statement Act No. 3/2006 does not prevent Marel from making dividend payments to its shareholders as the Company has sufficient retained earnings from previous years.

20. Borrowings and lease liabilities

Marel has the following main funding facilities in place:

Schuldschein promissory notes

On 7 December 2018 Marel finalized an issue of Schuldschein promissory notes for EUR 140.0 million. The investors were a mixture of Central European and Asian commercial banks. The notes were split in 5 and 7 year terms and a mixture of fixed and floating rates:

 

   

EUR 15.5 million at 1.366% fixed interest for 5 years;

 

   

EUR 8.5 million at 1.83% fixed interest for 7 years;

 

   

EUR 106.0 million with floating EURIBOR rate and 1.1% margin for 5 years; and

 

   

EUR 10.0 million with floating EURIBOR rate and 1.3% margin for 7 years.

In December 2023, Marel repaid notes with a 5 year term of EUR 121.5 million.

Syndicated revolving credit facility

On 5 February 2020 Marel signed a syndicated revolving credit facility of EUR 700.0 million with seven leading international banks: ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas, Danske Bank, HSBC, ING Bank, Rabobank and UniCredit. The facility is based on investment grade Loan Market Association documentation. The key elements of the syndicated revolving credit facility are:

 

   

the term of the EUR 700.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility is for five years with two one-year extension options with final maturity in February 2027 if utilized;

 

   

initial interest terms were EURIBOR/LIBOR +80bp and will vary in line with Marel’s leverage ratio (per Marel’s credit agreement) and the facility utilization level; and

 

   

the credit facility includes an incentive structure based on a set of sustainability KPIs. Based on the extent to which the KPIs are met, Marel will either receive a margin reduction or increase.

In July 2023, Marel signed a two-year extension to the credit facility utilizing the extension options, with final maturity in February 2027.

Syndicated USD 300.0 million term loan

On 2 November 2022, Marel signed a USD 300.0 million term loan with the same group of banks as the EUR 700.0 million revolving facility. The key elements of the term loan are:

 

   

the term of the USD 300.0 million loan is for three years with two uncommited one-year extension options;

 

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interest terms are SOFR +250bp and will vary in line with Marel’s leverage ratio (per Marel’s credit agreement).

Syndicated EUR 150.0 million term loan

On 17 July 2023, Marel signed a EUR 150.0 million term loan with its banks: ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas, Danske Bank, HSBC, ING, and Rabobank. The liquidity provided by the term loan was used to repay the Schuldschein promissory notes with an initial 5 year term and to repay part of the revolving credit facility. The key elements of the term loan are:

 

   

the term of the EUR 150.0 million loan is for two years with two uncommited one-year extension options;

 

   

interest terms are EURIBOR+250bp and will vary in line with Marel’s leverage ratio (per Marel’s credit agreement).

All facilities include a 0% interest floor on the relevant base rates. At inception of the facilities, the 0% floors did not have an intrinsic value and have not been separated from the original contract in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Borrowings and lease liabilities

 

Borrowings and lease liabilities

   2023      2022  

Borrowings

     819.8        729.8  

Lease liabilities

     29.8        30.3  

Non-current

     849.6        760.1  

Borrowings

     0.0        121.5  

Lease liabilities

     11.2        10.8  

Current

     11.2        132.3  

Total

     860.8        892.4  

Borrowings

     819.8        851.3  

Lease liabilities

     41.0        41.1  

Total

     860.8        892.4  

As of 31 December 2023, interest bearing debt amounted to EUR 865.2 million excluding capitalized finance costs and including lease liabilities (31 December 2022: EUR 895.1 million).

The Group loan agreements contain restrictive covenants, relating to interest cover and leverage. At 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 the Group complies with all restrictive covenants.

Marel and it’s banking group reached an agreement to increase covenant headroom in 2024 for more operational flexibility.

 

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The Group has the following headroom in committed facilities:

 

Available headroom

   2023      2022  

Expiring within one year

     —         —   

Expiring beyond one year

     313.7        243.8  

Total

     313.7        243.8  

 

Borrowings and lease liabilities in currency recorded in EUR

   Capitalized  

at 31 December 2023

   Borrowings      finance
charges
     Lease
liabilities
     Total  

Liabilities in EUR

     493.5        (3.1      15.0        505.4  

Liabilities in USD

     329.9        (1.3      10.0        338.6  

Liabilities in other currencies

     0.8        —         16.0        16.8  

Total

     824.2        (4.4      41.0        860.8  

Current maturities

     (2.0      2.0        (11.2      (11.2

Non-current maturities

     822.2        (2.4      29.8        849.6  

 

Borrowings and lease liabilities in currency recorded in EUR

   Capitalized  

at 31 December 2022

   Borrowings      finance
charges
     Lease
liabilities
     Total  

Liabilities in EUR

     510.1        (1.3      14.0        522.8  

Liabilities in USD

     343.0        (1.4      8.9        350.5  

Liabilities in other currencies

     0.9        —         18.2        19.1  

Total

     854.0        (2.7      41.1        892.4  

Current maturities

     (123.2      1.7        (10.8      (132.3

Non-current maturities

     730.8        (1.0      30.3        760.1  

 

Annual maturity of non-current borrowings and lease

   Capitalized  

liabilities at 31 December 2023

   Borrowings      finance
charges
     Lease
liabilities
     Total  

Between 1 and 2 years

     441.3        (1.8      10.6        450.1  

Between 2 and 3 years

     1.3        (0.6      7.4        8.1  

Between 3 and 4 years

     375.8        —         3.0        378.8  

Between 4 and 5 years

     1.0        —         4.2        5.2  

After 5 years

     2.8        —         4.6        7.4  

Total

     822.2        (2.4      29.8        849.6  

 

Annual maturity of non-current borrowings and lease

   Capitalized  

liabilities at 31 December 2022

   Borrowings      finance
charges
     Lease
liabilities
     Total  

Between 1 and 2 years

     1.7        (0.6      10.4        11.5  

Between 2 and 3 years

     722.8        (0.4      6.5        728.9  

Between 3 and 4 years

     1.3        —         4.0        5.3  

Between 4 and 5 years

     1.1        —         4.9        6.0  

After 5 years

     3.9        —         4.5        8.4  

Total

     730.8        (1.0      30.3        760.1  

 

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Reconciliation of movements of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities:

 

     Borrowings
and lease
liabilities
    Interest
rate swap
and
forward
exchange
contracts
– assets
    Interest
rate swap
and
forward
exchange
contracts

liabilities
     Share
capital
and
share
premium
reserve
    Other
reserves
    Retained
earnings
    Total  

At 1 January 2023

     892.4       (3.3     3.5        446.9       (33.4     614.6       1,920.7  

Changes from financing cash flows

               

Proceeds from loans and borrowings

     215.0                  215.0  

Purchase of treasury shares

            —            —   

Sale of treasury shares and options exercised

            —            —   

Repayment of borrowings

     (233.1                (233.1

Payment of lease liabilities

     (14.3                (14.3

Dividend paid

                (11.7     (11.7

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

                  —   

Total changes from financing cash flows

     (32.4     —        —         —        —        (11.7     (44.1

Changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses

     —                   —   

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates

     (12.1                (12.1

Changes in fair value

       1.6       0.5              2.1  

Other changes

               

Liability related

     (2.1                (2.1

New leases

     16.7                  16.7  

Borrowing costs expensed

     (1.7                (1.7

Total liability related other changes

     12.9       —        —         —        —        —        12.9  

Total equity related other changes

            (0.9     (11.0     37.1       25.2  

At 31 December 2023

     860.8       (1.7     4.0        446.0       (44.4     640.0       1,904.7  

 

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     Borrowings
and lease
liabilities
    Interest
rate swap
and
forward
exchange
contracts
– assets
    Interest
rate swap
and
forward
exchange
contracts

liabilities
     Share
capital
and
share
premium
reserve
    Other
reserves
    Other
equity
    Retained
earnings
    NCI     Total  

At 1 January 2022

     276.3       (1.1     1.2        457.0       (22.1     (13.6     593.8       8.0       1,299.5  

Changes from financing cash flows

                   

Proceeds from loans and borrowings

     1,358.0                      1,358.0  

Purchase of treasury shares

            (19.8             (19.8

Sale of treasury shares and options exercised

            0.6               0.6  

Repayment of borrowings

     (763.6                    (763.6

Payment of lease liabilities

     (14.2                    (14.2

Dividend paid

                  (38.7     —        (38.7

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

                  —        (16.4     (16.4

Total changes from financing cash flows

     580.2       —        —         (19.2     —        —        (38.7     (16.4     505.9  

 

     Borrowings
and lease
liabilities
    Interest
rate swap
and
forward
exchange
contracts
– assets
    Interest
rate swap
and
forward
exchange
contracts

liabilities
     Share
capital
and
share
premium
reserve
     Other
reserves
    Other
equity
     Retained
earnings
     NCI      Total  

Changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses

     13.2                          13.2  

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates

     9.9                          9.9  

Changes in fair value

       (2.2     2.3                      0.1  

Other changes

                       

Liability related

     (0.8                        (0.8

New leases

     12.8                          12.8  

Borrowing costs expensed

     0.8                          0.8  

Total liability related other changes

     12.8       —        —         —         —        —         —         —         12.8  

Total equity related other changes

            9.1        (11.3     13.6        59.5        8.4        79.3  

At 31 December 2022

     892.4       (3.3     3.5        446.9        (33.4     —         614.6        —         1,920.7  

 

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21. Provisions

 

     Guarantee
commitments
     Other long-
term
employee
benefits
     Other
provisions
     Total  

Balance at 1 January 2023

     9.6        3.5        5.8        18.9  

Additions

     1.7        1.6        5.4        8.7  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     —         (0.1      (0.1      (0.2

Used

     (0.8      (1.9      (6.2      (8.9

Released

     (1.7      —         (1.3      (3.0

Balance at 31 December 2023

     8.8        3.1        3.6        15.5  

 

     Guarantee
commitments
     Other long-
term
employee
benefits
     Other
provisions
     Total  

Balance at 1 January 2022

     6.6        3.4        3.5        13.5  

Additions

     2.9        1.0        10.2        14.1  

Business combinations

     1.3        —         —         1.3  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     (0.1      0.1        (0.1      (0.1

Used

     (0.7      (0.3      (5.3      (6.3

Released

     (0.4      (0.7      (2.5      (3.6

Balance at 31 December 2022

     9.6        3.5        5.8        18.9  

 

Analysis of provisions

   2023      2022  

Non-current

     5.5        6.9  

Current

     10.0        12.0  

Total

     15.5        18.9  

Guarantee commitments

A provision for guarantees is formed for certain products and undertakes to repair or replace items that fail to perform satisfactorily. The majority of the liability is expected to be settled within one to three years.

Other long-term employee benefits

The provisions for other long-term employee benefits relate mainly to length-of-service and end-of-service payments. The majority of the liability is expected to be settled after five years.

Other provisions

The majority of the other provisions is expected to be settled in the next year.

22. Post-employment benefits

The Group maintains various pension plans covering the majority of its employees.

The Company’s pension costs for all employees for 2023 were EUR 43.7 million (2022: EUR 40.0 million, 2021: EUR 32.5 million). This includes defined contribution plans for EUR 24.4 million (2022: EUR 23.4 million, 2021: EUR 17.8 million), as well as a pension plan based on a multi-employer union plan for EUR 19.3 million (2022: EUR 16.6 million, 2021: EUR 14.7 million).

 

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The Company’s employees in the Netherlands, 1,908 (2022: 1,935, 2021: 1,801), participate in a multi-employer union plan (“Bedrijfstakpensioenfonds Metalektro”, PME). This plan is determined in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements effective for the industry in which Marel operates. This pension plan is treated as a defined contribution scheme based on the following grounds:

 

   

it is an industry-wide pension fund, used by the Company in common with other legal entities;

 

   

under the regulations of the PME, the only obligation for the affiliated businesses towards the PME is to pay the annual premium liability; and

 

   

the affiliated businesses are under no obligation whatsoever to pay off any deficits the PME may incur, nor do they have any claim to any potential surpluses.

The multi-employer plan covers approximately 1,500 companies and 174,000 contributing members. The plan monitors its risks on a global basis, not by company or employee, and is subject to regulation by Dutch governmental authorities. By law (‘’the Dutch Pension Act’’), a multi-employer union plan must be monitored against specific criteria, including the coverage ratio of the plan’s assets to its obligations. Every company participating in a Dutch multi-employer union plan contributes a premium calculated as a percentage of its total pensionable wages and salaries, with each company subject to the same percentage contribution rate.

The Company’s net periodic pension cost for this multi-employer plan for any period is the amount of the required contribution for that period.

The coverage ratio (“Beleidsdekkingsgraad”) of the multi-employer plan increased to 113.3% as per 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: 111.7%, 31 December 2021: 103.2%). The coverage ratio is below the required equity of 118.0%. The Recovery Plan PME (“Herstelplan PME”) indicates that the coverage ratio will increase within 10 years to the minimum required equity of 118.0%.

In 2024 the pension premium will be 28.0% of the total pensionable salaries (2023: 28.0%, 2022: 28.0%), in accordance with the articles of association of the Pension Fund. The employee contribution will be 10.9% (2023: 10.9%, 2022: 10.9%); the employer contribution will be 17.1% (2023: 17.1%, 2022: 17.1%). The coverage ratio is calculated by dividing the fund’s capital by the total sum of pension liabilities and is based on actual market interest.

23. Trade and other payables

 

Trade and other payables

   2023      2022  

Trade payables

     98.7        129.1  

Accruals

     6.8        10.3  

Personnel payables

     87.5        81.8  

Other payables

     100.1        103.1  

Total

     293.1        324.3  

Less non-current portion

     (2.7      (7.5

Current portion of trade and other payables

     290.4        316.8  

Information about the Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risks is included in note 24.

24. Financial instruments and risks

Financial risk factors

Information is presented below about the Group’s exposure to each of the below mentioned risks, the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing the risk. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Risk management framework

The main financial risks faced by Marel relate to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Risk management is carried out by the central treasury department (Group Treasury) under policies and with instruments approved by the Board of Directors. Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the Group’s operating units. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures and does not enter into financial contracts for speculative purposes.

The Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and procedures, and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit. Internal Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to the Audit Committee.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices will affect the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. Market risk comprises (a) foreign exchange risk and (b) interest rate risk. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimizing the return.

(a) Foreign exchange risk

The Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro (“EUR”) and accordingly the results of operations are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the EUR and other currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates can result in losses in Marel’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Group is particularly exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the USD, GBP, ISK and BRL, primarily with respect to the EUR. Financial exposure is hedged in accordance with the Group’s general policy and within set limits. The Group monitors foreign exchange risk arising from commercial transactions, recognized assets and liabilities (transaction risk) that are determined in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency. Derivative hedging is applied if the exposure is outside of the risk tolerance band on a consolidated basis. Generally Marel maintains a good natural hedge in its operations with a good match between revenues and costs in most currencies although less than 1% of revenues are denominated in ISK, while around 6% of costs are in ISK. In line with Marel’s risk management policy, the Group hedges up to 80% of its estimated foreign currency exposure in ISK relating to forecasted transactions over the following 12 months. No other currency exposure is hedged.

The Group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. At year end, these instruments had remaining maturities of less than one year. When necessary, forward exchange contracts are rolled over at maturity.

Currency exposure arising from the Group’s major foreign operations (translation risk) is managed primarily through borrowings denominated in the relevant foreign currencies as the policy is to apply natural exchange rate hedging where possible. Economic risk is defined as the extent to which currency fluctuations can alter a company’s future operating cash flows, that is future revenues and costs.

 

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The year end and average rates used for the main currencies mentioned above are:

 

     Year end rate      Average rate  
     2023      2022      2021      2023      2022      2021  

1 euro =

                 

USD

     1.10        1.07        1.14        1.08        1.05        1.18  

GBP

     0.87        0.89        0.84        0.87        0.85        0.86  

ISK

     150.42        152.00        147.45        149.08        142.19        150.22  

BRL

     5.36        5.64        6.34        5.40        5.44        6.38  

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in the EUR against the relevant foreign currencies. 10% is the sensitivity rate used when reporting foreign currency risk internally to management and represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates.

The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period-end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates.

The sensitivity analysis includes external loans as well as loans to foreign operations within the Group where the denomination of the loan is in a currency other than the functional currency of the lender or the borrower. A positive number below indicates an increase in profit or loss or equity if the EUR strengthens 10% against the relevant currency. For a 10% weakening of the EUR against the relevant currency, there would be a comparable impact on the profit or loss or equity, and the balances below would be opposite.

 

     Profit or (loss) impact     Equity impact  
     2023     2022     2021     2023     2022     2021  

USD

     (4.8     (5.3     (5.0     (18.4     (20.8     (9.3

GBP

     (0.4     (1.5     0.9       (3.6     (4.5     (1.5

ISK

     0.2       0.0       (0.3     (2.4     (2.3     (2.5

BRL

     (1.2     (1.6     (0.4     (3.2     (3.6     (2.7

(b) Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The risk is managed by maintaining a mix between fixed and floating interest rates on borrowings.

Generally, the Group raises long term borrowings and pays a floating interest rate. To hedge the resulting cash flow interest rate risk the Group uses interest rate swaps, where it pays a fixed interest rate and receives a floating interest rate. The floating rates are fixed on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. The Group adopts a policy of ensuring that between 50 – 70% of its exposure to changes in interest rates on core debt is hedged with an interest rate swap with a maximum maturity of 5 years.

Currently around 43% (2022: 46%) of the core debt has floating interest rates and the rest is fixed by means of fixed tranches or hedged floating interest rates. As at year end 2023 a total of EUR 368.5 million (2022: EUR 334.6 million) of liabilities were swapped into fixed interest rates or into fixed rate debt instruments. The weighted average fixed rate of the interest swaps currently is 3.5% (2022: 2.8%).

Marel applies cash flow hedge accounting to hedge the variability in the interest cash outflows of the 3-6 month EURIBOR/SOFR base rates.

Throughout the year 2023 and 2022, as well as per year end, the cash flow hedge accounting relationships were effective.

 

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The amounts deferred in equity at year end are expected to affect interest costs within the coming 3 years.

At year end 2023, if EURIBOR/SOFR interest rates had been 25 basis points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been EUR 0.9 million (2022: EUR 1.3 million) lower/higher.

Among the actions taken to monitor the interest rate risk are stress tests to establish sensitivity to possible movements in rates and how they might affect the Group’s results.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The credit quality of the customer is assessed, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors. Each customer has a set credit limit and the utilization of the credit limit is regularly monitored.

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit risk exposure:

 

     2023      2022  

Trade receivables—net

     215.2        218.3  

Derivative financial instruments

     1.7        3.3  

Other receivables and prepayments

     85.9        99.0  

Cash and cash equivalents

     69.9        75.7  

Total

     372.7        396.3  

The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk. The Group has policies in place to ensure that sales of products and services are made to customers with an appropriate credit history and products are not delivered until payments are secured. The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of expected credit losses in respect of trade and other receivables. No significant credit limits were exceeded during the reporting period, and management does not expect any losses from non-performance by its customers. For further information refer to note 16.

The Group has banking relations with a diversified set of financial institutions around the world. The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution and has International Swaps and Derivatives Association agreements in place with counterparties in all derivative transactions. The majority of cash and cash equivalents are held with bank and financial institution counterparties, which have an investment grade rating, based on Standard & Poor’s ratings as at 31 December 2023. Marel holds the majority of its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions that are lending partners to the Group to minimize further credit risk.

The Group does not expect any impairment on cash and cash equivalents as the Group considers that its cash and cash equivalents have low credit risk based on the external credit ratings of the counterparties.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and committed credit facilities to give reasonable operating headroom. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, the Group aims to maintain flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed credit lines.

 

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The Group has a EUR 700.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility in place (31 December 2022: EUR 700.0 million), This credit facility can be used both as a revolver and to issue guarantees for down payments. As per 31 December 2023, the Group had drawn EUR 374.8 million on the syndicated revolving credit facility (31 December 2022: EUR 421.5 million), and issued guarantees for EUR 11.5 million (31 December 2022: EUR 34.7 million), therefore the total usage is EUR 386.3 million (31 December 2022: EUR 456.2 million), leaving a headroom of EUR 313.7 million (31 December 2022: EUR 243.8 million). All facilities are subject to operational and Consolidated Statement of Financial Position covenants (interest cover and leverage). At 31 December 2023 Marel complies with all covenants.

At 31 December 2023, net cash and cash equivalents were EUR 69.9 million (31 December 2022: EUR 75.7 million).

Marel has a strong cash position and sufficient headroom in its committed facilities and therefore, does not foresee additional liquidity risks.

Cash flow forecasts are done at the local level and monitored by Group Treasury. Group liquidity reports are reviewed by management on a weekly basis. The Group has a cross border notional cash pool with the aim of making better use of the Group cash position and to further decrease the amount of idle cash.

The table below analyzes cash outflows per maturity group based on the remaining period at reporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

 

     Less than      Between 1      Over  

At 31 December 2023

   1 year      and 5 years      5 years  

Borrowings

     2.0        819.4        2.8  

Lease liabilities

     11.2        25.2        4.6  

Interest on borrowings and lease liabilities

     54.0        60.9        0.3  

Trade and other payables

     290.4        2.7        —   

Interest rate swaps

     (1.7      4.7        —   

Forward exchange contracts

        

Outflow

     0.6        —         —   

Inflow

     (1.1      —         —   

Total

     355.4        912.9        7.7  

 

     Less than      Between 1      Over  

At 31 December 2022

   1 year      and 5 years      5 years  

Borrowings

     123.2        726.9        3.9  

Lease liabilities

     10.8        25.8        4.5  

Interest on borrowings and lease liabilities

     44.7        65.3        0.1  

Trade and other payables

     316.8        7.5        —   

Interest rate swaps

     (2.4      (1.8      —   

Forward Exchange contracts

        

Outflow

     3.5        —         —   

Inflow

     —         —         —   

Total

     496.6        823.7        8.5  

Capital management

The Board of Directors’ policy is to maintain a strong capital base in order to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business.

 

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Management monitors the Group’s leverage per Marel’s credit agreement. The Board also monitors the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders.

The Group seeks to maintain a balance between the higher returns on equity that might be possible with higher levels of borrowings and the advantages and security of a sound capital position. The Group uses the leverage ratio in its approach to capital management.

Insurance

The Group maintains global and local insurance programs. The coverage comprises property damage, business interruption, general and product liability, marine cargo/mounting, directors and officers liability, employers practice liability, cyber security, business travel and accident. The Group believes that its current insurance coverage is adequate.

The Group has covered Business Interruption Risks with an insurance policy for a maximum period of 24 months for Marel Poultry B.V. and 18 months for all other Marel entities. The insurance benefits for Business Interruption amount to EUR 1,107.0 million for 2023 (2022: EUR 798.0 million) for the whole Group.

The Group insurance value of buildings amounts to EUR 273.0 million (2022: EUR 194.0 million), production machinery and equipment including software and office equipment amount to EUR 266.0 million (2022: EUR 197.0 million) and inventories to EUR 500.0 million (2022: EUR 315.0 million). Currently there are no major differences between appraisal value and insured value.

Fair value versus carrying amount

The Group measures fair values using the following fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making measurements:

Level 1

The fair value of financial instruments traded in an active market is based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price.

Level 2

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each reporting date. These valuation techniques are based on observable inputs, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Derivatives are valued by an independent third party based on market conditions, which takes into account credit value adjustment and debit value adjustment corrections.

Level 3

Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs.

The fair value of borrowings approximate their carrying amount based on the nature of these borrowings (including maturity and interest conditions).

The fair value of the lease liabilities equals their carrying amount, as the impact of discounting, based on the average interest rate of the relevant currency and applicable average credit spreads of the company’s external funding sources, is not significant.

 

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If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.

The Group recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, are as follows:

 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

   Carrying
amount
    Fair value     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  

At 31 December 2023

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     69.9       69.9       —         —        —   

Trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments

     301.1       301.1       —         —        —   

Other non-current financial assets

     3.5       3.5       —         —        3.5  

Interest rate swaps

     0.6       0.6       —         0.6       —   

Forward exchange contracts

     1.1       1.1       —         1.1       —   

Subtotal financial assets

     376.2       376.2       —         1.7       3.5  

Interest rate swaps

     (3.4     (3.4     —         (3.4     —   

Forward exchange contracts

     (0.6     (0.6     —         (0.6     —   

Borrowings

     (819.8     (819.8     —         —        —   

Trade and other payables

     (293.1     (293.1     —         —        —   

Subtotal financial liabilities

     (1,116.9     (1,116.9     —         (4.0     —   

Total

     (740.7     (740.7     —         (2.3     3.5  

 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

   Carrying
amount
    Fair value     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  

At 31 December 2022

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     75.7       75.7       —         —        —   

Trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments

     317.3       317.3       —         —        —   

Other non-current financial assets

     3.7       3.7       —         —        3.7  

Interest rate swaps

     3.3       3.3       —         3.3       —   

Subtotal financial assets

     400.0       400.0       —         3.3       3.7  

Forward exchange contracts

     (3.5     (3.5     —         (3.5     —   

Borrowings

     (851.3     (851.3     —         —        —   

Trade and other payables

     (324.3     (324.3     —         —        —   

Subtotal financial liabilities

     (1,179.1     (1,179.1     —         (3.5     —   

Total

     (779.1     (779.1     —         (0.2     3.7  

The tables above show the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities, including their levels in the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments, trade and other payables approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of borrowings approximate their carrying amount based on the nature of these borrowings (including maturity and interest conditions).

During the year there were no material transfers between individual levels of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Foreign exchange contracts

The purpose of foreign exchange contracts is to minimize the risk of volatility of future cash flows. These may result from a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is considered highly probable (firm commitment). The Group designates the spot element of forward exchange contracts to hedge its currency exposure and applies a hedge ratio of 1:1. Changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income (hedge reserve), and material ineffectiveness (mainly as a result of changes in timing of the hedged transactions) will be recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. As soon as the forecasted transaction is realized (the underlying hedged item materializes), the amount recognized in other comprehensive income will be reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Income. In case the hedged future transaction is a non-financial asset or liability, the gain or loss recognized in other comprehensive income will be included in the cost of acquisition of the asset or liability.

In 2023, Marel hedged ISK 10.7 billion of its projected net cash flow in ISK against the EUR by means of average rate currency forward contracts at an average exchange rate of ISK 155.1 per EUR for the 12 months of 2024. Each month, the relevant hedges for that month are settled and recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Cash flow hedge accounting is applied for these hedges. As a result of similar hedges concluded in 2022 for the year 2023, EUR 0.9 million negative was recognized in the 2023 operating profit in accordance with the realization of the expected cash flows. There was no ineffectiveness in relation to these hedges.

 

Forward currency contracts

   2023      2022  

Nominal amount hedged item

     71.3        67.8  

Carrying amount assets / (liabilities)

     0.5        (3.5

Line item Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    

Derivative
financial
instruments
 
 
 
    

Derivative
financial
instruments
 
 
 

Change in the value of the outstanding hedging instruments

     0.5        (3.5

Reclassified from hedging reserve to income statement

     0.9        (4.0

Line item Consolidated Statement of Income1

     Expenses        Expenses  

 

1

In 2023, cost of sales, selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses were increased by EUR 0.9 million (2022: decreased by 4.0 million).

For movements in hedge or translation reserve, refer to note 19.

Interest rate swaps

To protect Marel from fluctuations in base rates and in accordance with the interest hedge policy, Marel has entered into interest rate swaps to receive floating interest and to pay fixed interest. This is in line with Marel’s risk management policy to have 50—70% of core debt fixed for 3 – 5 years.

 

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The notional principal amount of the outstanding active interest rate swap contracts at 31 December 2023 was EUR 350.8 million (31 December 2022: EUR 310.6 million).

 

At 31 December 2023

   Currency      Principal      Maturity      Interest %  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        50.0        2025        2.7  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        50.0        2025        2.7  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        75.0        2025        3.6  

Interest rate SWAP

     USD        75.0        2025        4.1  

Interest rate SWAP

     USD        75.0        2025        4.1  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        40.0        2027        3.4  

Forward starting interest rate SWAP

     EUR        50.0        2027        3.0  

Forward starting interest rate SWAP

     EUR        50.0        2027        3.0  

 

At 31 December 2022

   Currency      Principal      Maturity      Interest %  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        35.0        2023        0.4  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        35.0        2023        0.4  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        50.0        2025        2.7  

Interest rate SWAP

     EUR        50.0        2025        2.7  

Interest rate SWAP

     USD        75.0        2025        4.1  

Interest rate SWAP

     USD        75.0        2025        4.1  

25. Contingencies

Contingent liabilities

At 31 December 2023 the Group had contingent liabilities in respect of bank and other guarantees and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business from which it is anticipated that no material liabilities will arise. In the ordinary course of business the Group has given guarantees amounting to EUR 26.2 million (31 December 2022: EUR 54.3 million) to third parties.

Legal proceedings

As part of doing business and acquisitions the Group is involved in claims and litigations, under such indemnities and guarantees. These claims are pending and all are contested. Provisions are recognized when an outflow of economic benefits for settlement is probable and the amount can be estimated reliably. It should be understood that, in light of possible future developments, such as (a) potential additional lawsuits, (b) possible future settlements, and (c) rulings or judgments in pending lawsuits, certain cases may result in additional liabilities and related costs.

At this point in time, Marel cannot estimate any additional amount of loss or range of loss in excess of the recorded amounts with sufficient certainty to allow such amount or range of amounts to be meaningful. Moreover, if and to the extent that the contingent liabilities materialize, they are often resolved over a number of years and the timing of such payments cannot be predicted with confidence. While the outcome of said cases, claims and disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe, based upon legal advice and information received, that the final outcome will not materially affect our consolidated financial position but could be material to our results of operations or cash flows in any one accounting period.

Environmental remediation

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to environmental laws and regulations. Under these laws, the Company and/or its subsidiaries may be required to remediate the effects of certain incidents on the environment.

 

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26. Related party transactions

Key management personnel transactions

At 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 there are no loans to the CEO or other members of Marel’s Executive Board. In addition, there were no transactions carried out (purchases of goods and services) between the Group and the CEO nor other members of Marel’s Executive Board in the years ended 31 December 2023 and 2022.

Key management personnel compensation

On 7 November 2023, it was announced that Arni Oddur Thordarson resigned as CEO and Arni Sigurdsson, CBO and Deputy CEO was appointed interim CEO. On 11 December 2023, it was announced that Arni Sigurdsson was appointed CEO. No other changes to the composition of the Executive Board took place in 2023.

Marel’s executive remuneration is shown in the tables below.

 

Marel Executive Board remuneration 2023
(in thousands)

   Total
fixed
remune-
ration
     Short-
term
bonus
     Stock
options
awarded2
     Total
variable
remune-
ration
     Extra-
ordinary
items
     Pension
contribu-
tion3
     Total
remune-
ration
     Shares
at
year
end4
 

Arni Sigurdsson, CEO (from 07-11-2023)

     121        —         —         —         75        26        222        651  

Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO (until 07-11-2023)

     761        210        —         210        1,062        126        2,159        200  

Other Executive Board members

     1,702        295        851        1,146        33        261        3,142        1,080  

Total Marel Executive Board

     2,584        505        851        1,356        1,170        413        5,523        1,931  

 

Executive Team remuneration 2022 (in
thousands)

   Total
fixed
remune-
ration
     Short-
term
bonus
     Stock
options
awarded2
     Total
variable
remune-
ration
     Extra-
ordinary
items
     Pension
contribu-
tion3
     Total
remune-
ration
     Shares
at
year
end4
 

Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO

     787        —         426        426        —         101        1,314        230  

Other Executive Board members

     1,338        —         547        547        17        165        2,067        1,597  

Other Executive Team members1

     1,573        —         653        653        324        133        2,683        454  

Total Marel Executives

     3,698        —         1,626        1,626        341        399        6,064        2,281  

 

Executive Team remuneration 2021 (in
thousands)

   Total
fixed
remune-
ration
     Short-
term
bonus
     Stock
options
awarded2
     Total
variable
remune-
ration
     Extra-
ordinary
items
     Pension
contribu-
tion3
     Total
remune-
ration
     Shares
at
year
end4
 

Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO

     728        207        363        570        —         123        1,421        238  

Other Executive Team members

     2,699        510        1,001        1,511        60        310        4,580        1,201  

Total Marel Executives

     3,427        717        1,364        2,081        60        433        6,001        1,439  

 

1

Until 2 November 2022.

2

The granted options during 2023, 2022 and 2021 are valued according to the Black and Scholes option pricing model with the assumptions applied when granted. The options granted in 2023, 2022 and 2021 have a vesting period of 3 years. The calculated total cost for the 3 years is disclosed in this table. Stock options granted to Arni Oddur Thordarson in 2023 were forfeited in the same year, resulting in a zero position.

3

Pension contributions for Marel’s executives are part of a defined contribution plan.

4

Including financially related.

 

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An overview of stock options held by Marel’s Executives is shown in the tables below.

 

    Main conditions of the stock option plan    

 

    Information regarding the financial
year
 

Stock options 2023 (number of
shares in thousands)

  Award date     Last vesting
date
    Expiration
date
    Exercise
price
per
share1
    Stock
options
awarded
    Stock
options
vested
    Stock
options
exercised
    Stock
options
forfeited
    Stock
options
at year
end
 

Arni Sigurdsson

    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       425       —        425       —        —   

Chief Executive Officer

    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.679       320       320       —        —        320  

(from 07-11-2023)

    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.579       215       —        —        —        215  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.473       255       —        —        —        255  
    16-2-2023       17-2-2026       17-2-2027       3.784       319       —        —        —        319  

Arni Oddur Thordarson

    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       650       —        650       —        —   

Former Chief

    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.679       580       580       —        —        580  

Executive Officer

    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.579       400       —        —        400       —   

(until 07-11-2023)

    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.473       460       —        —        460       —   
    16-2-2023       17-2-2026       17-2-2027       3.784       530       —        —        530       —   

Other Executive Board members

    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       675       —        675       —        —   
    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.679       320       320       —        —        320  
    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.579       215       —        —        —        215  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.473       255       —        —        —        255  
    3-5-2022       3-5-2025       18-5-2026       4.934       84       —        —        —        84  
    16-2-2023       17-2-2026       17-2-2027       3.784       631       —        —        —        631  

Total Executive Board

    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       1,750       —        1,750       —        —   
    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.679       1,220       1,220       —        —        1,220  
    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.579       830       —        —        400       430  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.473       970       —        —        460       510  
    3-5-2022       3-5-2025       18-5-2026       4.934       84       —        —        —        84  
    16-2-2023       17-2-2026       17-2-2027       3.784       1,480       —        —        530       950  

 

1

The exercise prices of options granted are originally the same as the market price at the date of each granting. The exercise prices are adjusted afterwards according to dividend per share when paid, i.e. the exercise prices are lowered by the same amount as the paid dividend per share (cent against cent).

 

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    Main conditions of the stock option plan    

 

    Information regarding the financial
year
 

Stock options 2022 (number of
shares in thousands)

  Award
date
    Last
vesting
date
    Expiration
date
    Exercise
price
per
share1
    Stock
options
awarded
    Stock
options
vested
    Stock
options
exercised
    Stock
options
forfeited
    Stock
options
at year
end
 

Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO

    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       650       650       —        —        650  
    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.694       580       —        —        —        580  
    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.594       400       —        —        —        400  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.489       460       —        —        —        460  

Other Executive Board members

    4-8-2015       25-10-2020       28-2-2022       1.351       200       —        200       —        —   
    3-5-2016       28-4-2021       15-5-2022       1.727       180       —        180       —        —   
    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       1,100       1,100       —        —        1,100  
    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.694       640       —        —        —        640  
    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.594       430       —        —        —        430  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.489       510       —        —        —        510  
    3-5-2022       3-5-2025       18-5-2026       4.950       84       —        —        —        84  

Other Executive Team members

    3-5-2016       28-4-2021       15-5-2022       1.727       72       —        72       —        —   
    12-2-2018       13-2-2021       13-2-2022       2.713       450       —        450       —        —   
    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       1,500       1,500       510       —        990  
    6-6-2019       7-8-2022       15-11-2023       3.536       250       250       —        —        250  
    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.694       1,200       —        —        600       600  
    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.594       675       —        —        315       360  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.489       705       —        —        330       375  

Total Executive Board

    4-8-2015       25-10-2020       28-2-2022       1.351       200       —        200       —        —   
    3-5-2016       28-4-2021       15-5-2022       1.727       252       —        252       —        —   
    12-2-2018       13-2-2021       13-2-2022       2.713       450       —        450       —        —   
    12-2-2019       13-2-2022       13-2-2023       3.031       3,250       3,250       510       —        2,740  
    6-6-2019       7-8-2022       15-11-2023       3.536       250       250       —        —        250  
    24-4-2020       24-4-2023       24-4-2024       3.694       2,420       —        —        600       1,820  
    5-2-2021       5-2-2024       5-2-2025       5.594       1,505       —        —        315       1,190  
    8-2-2022       9-2-2025       20-2-2026       5.489       1,675       —        —        330       1,345  
    3-5-2022       3-5-2025       18-5-2026       4.950       84       —        —        —        84  

 

1

The exercise prices of options granted are originally the same as the market price at the date of each granting except for options granted in June 2019, the exercise price is the same as the final offer price in the listing on Euronext Amsterdam. The exercise prices are adjusted afterwards according to dividend per share when paid, i.e. the exercise prices are lowered by the same amount as the paid dividend per share (cent against cent).

27. Subsequent events

No significant events have taken place since the reporting date, 31 December 2023.

 

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28. Subsidiaries

The following lists presents the material subsidiaries as per 31 December 2023 representing greater than 1% of either the consolidated Group revenues or total asset value. All of the entities are fully consolidated in Group financial statements. Companies are listed in alphabetical order of the country of incorporation.

 

     Country of
Incorporation
     Ownership
Interest
 

Marel Australia Pty. Ltd.

     Australia        100

Marel Brasil Commercial e Industrial Ltda

     Brazil        100

Marel Salmon A/S

     Denmark        100

Marel A/S

     Denmark        100

Marel France S.A.R.L.

     France        100

Marel TREIF GmbH1

     Germany        100

MAJA Maschinenfabrik Hermann Schill GmbH & Co. KG

     Germany        100

Marel Iceland ehf.

     Iceland        100

Marel Holding B.V.1

     Netherlands        100

Marel Poultry B.V.1

     Netherlands        100

Marel Projects B.V.1

     Netherlands        100

Marel Further Processing B.V.1

     Netherlands        100

Marel Red Meat B.V.1

     Netherlands        100

Marel Norge AS

     Norway        100

Marel Slovakia s.r.o.

     Slovakia        100

Marel GB Ltd.

     UK        100

Marel Inc.

     USA        100

TREIF USA Inc.

     USA        100

ExtruTech USA LLC

     USA        100

Wenger Manufacturing LLC

     USA        100

 

1

General guarantees as referred to in section 403 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and article 264 (3) No.2 and 264b of the German Commercial Code, have been given by the Company on behalf of the group companies in the Netherlands and Germany also including: Marel Benelux B.V., Marel Customer Center B.V., Marel GDC B.V., Marel International B.V., Marel IP Holding B.V., Marel PMJ B.V., Marel Water Treatment B.V., Sleegers Techniek B.V., Marel GmbH & Co. KG, Marel Management GmbH, Reimo Gründstücks GmbH.

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

 

            Q1     Q1  

In EUR million unless stated otherwise

   Notes      2024     2023  

Revenues

     3 & 4        412.6       447.4  

Cost of sales

        (264.1     (294.7

Gross profit

        148.5       152.7  

Selling and marketing expenses

        (64.6     (64.4

General and administrative expenses

        (40.4     (37.0

Research and development expenses

        (31.6     (28.2

Result from operations

        11.9       23.1  

Finance costs

        (15.0     (13.7

Finance income

        1.2       0.8  

Net finance costs

        (13.8     (12.9

Share of profit for equity accounted investees, net of tax

        (0.1     (0.2

Profit (loss) before income tax

        (2.0     10.0  

Income tax

     5        (1.2     (0.9

Profit (loss) for the period

        (3.2     9.1  

Of which:

       

- Net result attributable to Shareholders of the Company

     6        (3.2     9.1  

- Net result attributable to non-controlling interests

        —        —   

Earnings per share for result attributable to Shareholders of the Company during the period (expressed in EUR cent per share):

       

- Basic

     6        (0.42     1.21  

- Diluted

     6        (0.42     1.21  

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

            Q1     Q1  

In EUR million

   Notes      2024     2023  

Profit (loss) for the Period

        (3.2     9.1  

Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss:

       

Foreign currency translation differences

        5.1       (1.4

Cash flow hedges - effective portion of changes in fair value

        2.8       1.9  

Deferred income taxes

        (0.8     (0.4

Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax

        7.1       0.1  

Total comprehensive income for the period

        3.9       9.2  

Of which:

       

- Total comprehensive income attributable to Shareholders of the Company

        3.9       9.2  

- Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

        —        —   

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

            31/03     31/12  

In EUR million

   Notes      2024     2023  

Assets

       

Property, plant and equipment

     7        344.7       345.8  

Right of use assets

        39.3       39.3  

Goodwill

     8        862.7       859.0  

Intangible assets

     8        539.8       541.2  

Equity-accounted investees

        3.7       3.3  

Other non-current financial assets

        3.6       3.5  

Derivative financial instruments

     11        2.4       0.6  

Deferred income tax assets

        39.8       38.9  

Non-current assets

        1,836.0       1,831.6  

Inventories

        347.4       352.5  

Contract assets

        44.8       36.3  

Trade receivables

        196.5       215.2  

Derivative financial instruments

     11        0.8       1.1  

Current income tax receivables

        6.4       7.3  

Other receivables and prepayments

        94.2       85.9  

Cash and cash equivalents

        35.9       69.9  

Current assets

        726.0       768.2  

Total assets

        2,562.0       2,599.8  

Equity and liabilities

       

Share capital

     9        6.7       6.7  

Share premium reserve

     9        439.7       439.3  

Other reserves

     9        (37.3     (44.4

Retained earnings

     9        630.6       640.0  

Total shareholders’ equity

        1,039.7       1,041.6  

Liabilities

       

Borrowings

     10        800.9       819.8  

Lease liabilities

     10        30.0       29.8  

Deferred income tax liabilities

        84.9       84.9  

Provisions

        7.6       5.5  

Other payables

        2.7       2.7  

Derivative financial instruments

     11        1.9       3.4  

Non-current liabilities

        928.0       946.1  

Contract liabilities

        262.4       295.0  

Trade and other payables

        308.0       290.4  

Derivative financial instruments

     11        0.4       0.6  

Current income tax liabilities

        3.0       4.9  

Borrowings

     10        0.0       0.0  

Lease liabilities

     10        11.0       11.2  

Provisions

        9.5       10.0  

Current liabilities

        594.3       612.1  

Total liabilities

        1,522.3       1,558.2  

Total equity and liabilities

        2,562.0       2,599.8  

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

In EUR million

   Share
capital
     Share
premium
reserve1
    Other
reserves
    Retained
earnings2
    Total
shareholders’
equity
 

Balance at 1 January 2024

     6.7        439.3       (44.4     640.0       1,041.6  

Net result for the period

            (3.2     (3.2

Other comprehensive income

          7.1         7.1  

Total comprehensive income for the period

     —         —        7.1       (3.2     3.9  

Transactions with owners of the Company

           

Options granted / exercised / canceled

        0.4           0.4  

Dividend

            (6.2     (6.2

Total transactions with owners of the Company

     —         0.4       —        (6.2     (5.8

Balance at 31 March 2024

     6.7        439.7       (37.3     630.6       1,039.7  

In EUR million

   Share
capital
     Share
premium
reserve1
    Other
reserves
    Retained
earnings2
    Total equity  

Balance at 1 January 2023

     6.7        440.2       (33.4     614.6       1,028.1  

Net result for the period

            9.1       9.1  

Other comprehensive income

          0.1         0.1  

Total comprehensive income for the period

     —         —        0.1       9.1       9.2  

Transactions with owners of the Company

           

Options granted / exercised / canceled

     0.0        (1.1       2.6       1.5  

Dividend

            (11.7     (11.7

Total transactions with owners of the Company

     0.0        (1.1     —        (9.1     (10.2

Balance at 31 March 2023

     6.7        439.1       (33.3     614.6       1,027.1  

Net result for the period

            21.9       21.9  

Other comprehensive income

          (11.1       (11.1

Total comprehensive income for the period

     —         —        (11.1     21.9       10.8  

Transactions with owners of the Company

           

Options granted / exercised / canceled

     0.0        0.2         3.5       3.7  

Total transactions with owners of the Company

     0.0        0.2       —        3.5       3.7  

Balance at 31 December 2023

     6.7        439.3       (44.4     640.0       1,041.6  

 

1

Includes reserve for share-based payments as per 31 March 2024 of EUR 13.9 million (31 December 2023: EUR 13.5 million).

2

Includes a legal reserve for capitalized intangible assets related to product development projects as per 31 March 2024 of EUR 106.2 million (31 December 2023: EUR 106.3 million).

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

            Q1     Q1  

In EUR million

   Notes      2024     2023  

Cash Flow from operating activities

       

Profit for the period

        (3.2     9.1  

Adjustments for:

       

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right of use assets

     7        10.6       10.5  

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets

     8        13.1       12.7  

Net finance costs

        13.8       12.9  

Share of result and impairment loss of associates

        0.1       0.2  

Income tax expense

        1.2       0.9  

Adjustments for other non-cash income and expenses

        0.4       2.5  

Working capital provided by / (used in) operating activities

        36.0       48.8  

Changes in:

       

Inventories and contract assets and liabilities

        (34.5     (23.1

Trade and other receivables

        13.0       (11.4

Trade and other payables

        10.2       21.5  

Provisions

        1.5       (1.5

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

        (9.8     (14.5

Cash generated from operating activities

        26.2       34.3  

Income taxes paid

        (3.7     (6.5

Interest received

        0.2       0.8  

Interest paid

        (16.2     (11.8

Net cash from operating activities

        6.5       16.8  

Cash Flow from investing activities

       

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     7        (4.9     (17.7

Investments in intangibles

     8        (6.9     (10.7

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     7        0.5       0.3  

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

        —        (3.7

Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities

        (11.3     (31.8

Cash Flow from financing activities

       

Options exercised

     9        —        (1.1

Proceeds from borrowings

     10        —        10.0  

Repayments of borrowings

     10        (25.5     (0.4

Payments of lease liabilities

     10        (2.8     (3.3

Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities

        (28.3     5.2  

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (33.1     (9.8

Exchange gain / (loss) on cash and cash equivalents

        (0.9     (2.1

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

        69.9       75.7  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

        35.9       63.8  

 

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Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

1. General information

Reporting entity

Marel hf. (“the Company”) is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Iceland. The address of its registered office is Austurhraun 9, Gardabaer.

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as at and for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as “the Group” or “Marel”).

The Group is a leading global provider of advanced solutions, software and services to food processing industries and is involved in the manufacturing, development, distribution and sales of solutions for these industries.

These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024 and the comparative period have not been audited by an external auditor.

These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors and CEO on May 15 2024.

The Company is listed on the Nasdaq Iceland (“Nasdaq”) and on Euronext Amsterdam (‘‘Euronext’’) exchanges.

2. Base of preparation and use of judgments and estimates

Base of preparation

These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024 and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 ‘Interim financial reporting’.

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Group’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The Consolidated Financial Statements for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023 are available upon request from the Company’s registered office at Austurhraun 9, Gardabaer, Iceland or at www.marel.com.

These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Group’s financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements.

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities classified as ‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ or ‘fair value through profit or loss’, which are reported in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 of the Group’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Items of each entity in the Group, as included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, are measured using the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to that entity (“the functional currency”). The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro (EUR), which is the Group’s reporting currency.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies applied in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent with those applied and described in the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The accounting policies have been applied consistently for all periods presented in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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A number of new and amended standards became applicable for the current reporting period. The Group did not have to change its accounting policies or make retrospective adjustments as a result of adopting these new and amended standards.

Use of judgments and estimates

In preparing these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, management has made judgments and estimates that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant judgments made by management in applying the Group’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty are the same as those described in the Group’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

3. Segment information

Operating segments

As disclosed in the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, the identified operating segments comprise the four core business segments. These operating segments form the basis for managerial decision taking.

The following summary describes the operations in each of the Group’s reportable segments:

 

   

Poultry processing: Our poultry full-line product range offers automated in-line solutions, software and services for all stages of processing broilers, turkeys and ducks;

 

   

Meat processing: Our meat segment is a full line supplier for primary, secondary and further processing equipment, systems, software and services of pork, beef, veal and sheep;

 

   

Fish processing: Marel provides advanced equipment, systems, software and services for processing salmon and whitefish, both farmed and wild, on-board and ashore;

 

   

Plant, pet and feed: The plant, pet and feed segment provides solutions and services to the pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed markets.

 

   

The ‘Other’ segment includes any revenues, result from operations and assets which do not belong to the four core business segments.

The reporting entities are reporting their revenues per operating segment based on the segment for which the customer is using Marel’s product range. Therefore inter-segment revenues do not exist, only intercompany revenues within the same segment.

Results are monitored and managed at the operating segment level, up to the adjusted result from operations. Adjusted result from operations is used to measure performance as management believes that this information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of the respective Marel segments relative to other entities that operate in the same business segment. Adjusted result from operations is calculated by adjusting result from operations to exclude the impact of PPA related costs (consisting of depreciation and amortization of acquisition related tangible and intangible assets), acquisition related expenses and restructuring costs. In Q1 2024, result from operations is also adjusted for one-off write offs.

The Group’s CEO reviews the internal management reports of each segment on a monthly basis.

Fluctuations between quarters are mainly due to general economic developments, timing of receiving and delivery of orders, margin on projects and business mix. Decisions on tax and financing structures including cash and cash equivalents are taken at a corporate level and are not allocated to the operating segments. The profit or loss per operating segment is the adjusted result from operations; finance costs, taxes and results of associates are reported in the column total.

 

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Intercompany transactions are entered at arm’s length terms and conditions comparable to those available to unrelated parties. Information on assets per operating segment is reported; however, decisions on liabilities are taken at a corporate level and as such are not included in this disclosure.

 

     Plant, pet  

31 March 2024

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     and feed     Other     Total  

Revenues

     218.0       102.0       39.7       45.4       7.5       412.6  

Adjusted result from operations

     34.9       (4.6     (2.2     5.2       (0.5     32.8  

PPA related charges

     (0.1     (3.6     (0.4     (2.4     (0.2     (6.7

Acquisition related expenses

               (8.1

Restructuring costs

               (4.4

Other

               (1.7

Result from operations

               11.9  

Net finance costs

               (13.8

Share of result of associates

               (0.1

Result before income tax

               (2.0

Income tax

               (1.2

Net result for the period

               (3.2

Assets excluding cash and cash equivalents

     890.9       801.9       239.0       555.1       39.2       2,526.1  
     Plant, pet  

31 March 2023

   Poultry     Meat     Fish     and feed     Other     Total  

Revenues

     227.8       111.6       47.4       54.6       6.0       447.4  

Adjusted result from operations

     35.1       0.8       (3.5     7.6       0.2       40.2  

PPA related charges

     (0.1     (3.6     (0.4     (10.7     (0.2     (15.0

Acquisition related expenses

               (2.1

Result from operations

               23.1  

Net finance costs

               (12.9

Share of result of associates

               (0.2

Result before income tax

               10.0  

Income tax

               (0.9

Net result for the period

               9.1  

Assets excluding cash and cash equivalents

     933.9       868.1       256.8       559.5       32.1       2,650.4  

Geographical information

The Group’s operating segments operate in three main geographical areas, although they are managed on a global basis. The Group is domiciled in Iceland.

 

Assets excluding cash and
cash equivalents

   31/03
2024
     31/12
2023
 

Europe, Middle East and Africa1

     1,733.9        1,739.7  

Americas

     762.6        763.3  

Asia and Oceania

     29.6        26.9  

Total

     2,526.1        2,529.9  

 

1

Iceland accounts for EUR 282.7 million (31 December 2023: EUR 276.8 million).

The Group’s cash pool is managed at a corporate level and therefore not allocated geographically. Capital expenditures include investments in property, plant and equipment, right of use assets and intangible assets (including capitalized technology and development costs, refer to note 8).

 

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4. Revenues

Revenues

The Group’s revenue is derived from contracts with customers. Within the segments and within the operating companies, Marel is not relying on any individual major customers.

Disaggregation of revenue

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical markets (revenue is allocated based on the country where the customer is located):

 

Revenue by geographical
markets

   Q1
2024
     Q1
2023
 

Europe, Middle East and Africa1

     205.6        223.3  

Americas

     172.4        177.5  

Asia and Oceania

     34.6        46.6  

Total

     412.6        447.4  

 

1

Iceland accounts for EUR 2.3 million (2023: EUR 3.8 million).

In the following table revenue is disaggregated by equipment revenue (comprised of revenue from greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and modernization equipment) and aftermarket revenue (comprised of maintenance, service and spare parts):

 

Revenue by business mix

   Q1
2024
     Q1
2023
 

Equipment revenue

     206.9        256.2  

Aftermarket revenue

     205.7        191.2  

Total

     412.6        447.4  

5. Income tax

Income tax expense is recognized at an amount determined by multiplying the profit (loss) before tax for the interim reporting period by management’s best estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year, adjusted for the tax effect of certain items recognized in the interim period. As such, the effective tax rate in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may differ from the effective tax rate for the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Group believes that its accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open tax years based on its assessment of many factors, including interpretations of tax laws and prior experience.

The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated companies as shown in the next table.

 

Reconciliation of applicable to effective
income tax

   Q1
2024
     %      Q1
2023
     %  

Result before income tax

     (2.0         10.0     

Income tax using Icelandic rate

     0.4        21.0        (2.0      20.0  

Effect of tax rates in other jurisdictions

     (0.7      (36.0      (0.6      6.0  

Weighted average applicable tax

     (0.3      (15.0      (2.6      26.0  

Foreign exchange effect Iceland

     0.0        (0.0      0.3        (3.0

Research and development tax incentives

     1.1        55.0        1.7        (17.0

 

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Reconciliation of applicable to effective
income tax

   Q1
2024
     %      Q1
2023
     %  

Other permanent differences

     (2.0      (100.0      (0.2      2.0  

(Impairment)/reversal of tax losses

     —         —         (0.3      3.0  

Effect of changes in tax rates

     —         —         —         —   

Others

     (0.0      0.0        0.2        (2.0

Tax charge included in the Consolidated Statement of Income

     (1.2      (60.0      (0.9      9.0  

6. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to Shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Company and held as treasury shares.

 

Basic earnings per share (EUR cent per share)

   Q1
2024
     Q1
2023
 

Net result attributable to Shareholders (EUR millions)

     (3.2      9.1  

Weighted average number of outstanding shares issued (millions)

     754.0        752.9  

Basic earnings per share (EUR cent per share)

     (0.42      1.21  

The diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

The Company has one category of dilutive potential ordinary shares: stock options. For the stock options a calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the Company’s shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding stock options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the stock options.

 

Diluted earnings per share
(EUR cent per share)

   Q1
2024
     Q1
2023
 

Net result attributable to Shareholders (EUR millions)

     (3.2      9.1  

Weighted average number of outstanding shares issued (millions)

     754.0        752.9  

Adjustments for stock options (millions)

     0.0        1.4  

Weighted average number of outstanding shares for diluted earnings per share (millions)

     754.0        754.3  

Diluted earnings per share (EUR cent per share)

     (0.42      1.21  

7. Property, plant and equipment

 

     Land &
buildings
    Plant &
machinery
    Vehicles &
equipment
    Under con-
struction
     Total  

At 1 January 2024

           

Cost

     315.0       185.5       77.8       30.1        608.4  

Accumulated depreciation

     (93.6     (110.4     (58.6     —         (262.6

Net book value

     221.4       75.1       19.2       30.1        345.8  

Three months ended 31 March 2024

           

Opening net book value

     221.4       75.1       19.2       30.1        345.8  

Divestments

     —        —        (0.5     —         (0.5

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     0.7       0.7       0.1       0.0        1.5  

 

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     Land &
buildings
    Plant &
machinery
    Vehicles &
equipment
    Under con-
struction
    Total  

Additions

     0.3       2.0       1.0       1.6       4.9  

Transfer between categories

     —        —        0.4       (0.4     —   

Depreciation

     (2.3     (3.4     (1.3     —        (7.0

Closing net book value

     220.1       74.4       18.9       31.3       344.7  

At 31 March 2024

          

Cost

     316.3       187.8       78.9       31.3       614.3  

Accumulated depreciation

     (96.2     (113.4     (60.0     —        (269.6

Net book value

     220.1       74.4       18.9       31.3       344.7  

8. Goodwill and intangible assets

 

     Goodwill      Technology
&
development
costs
    Customer
relations,
patents &
trademarks
    Other
intangibles
    Total
intangible
assets
 

At 1 January 2024

           

Cost

     859.0        487.5       385.4       109.0       981.9  

Accumulated amortization

     —         (231.6     (121.0     (88.1     (440.7

Net book value

     859.0        255.9       264.4       20.9       541.2  

Three months ended 31 March 2024

           

Opening net book value

     859.0        255.9       264.4       20.9       541.2  

Effect of movements in exchange rates

     3.7        1.9       2.9       0.0       4.8  

Additions

     —         5.2       —        1.7       6.9  

Impairment charge

     —         (1.7     —        —        (1.7

Amortization

     —         (5.0     (4.8     (1.6     (11.4

Closing net book value

     862.7        256.3       262.5       21.0       539.8  

At 31 March 2024

           

Cost

     862.7        493.6       388.9       111.1       993.6  

Accumulated amortization

     —         (237.3     (126.4     (90.1     (453.8

Net book value

     862.7        256.3       262.5       21.0       539.8  

9. Equity

Dividends

In March 2024, a dividend of EUR 6.2 million (EUR 0.82 cents per share) was declared to the shareholders for the operational year 2023. This corresponds to approximately 20% of net result for the operational year 2023 (in 2023, a dividend of EUR 11.7 million (EUR 1.56 cents per share) was declared and paid for the operational year 2022). The dividend will be fully paid in Q2 2024, and is reported as other payable at 31 March 2024.

10. Borrowings and lease liabilities

 

Borrowings and lease
liabilities

   31/03
2024
     31/12
2023
 

Borrowings

     800.9        819.8  

Lease liabilities

     30.0        29.8  

Non-current

     830.9        849.6  

Borrowings

     0.0        0.0  

Lease liabilities

     11.0        11.2  

Current

     11.0        11.2  

Total

     841.9        860.8  

 

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Borrowings and lease
liabilities

   31/03
2024
     31/12
2023
 

Borrowings

     800.9        819.8  

Lease liabilities

     41.0        41.0  

Total

     841.9        860.8  

The Group loan agreements contain restrictive covenants, relating to interest cover and leverage. At 31 March 2024 and 31 December 2023 the Group complies with all restrictive covenants.

The Group has the following headroom in committed facilities:

 

Available headroom

   31/03
2024
     31/12
2023
 

Expiring within one year

     —         —   

Expiring beyond one year

     340.7        313.7  

Total

     340.7        313.7  

11. Financial instruments and risks

Fair value versus carrying amount

The Group measures fair values using the following fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making measurements:

Level 1

The fair value of financial instruments traded in an active market is based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price.

Level 2

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each reporting date. These valuation techniques are based on observable inputs, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Derivatives are valued by an independent third party based on market conditions, which takes into account credit value adjustment and debit value adjustment corrections.

Level 3

Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs.

 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

   Carrying
amount
    Fair
value
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  

At 31 March 2024

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     35.9       35.9       —         —        —   

Trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments

     290.7       290.7       —         —        —   

Other non-current financial assets

     3.6       3.6       —         —        3.6  

Interest rate swaps

     2.4       2.4       —         2.4       —   

Forward exchange contracts

     0.8       0.8       —         0.8       —   

Subtotal financial assets

     333.4       333.4       —         3.2       3.6  

Interest rate swaps

     (1.9     (1.9     —         (1.9     —   

Forward exchange contracts

     (0.4     (0.4     —         (0.4     —   

Borrowings

     (800.9     (800.9     —         —        —   

Trade and other payables

     (310.7     (310.7     —         —        —   

Subtotal financial liabilities

     (1,113.9     (1,113.9     —         (2.3     —   

Total

     (780.5     (780.5     —         0.9       3.6  

 

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Table of Contents

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities

   Carrying
amount
    Fair
value
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  

At 31 December 2023

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     69.9       69.9       —         —        —   

Trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments

     301.1       301.1       —         —        —   

Other non-current financial assets

     3.5       3.5       —         —        3.5  

Interest rate swaps

     0.6       0.6       —         0.6       —   

Forward exchange contracts

     1.1       1.1          1.1       —   

Subtotal financial assets

     376.2       376.2       —         1.7       3.5  

Interest rate swaps

     (3.4     (3.4     —         (3.4     —   

Forward exchange contracts

     (0.6     (0.6     —         (0.6     —   

Borrowings

     (819.8     (819.8     —         —        —   

Trade and other payables

     (293.1     (293.1     —         —        —   

Subtotal financial liabilities

     (1,116.9     (1,116.9     —         (4.0     —   

Total

     (740.7     (740.7     —         (2.3     3.5  

The tables above show the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities, including their levels in the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables and prepayments, trade and other payables approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of borrowings approximate their carrying amount based on the nature of these borrowings (including maturity and interest conditions).

During the year there were no material transfers between individual levels of the fair value hierarchy.

12. Contingencies

Contingent liabilities

At 31 March 2024 the Group had contingent liabilities in respect of bank and other guarantees and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business from which it is anticipated that no material liabilities will arise. In the ordinary course of business the Group has given guarantees amounting to EUR 21.4 million (31 December 2023: EUR 26.2 million) to third parties.

Legal proceedings

As part of doing business and acquisitions the Group is involved in claims and litigations, under such indemnities and guarantees. These claims are pending and all are contested. Provisions are recognized when an outflow of economic benefits for settlement is probable and the amount can be estimated reliably. It should be understood that, in light of possible future developments, such as (a) potential additional lawsuits, (b) possible future settlements, and (c) rulings or judgments in pending lawsuits, certain cases may result in additional liabilities and related costs.

At this point in time, Marel cannot estimate any additional amount of loss or range of loss in excess of the recorded amounts with sufficient certainty to allow such amount or range of amounts to be meaningful. Moreover, if and to the extent that the contingent liabilities materialize, they are often resolved over a number of years and the timing of such payments cannot be predicted with confidence. While the outcome of said cases, claims and disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe, based upon legal advice and information received, that the final outcome will not materially affect our consolidated financial position but could be material to our results of operations or cash flows in any one accounting period.

 

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Environmental remediation

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to environmental laws and regulations. Under these laws, the Company and/or its subsidiaries may be required to remediate the effects of certain incidents on the environment.

13. Related party transactions

At 31 March 2024 and 31 December 2023 there are no loans to the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO. In addition, there were no transactions carried out (purchases of goods and services) between the Group and members of the Board of Directors nor the CEO in the years ended 31 March 2024 and 2023.

14. Subsequent events

On 4 April 2024 Marel has entered into a transaction agreement with JBT related to JBT’s intention to make a voluntary takeover offer for all issued and outstanding shares in Marel. The transaction agreement includes the terms of the offer and forms the basis for and obligations in connection with corporate governance and social matters for the proposed business combination of Marel and JBT.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory approvals, approval by Marel shareholders, and approval by JBT shareholders.

No other significant events have taken place since the reporting date, 31 March 2024.

 

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Annex A

Execution Version

 

 

 

TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

RELATING TO THE VOLUNTARY TAKEOVER OFFER

BY

JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

FOR

MAREL HF.

Dated as of April 4, 2024

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Transaction Agreement

(as may be amended from time to time hereafter in accordance with the terms hereof, this “Agreement”)

by and among

 

1.

John Bean Technologies Europe B.V.

– the “Bidder” –

 

2.

John Bean Technologies Corporation

– “JBT” –

and

 

3.

Marel hf.

– the “Company” or “Marel” –

– JBT, the Bidder and the Company hereinafter also

collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party” –

 

A-ii


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          PAGE  

Section 1 Current Status and Transaction Structure

     A-1  

Section 2 Disclosure Documents relating to the Transaction; Listing Documents

     A-2  
2.1.    Offer Document and Offering Prospectus      A-2  
2.2.    Registration Statement      A-2  
2.3.    Listing Documents      A-3  
2.4.    Review and Cooperation; Expense Reimbursement      A-3  

Section 3 Tender Offer

     A-5  
3.1.    Commencement of the Tender Offer      A-5  
3.2.    Acceptance Period; Withdrawal Rights      A-5  
3.3.    Offer Consideration      A-6  
3.4.    Fractional Shares      A-6  
3.5.    Proration      A-7  
3.6.    Conditions to the Tender Offer      A-7  
3.7.    Other Terms of the Tender Offer      A-8  
3.8.    Closing of the Tender Offer      A-8  
3.9.    Squeeze Out      A-8  
3.10.    Merger      A-8  
3.11.    Effect of the Tender Offer on Marel Stock Options      A-8  
3.12.    Dutch Delisting      A-9  
3.13.    Cooperation to Transmit the Tender Offer      A-9  
3.14.    Required Amendments      A-9  
3.15.    Withholding Rights      A-10  

Section 4 Reasoned Statement by the Marel Board on the Tender Offer

     A-10  
4.1.    Reasoned Statement      A-10  
4.2.    Marel Recommendation      A-10  
4.3.    Change in Marel Recommendation      A-11  
4.4.    Permitted Change in Marel Recommendation      A-11  

Section 5 Acquisition Proposals; Intervening Events

     A-11  
5.1.    Company Acquisition Proposals; Company Intervening Events      A-11  
5.2.    JBT Acquisition Proposals; JBT Intervening Events      A-14  
5.3.    For the purpose of this Agreement:      A-16  

Section 6 Covenants

     A-18  
6.1.    Marel Interim Operations      A-18  
6.2.    JBT Interim Operations      A-20  
6.3.    Dutch Consultation Covenant      A-22  
6.4.    Dutch Merger Procedure Covenant      A-25  

Section 7 Efforts to Consummate

     A-25  
7.1.    General      A-25  
7.2.    JBT Stockholder Vote; Change in JBT Recommendation      A-25  
7.3.    Regulatory Approvals      A-26  
7.4.    Access      A-28  

Section 8 [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

     A-28  

Section 9 Governance, Integration, Social, Employment and Indemnification Matters

     A-28  
9.1.    Governance, Integration and Social Matters      A-28  
9.2.    Employment and Employee Benefits Matters      A-28  
9.3.    Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification and Insurance      A-30  

 

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          PAGE  

Section 10 Representations and Warranties of JBT and Marel

     A-31  

Section 11 Financing Cooperation

     A-31  
11.1.    Financing Efforts and Cooperation      A-31  

Section 12 Closing Conditions

     A-37  
12.1.    Conditions to the Completion of the Tender Offer      A-37  
12.2.    Mutual Conditions      A-37  
12.3.    Conditions Waivable by the Bidder      A-38  
12.4.    Conditions Waivable by the Company      A-38  
12.5.    Dutch Consultation Condition      A-39  

Section 13 Effectiveness, Term and Termination

     A-39  
13.1.    Termination by Mutual Consent      A-39  
13.2.    Termination of the Agreement by either JBT or the Company      A-39  
13.3.    Termination of the Agreement by the Company      A-40  
13.4.    Termination of the Agreement by JBT      A-41  
13.5.    General Effects of Termination      A-41  

Section 14 Certain Effects of Termination

     A-42  
14.1.    JBT Reverse Termination Payment      A-42  
14.2.    Company Expense Reimbursement Payment      A-42  
14.3.    JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment      A-43  
14.4.    Single Payment Only      A-43  
14.5.    Exclusive Remedy      A-43  

Section 15 Notices

     A-45  

Section 16 Miscellaneous

     A-46  
16.1.    Assignment; Costs      A-46  
16.2.    Debt Financing Sources      A-47  
16.3.    Survival      A-48  
16.4.    Third Party Beneficiaries      A-48  
16.5.    Guarantee      A-48  
16.6.    Specific Performance      A-48  
16.7.    Collaboration and Rights Regarding Communications      A-49  
16.8.    Specific Permitted Disclosures      A-49  
16.9.    Severability      A-50  
16.10.    Entire Agreement      A-50  
16.11.    Counterparts      A-50  
16.12.    Amendments and Waivers      A-50  
16.13.    Interpretation, Definitions      A-50  
16.14.    Governing Law, Jurisdiction      A-55  

 

A-iv


Table of Contents

Section 1

Current Status and Transaction Structure

 

1.1.

The Company is an Icelandic public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Iceland with the registration number 620483-0369 (together with its Subsidiaries from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “Marel Group”). The Company’s share capital amounts to ISK 771,007,916 and is divided into 771,007,916 shares of common stock (all shares of common stock issued by the Company from time to time, the “Marel Shares”).

 

1.2.

At the close of business on April 3, 2024 (the “Company Capitalization Date”), the Company holds 17,057,645 Marel Shares as treasury shares (the “Marel Treasury Shares”), representing approximately 2.21% of the Company’s current share capital. Further, as of the Company Capitalization Date, the Company has issued 20,113,322 stock options as part of several stock option plans (collectively, the “Marel Stock Option Plan”). The Marel Shares are listed on the regulated market of the Nasdaq Iceland exchange and the Euronext Amsterdam exchange (ISIN: IS0000000388).

 

1.3.

The Bidder is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands with the registration number 63675013 and a wholly owned Subsidiary of JBT.

 

1.4.

JBT is a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, having its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois (together with its Subsidiaries from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the “JBT Group”). At the close of business on April 3, 2024 (the “JBT Capitalization Date”), JBT has a total of 31,830,220 shares of common stock outstanding (all shares of common stock issued by JBT from time to time, the “JBT Shares”). The JBT Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: JBT).

 

1.5.

Subject to the terms and conditions herein, the Bidder intends to make a voluntary public takeover offer (the “Tender Offer”) within the meaning of Article 101 of the Icelandic Takeover Act no. 108/2007 (the “Icelandic Takeover Act”) to the shareholders of the Company for all Marel Shares (other than Marel Treasury Shares) (the “Transaction”) to bring about a business combination of the JBT Group and the Marel Group (such combined enterprise, the “Combined Group”).

 

1.6.

The Company’s board of directors (the “Marel Board”) has, based on the information available to date, taken the view that the Transaction is in the best interest of the Company, the Company’s shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.

 

1.7.

JBT’s board of directors (the “JBT Board”) has, based on the information available to date, determined that the Transaction is fair to, and in the best interest of, the Bidder and JBT’s stockholders.

 

1.8.

On or prior to the date of this Agreement, by means of entry into that certain credit agreement by and among JBT, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as joint bookrunners and lead arrangers, the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Banks”) and the other parties thereto, JBT (on behalf of itself and the Bidder) has obtained financing commitments (the “Bridge Financing”) in an aggregate amount of up to EUR 1,900,000,000 available to support the issuance of the Initial Bank Guarantee (as defined in the Bridge Financing Agreement) to be issued in connection with the commencement of the Tender Offer (the “Guarantee”) or to be drawn in order to consummate the Tender Offer. JBT has delivered to the Company true, complete and correct copies of (x) the executed credit agreement for the Bridge Financing (the “Bridge Financing Agreement”), (y) the form of the Guarantee and (z) the Commitment Letter, which provides for a backstop revolving credit facility to the extent that the Debt Amendment is not successfully consummated.

 

1.9.

This Agreement sets forth the principal terms and conditions of the Transaction as well as the mutual intentions and agreements of the Parties with regard thereto and the future organizational and corporate governance structure of the Combined Group. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the

 

A-1


Table of Contents
 

applicable Parties will use their reasonable best efforts to pursue the following actions to consummate the Transaction:

 

— Step A:

  

Filing of the Offer Document and Offering Prospectus with the FSA

— Step B:

  

Approval of the Offer Document and Offering Prospectus by the FSA and (substantially concurrently with Item C), launch of the Tender Offer

— Step C:

  

Filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, which such step may take place before or after Step B

— Step D:

   Filing of the Admission Prospectus and Listing Application

— Step E:

   Declaration of Effectiveness of the Registration Statement by the SEC

— Step F:

  

Holding JBT Stockholder Meeting

— Step G:

  

Receipt of clearances under the Antitrust Laws and Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions and Satisfaction of all other Closing Conditions

— Step H:

  

Closing of the Tender Offer

Section 2

Disclosure Documents relating to the Transaction; Listing Documents

 

2.1.

Offer Document and Offering Prospectus. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, the Bidder shall (in reasonable consultation with Marel) (a) finalize an offer document relating to the Marel Shares, substantially in the form of the most recent draft delivered by JBT or its Representatives to the Company prior to the Parties entering into this Agreement (other than with respect to any sections not yet included in such draft), and within the meaning of Section XI of the Icelandic Takeover Act (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including exhibits thereto, the “Offer Document”) and, to the extent the same has not been submitted prior to the date of this Agreement, submit the Offer Document to the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland (the “FSA”) for approval and (b) finalize a prospectus under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, and Act no. 14/2020 (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including any exhibits or annexes thereto, the “Offering Prospectus”) (which such Offering Prospectus shall not contain terms that are inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement) and, to the extent the same has not been submitted prior to the date of this Agreement, submit the Offering Prospectus to the FSA for approval. Subject to Section 3.14, the Bidder shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any comments of the FSA relating to the Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus and have the Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus approved by the FSA as promptly as practicable after such submission.

 

2.2.

Registration Statement. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, JBT shall prepare, with certain assistance from Marel subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and shall cause to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), a registration statement, including a proxy statement/prospectus (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including any exhibits or annexes thereto, the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), on Form S-4 in connection with the solicitation of proxies from JBT’s stockholders and issuance by JBT of the JBT Offer Shares (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including any exhibits or annexes thereto, the “Registration Statement”) to (a) be used as an exchange offer prospectus sent to U.S. holders of Marel Shares, (b) register with the SEC the offer and sale of the JBT Offer Shares (as defined below) to the holders of Marel Shares and (c) be used to solicit proxies in connection with the JBT Stockholder Meeting to vote on the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares as required pursuant to the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the

 

A-2


Table of Contents
 

Securities Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder, as promptly as reasonably practicable and in any event prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT shall advise the Company, promptly after receipt of notice thereof, of the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the issuance of any stop order relating thereto or the suspension of the qualification of the JBT Offer Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction. JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to have any such stop order or suspension lifted, reversed or otherwise terminated. JBT shall also use its reasonable best efforts to take any other action (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified) required to be taken under the Securities Act, the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), any applicable foreign or state securities or “blue sky” laws and the rules and regulations thereunder in connection with the Tender Offer and the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares.

 

2.3.

Listing Documents. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, JBT will prepare and submit to the FSA and, to the extent applicable, the appropriate authorities at Nasdaq Iceland, for the purpose of admission on the regulated market of Nasdaq Iceland (by way of secondary listing) of at least those JBT Offer Shares where Marel shareholders have elected to receive their JBT Offer Shares as listed on Nasdaq Iceland, as opposed to the NYSE (the “Secondary Listing”) (i) to the extent not included as part of the Offering Prospectus, a listing prospectus (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including exhibits thereto, the “Admission Prospectus”, and together with the Offer Document, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Offering Prospectus and any other disclosure documents (including any amendments, supplements, exhibits or annexes thereto) that may reasonably be required in connection with the Transaction, the “Disclosure Documents”) in accordance with applicable Icelandic Law and (ii) an application for admission to Nasdaq Iceland (together with any other documents required in connection with the Secondary Listing, and any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Iceland Listing Application”). Following the JBT Stockholder Approval, JBT will also, prior to the Offer Closing Time, submit to the NYSE a supplemental listing application for the purpose of listing at least those JBT Offer Shares where Marel shareholders have elected to receive their JBT Offer Shares as listed on the NYSE, as opposed to Nasdaq Iceland (including any amendments or supplements thereto, the “NYSE Supplemental Listing Application,” and, together with the Iceland Listing Application, the “Listing Applications”). JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all required approvals for the Secondary Listing prior to the Offer Closing Time and have the NYSE Supplemental Listing Application approved prior to the Offer Closing Time. JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the Secondary Listing at least until three (3) years after the Closing and thereafter so long as the JBT Board deems it appropriate when considering the position of Icelandic stockholders of the Combined Group.

 

2.4.

Review and Cooperation; Expense Reimbursement.

 

  (a)

Each of the Parties hereto shall furnish to each other Party and such Party’s directors, officers, employees, counsel, accountants, consultants, investment bankers and other authorized representatives (“Representatives”) any and all information as may be required or reasonably requested to be disclosed in the Reasoned Statement, the Disclosure Documents and the Listing Application (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement and provide such other assistance as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Reasoned Statement, the Disclosure Documents (including the mailing and distribution of the Offer Document, the Offering Prospectus, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and any related acceptance form, to shareholders of the Company and employees of the Marel Group, and the posting of the same on Marel’s website). JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Disclosure Documents and Listing Applications to comply in all material respects with the requirements of applicable Law, including any rule, regulation, or other applicable legal requirement of the FSA or the SEC or of the Nasdaq Iceland exchange, the Euronext Amsterdam exchange or the NYSE. Each of the Parties shall promptly correct any information provided by it or any of its Representatives for use in the Reasoned Statement, any

 

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Disclosure Document or the Listing Application if and to the extent that such information is discovered by such Party to be or to have become false or misleading in any material respect.

 

  (b)

Without prejudice to Section 2.4(a), the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to promptly furnish (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) to JBT such information concerning itself, and its Subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders, that JBT reasonably requests for inclusion in the Registration Statement so as to enable JBT to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective, including providing the information concerning the Marel Group necessary to enable JBT to prepare required pro forma financial statements and related footnotes in connection with the Registration Statement. The Company shall, upon request by JBT, use its reasonable best efforts to furnish (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) to JBT all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, directors, officers and (to the extent reasonably available to the Company) shareholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with any statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of JBT to the SEC in connection with the Registration Statement.

 

  (c)

JBT will afford the Company a reasonable opportunity to, and the Company shall promptly, review and comment on any Disclosure Documents and any Listing Application prior to each submission to the FSA, the SEC, Nasdaq Iceland or the NYSE, as the case may be, with JBT giving due and good faith consideration to any such reasonable comments otherwise subject to the terms of this Section 2.4. JBT shall notify the Company upon the receipt of any comments from the FSA, the SEC, Nasdaq Iceland or the NYSE relating to any Disclosure Documents or Listing Applications or any FSA Extension Approval and shall provide the Company with copies of all material written comments received from the FSA, the SEC, Nasdaq Iceland or the NYSE. JBT shall (i) to the extent practicable, provide the Company with drafts of the responses to comments from the FSA, the SEC, Nasdaq Iceland or the NYSE at a time reasonably prior to submitting such responses, (ii) give due and good faith consideration to the Company’s reasonable comments thereon and (iii) use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any comments from the FSA, the SEC, Nasdaq Iceland or the NYSE, as the case may be, with respect to any Disclosure Documents or any Listing Applications. In case of dispute with respect to the content of the Disclosure Document or any documentation relating thereto, JBT will have the right to make the ultimate decision, except that with respect to any comments from the FSA, the SEC, Nasdaq Iceland or the NYSE on (A) the Company’s financial statements, in which case the Company shall (following consultation with JBT, with the Company giving due and good faith consideration to any reasonable comments by JBT) be entitled to determine if and how to modify its financial statements in response to such comments, (B) the recommendation by the Marel Board (including with respect to any Change in Marel Recommendation), summary of any financial opinions delivered to the Company, any projections prepared by the Company’s management related thereto or any related section on the Company’s reasons for the Transaction which form part of the Registration Statement, in which case the Company shall (subject to this Agreement, and following consultation with JBT, with the Company giving due and good faith consideration to any reasonable comments by JBT) be entitled to decide whether and how such recommendation or section is modified, or (C) portions of any Disclosure Document based on or using information or content provided by the Company, in which case the Company shall be entitled to decide whether and how any such portion is modified, provided that such modification does not unduly delay or prevent a reasonable response to such comments; in the case of each of (A), (B) and (C), provided that any modification made by the Company pursuant to such clauses (A), (B) and (C) shall be made reasonably promptly following receipt of such comments.

 

  (d)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, other than with respect to any Required Amendment, no material amendment or supplement to the Offer Document, the Offering Prospectus or the Iceland Listing Application, including any amendment or supplement that changes the form or reduces the per share amount of the Consideration or modifies any Closing

 

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Condition will be made by JBT or the Bidder without the approval of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, that following a Change in Marel Recommendation in accordance with Section 5.1(c)(2), JBT or the Bidder may make such amendment or supplement without the approval of the Company; and provided further, that in connection with a Change in JBT Recommendation made pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(2), JBT may (at its sole discretion) amend or supplement the Offer Document or Offering Prospectus to the extent that such amendment or supplement contains (i) a Change in JBT Recommendation, (ii) a statement of the reason of the JBT Board for making such Change in JBT Recommendation and (iii) additional information reasonably related to the foregoing.

Section 3

Tender Offer

 

3.1.

Commencement of the Tender Offer. Following both approval of the Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus by the FSA and the filing of the preliminary Registration Statement with the SEC, the Bidder shall (a) promptly publish the Offer Document in accordance with Article 114 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and the Offering Prospectus and (b) on the date of such publication, disseminate the preliminary Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement to the holders of Marel Shares in compliance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.

 

3.2.

Acceptance Period; Withdrawal Rights.

 

  (a)

In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the Parties agree that the Tender Offer will have an initial acceptance period of ten (10) weeks after the publication of the Offer Document (with 5.00 p.m. Icelandic Time on the last date of the acceptance period, as the same is extended pursuant to this Agreement and paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, being the “Expiration Date” and the date of publication of the Offer Document, the “Commencement Date”), provided that:

 

  (1)

the Expiration Date shall occur no earlier than 20 business days (as defined in Rule 14d-1(g)(3) under the Exchange Act) after (and including the day of) the Commencement Date,

 

  (2)

the Bidder shall extend the acceptance period as required by any Law, or any rule, regulation or other applicable legal requirement of the FSA or the SEC or of the Nasdaq Iceland exchange, the NYSE or the Euronext Amsterdam exchange, in any such case, which is applicable to the Tender Offer or to the extent necessary to resolve any comments of the FSA or the SEC applicable or the Disclosure Documents, and

 

  (3)

at or prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date, the Bidder shall (subject to any required approval from the FSA) extend the acceptance period (i) by one or more additional periods of not less than ten (10) days per extension (or such shorter period as mutually agreed by the Parties in writing) if additional time is required to permit satisfaction of the Closing Conditions (other than the Closing Condition in Section 12.2(f)) or (ii) by at least an additional three (3) periods of not less than ten (10) days each if all the Closing Conditions (other than the Closing Condition in Section 12.2(f)) have either been satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 12 or if, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, would have been satisfied at the Expiration Date or else validly waived; provided, however, that (A) in no event shall the Bidder be required to extend the acceptance period beyond the Drop Dead Date and (B) any such extension shall not be deemed to impair, limit or otherwise restrict in any manner the rights of the Bidder to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 13 (in each case the acceptance period running between and including the Commencement Date and the Expiration Date, as extended by the Bidder pursuant to this Agreement and paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act,

 

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the “Acceptance Period”). For clarity (but without prejudice to the termination right in Section 13.2(a) or the requirements to extend in the immediately preceding sentence), the Bidder may, in its reasonable discretion (subject to any required approval from the FSA), extend the acceptance period for any duration (or repeated periods) in order to permit time for the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions.

 

  (b)

The Tender Offer may not be terminated prior to the then-applicable Expiration Date unless this Agreement is validly terminated pursuant to Section 13.

 

  (c)

The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Tender Offer will include withdrawal rights for shareholders of the Company through and until the Expiration Date and as might be required pursuant to applicable Law, including any rule, regulation or other applicable legal requirement of the FSA or the SEC.

 

  (d)

JBT shall (i) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any approvals, consents, registrations, waivers, permits, authorizations, orders and other confirmations from the FSA required by the FSA (any of the foregoing, an “FSA Extension Approval”) to extend any Acceptance Period as promptly as practicable prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date; provided that nothing in this Section 3.2(d) shall require JBT or the Bidder to amend the terms of the Tender Offer, the Offer Document or the Offering Prospectus (other than such administrative amendments as are reasonably required to document and implement any extension in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or any Required Amendments pursuant to Section 3.14) or the terms of this Agreement except to the extent of a Required Amendment pursuant to Section 3.14, and (ii) keep the Company informed on a reasonably current basis of the status of the Tender Offer, including with respect to any FSA Extension Approval or the number of Marel Shares that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer, and with respect to any material developments with respect thereto.

 

3.3.

Offer Consideration. The consideration offered to the holders of Marel Shares under the Tender Offer will be any of (at the election of each Marel shareholder) (a) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60 per Marel Share (the “All-Cash Offer Consideration,” and the Marel Shares with respect to which such election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Cash Electing Shares”), (b) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26, along with a stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 JBT Offer Shares, per Marel Share (the “Mixed Offer Consideration,” and the Marel Shares with respect to which such election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Mixed Election Shares”) or (c) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 JBT Offer Shares per Marel Share (the “All-Stock Offer Consideration,” and together with the All-Cash Offer Consideration and the Mixed Offer Consideration, the “Consideration,” and the Marel Shares with respect to which an All-Stock Offer Consideration election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Stock Electing Shares”). The JBT Shares to be issued in the Tender Offer as Consideration are referred to herein as the “JBT Offer Shares.”

 

3.4.

Fractional Shares. No fractional JBT Offer Shares will be exchanged for any Marel Shares tendered in the Tender Offer by any Marel shareholder. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each holder of Marel Shares validly tendered into the Tender Offer who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of JBT Offer Shares shall receive from its custodian bank, in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount representing such holder’s proportionate interest in the net proceeds from the sale for the account of all such holders of JBT Offer Shares which would otherwise be issued (the “Excess Offer Shares”). The sale of the Excess Offer Shares shall be executed on the NYSE and shall be executed in round lots, to the extent practicable. The receipt of the net proceeds resulting from the sale of the Excess Offer Shares shall be free of commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs for such holders of tendered Marel Shares. The net proceeds of such sale will be converted into Euros (at the spot USD to Euro exchange rate) and distributed to the holders of tendered Marel Shares with each such holder receiving an amount of such proceeds proportionate to the amount of fractional interests which such holder would otherwise have been entitled to receive. The net proceeds

 

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credited for any fractional JBT Offer Share will be determined on the average net proceeds per Marel Share. As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of tendered Marel Shares in lieu of fractional interests, such amounts shall be made available to such holders of tendered Marel Shares. Any such sale shall be made within ten (10) Business Days or such shorter period as may be required by applicable Law after the Expiration Date. The Parties will discuss this Section 3.4 with the applicable Icelandic and Dutch settlement agents and make such reasonable amendments to the treatment of fractional shares as required based on such discussions.

 

3.5.

Proration. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, at the Offer Closing Time, the All-Stock Offer Consideration and the All-Cash Offer Consideration shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to this Section 3.5:

 

  (a)

if the Cash Election Amount exceeds the Available Cash Election Amount, then (i) all Stock Electing Shares shall be converted to the right to receive the All-Stock Offer Consideration, (ii) all Mixed Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Mixed Offer Consideration and (iii) the following consideration shall be paid in respect of each Cash Electing Share:

 

  (1)

an amount of cash equal to the quotient of (x) the Available Cash Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Cash Electing Shares; and

 

  (2)

a number of JBT Offer Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the difference of the Available Stock Election Amount less the Stock Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Cash Electing Shares; and

 

  (b)

if the Available Cash Election Amount exceeds the Cash Election Amount, then (i) all Cash Electing Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the All-Cash Offer Consideration, (ii) all Mixed Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Mixed Offer Consideration and (iii) the following consideration shall be paid in respect of each Stock Electing Share:

 

  (1)

an amount of cash equal to the quotient of (x) the difference of the Available Cash Election Amount less the Cash Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Stock Electing Shares; and

 

  (2)

a number of JBT Offer Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the Available Stock Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Stock Electing Shares.

For purposes of this Agreement,

Available Cash Election Amount” means (i) the product of EUR 1.26 multiplied by the total number of Marel Shares tendered into the Tender Offer as at the Expiration Date, minus (ii) the aggregate amount of cash to be paid in respect of all Mixed Election Shares.

Available Stock Election Amount” means (i) the product of 0.0265 multiplied by the total number of Marel Shares tendered into the Tender Offer as at the Expiration Date minus (ii) the aggregate amount of JBT Offer Shares to be paid in respect of all Mixed Election Shares.

Cash Election Amount” means the product of (i) the number of Cash Electing Shares multiplied by (ii) EUR 3.60 (before giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to Section 3.5).

Stock Election Amount” means the product of (i) the number of Stock Electing Shares multiplied by (ii) 0.0407 (before giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to Section 3.5).

 

3.6.

Conditions to the Tender Offer. The Bidder’s right and obligation to accept for exchange, and to exchange, any Marel Share validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date will be subject to the satisfaction or waiver (as set forth in Section 12) of the conditions set forth in Section 12 (the “Closing Conditions”). Except as provided in Section 3.14, the Bidder shall not (a) change the Consideration (other than pursuant to Section 3.5) or (b) add conditions to the Offer Document or the Tender Offer without the consent of each of JBT and the Company.

 

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3.7.

Other Terms of the Tender Offer. The Company hereby confirms that, as of the date hereof, and based on the Company’s review of the results through the date hereof of an inquiry as to U.S. holders of Marel Shares made by the Company in accordance with Instruction 2 to subsections (c) and (d) of Exchange Act Rule 14d-1 at JBT’s request, the percentage of outstanding Marel Shares held by U.S. holders constitutes less than 40% of the outstanding Marel Shares. The Parties agree to comply with, and agree that the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer shall be conducted so as to comply with, to the extent applicable, Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, as modified by any applicable exemptions pursuant to Rule 14d-1(d)(2) under the Exchange Act.

 

3.8.

Closing of the Tender Offer. Subject to the prior satisfaction or waiver of the Closing Conditions, the Bidder shall promptly settle the Tender Offer in accordance with its terms and applicable Law, and accept for exchange, and exchange, all Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer (such settlement and exchange, the “Closing”, and the time that the Bidder accepts for exchange, and exchanges, all of the Marel Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, the “Offer Closing Time”).

 

3.9.

Squeeze Out. Provided that the Minimum Acceptance Condition has been satisfied and to the extent permitted under applicable Law, within three (3) months of the Offer Closing Time the Bidder (or a permitted assignee of the Bidder pursuant to Section 16.1(a) hereof) shall launch a squeeze out process in accordance with Article 110 of the Icelandic Takeover Act for any remaining Marel Shares that were not acquired in the Tender Offer (the “Squeeze Out”). From and after the Offer Closing Time, the Parties shall fully co-operate in the Squeeze Out, including approving the Squeeze Out and sending and issuing notifications to the remaining shareholders of the Company through the Company´s public news system and facilitating any payments.

 

3.10.

Merger. If immediately following the Offer Closing Time the Bidder owns less than 90% of the outstanding Marel Shares, the Bidder may initiate a merger process (the “Merger”) between the Bidder (or a wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof) and the Company in accordance with Article 119 of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies, No 2/1995 or other applicable Law or take other corporate actions to acquire all of the outstanding Marel Shares. If such merger process or other corporate action is initiated, the Company shall co-operate with the Bidder in order to implement the Merger (or other corporate action) as promptly as reasonably practicable, including approving the applicable merger plan or other plan of corporate action, calling shareholders’ meetings and issuing notifications to the shareholders of the Company through the Company’s public news system and facilitating any payments; provided, that the remaining owners of Marel Shares that were not acquired in the Tender Offer are entitled to receive substantially the same consideration for their Marel Shares as was offered in the Tender Offer.

 

3.11.

Effect of the Tender Offer on Marel Stock Options.

 

  (a)

At the Closing, in accordance with the terms of the Marel Stock Option Plan, each stock option with respect to Marel Shares (whether granted pursuant to the Marel Stock Option Plan or otherwise, a “Marel Stock Option”) that was granted prior to the date hereof and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing with an exercise price per share less than the Marel Closing Price, whether vested or unvested, will automatically, without any action on the part of JBT, the Company or the holder thereof, be cancelled and converted into and will become the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest thereon and subject to applicable withholding Taxes, equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Marel Shares subject to such Marel Stock Option as of immediately prior to the Closing and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Marel Closing Price over the exercise price per share of such Marel Stock Option (the “Option Consideration”). Each Marel Stock Option with an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the Marel Closing Price will be cancelled without any action on the part of the holder thereof and without any cash payment being made in respect thereof.

 

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  (b)

Any Marel Stock Option that is granted from and after the date hereof (a “Marel Interim Period Option”) or any other equity or equity based compensation award granted by the Company from or after the date hereof (“Marel Interim Period Other Award” and, together with Marel Interim Period Options, “Marel Interim Period Awards”), in each case, as expressly permitted under Section 6.1(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter shall not vest by virtue of the occurrence of the Closing. Upon the Closing, and without any action by JBT, the Company or the holder thereof, each Marel Interim Period Award shall cease to represent an award with respect to Marel Shares and be automatically converted into an award with respect to JBT Shares (such award, a “Converted Award”) of comparable value (taking into account the relative differences in the trading prices of Marel Shares and JBT Shares, the applicable exercise price, if any, and other features of the Marel Interim Period Award) and in such form as determined by JBT in good faith consultation with the Company; provided, however, that the exercise price and the number of JBT Shares purchasable or issuable, as applicable, pursuant to the Converted Award shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable Laws. Immediately following the Closing, each Converted Award shall continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions regarding vesting and forfeiture as were applicable to the corresponding Marel Interim Award immediately prior to the Closing.

 

  (c)

Prior to the Closing, the Marel Board (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof) shall take all such actions as are necessary to approve and effectuate Section 3.11(a), including making any determinations or adopting resolutions of the Marel Board or a committee thereof or any administrator of any Company Benefit Plan as may be necessary. JBT shall take such actions as are necessary for the conversion of the Marel Interim Awards pursuant to Section 3.11(b), including with respect to the reservation, issuance and listing of shares of JBT Shares to the extent necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated by Section 3.11(b).

 

3.12.

Dutch Delisting. Prior to the Expiration Date, each of the Parties shall cooperate with the other Party in taking, or causing to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Laws and rules and policies of Euronext Amsterdam to enable the de-listing of Marel Shares from the Euronext Amsterdam; provided that such delisting shall not be effective until immediately after the Offer Closing Time.

 

3.13.

Cooperation to Transmit the Tender Offer. In connection with the Tender Offer, unless the Company has effected a Change in Marel Recommendation, the Company shall, to the extent consistent with applicable Law, continue to promptly furnish JBT and the Bidder with such information and assistance as the Bidder or its agent(s) may reasonably request for the purpose of communicating the Tender Offer to the record and beneficial holders of Marel Shares.

 

3.14.

Required Amendments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing shall require the Parties to agree to amend or waive any Closing Condition or any of the other terms of this Agreement or to impose additional terms or conditions to the Tender Offer without the prior written consent of both JBT and the Company; provided, however, that each Party shall agree, and undertake to, implement such amendment or waiver or otherwise impose such additional term or condition to the Tender Offer or this Agreement, as the case may be, required by the FSA, Nasdaq Iceland or the SEC and necessary to consummate the Transaction to the extent such amendment, waiver or additional term or condition is not adverse in any material respect to either the JBT Group or the JBT stockholders, on the one hand, with respect to any amendment, waiver or other implementation of an additional term or condition to be agreed, undertaken or implemented by JBT or the Bidder, or the Marel Group or the Marel shareholders, on the other hand, with respect to any amendment, waiver or other implementation of an additional term or condition to be agreed, undertaken or implemented by the Company (it being agreed that (a) any change as to the form (other than de minimis changes to the extent required under the applicable Laws of Iceland) or any increase in the aggregate amount (other than de minimis changes relating to the treatment of fractional shares) of the Consideration payable pursuant to this Agreement or the addition or removal of, or any change to, any closing condition, in each case, that is adverse to JBT shall be deemed to be so

 

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adverse to the JBT Group and the JBT stockholders, (b) any change as to the form (other than de minimis changes to the extent required under the applicable Laws of Iceland) or any decrease in the aggregate amount (other than de minimis changes relating to the treatment of fractional shares) of the Consideration payable pursuant to this Agreement or the addition or removal of, or any change to, any closing condition, in each case, that is adverse to the Company shall be deemed to be so adverse to the Marel Group and the Marel shareholders, and (c) no Required Amendment to be agreed, undertaken or implemented by JBT or the Bidder as a result of the mandatory application of the Laws of Iceland, the Exchange Act or the Securities Act and arising from a purchase of Marel Shares by the Bidder or any of its Affiliates outside the Tender Offer shall be deemed to be so adverse to the JBT Group or the JBT Stockholders) (such amendment, waiver or additional term or condition that is required to be implemented by JBT, the Bidder or the Company pursuant to this Section 3.14, a “Required Amendment”).

 

3.15.

Withholding Rights. Each of JBT, the Bidder, any other Affiliate of JBT and any paying agents or custodians appointed by JBT or the Bidder shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amounts payable to any Person pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the Tender Offer or the Squeeze Out such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under applicable Tax Law (whether Icelandic or otherwise). To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld and paid over to the relevant Governmental Authority, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.

Section 4

Reasoned Statement by the Marel Board on the Tender Offer

 

4.1.

Reasoned Statement.

 

  (a)

On the Commencement Date, or else as promptly as practicable following the publication of the Offer Document and in any event no later than the Business Day thereafter, the Marel Board will publish a reasoned statement of the Marel Board pursuant to paragraph 5 of Article 104 of the Icelandic Takeover Act (together with any amendments made in accordance with this Section 4.1 or supplements thereto and including exhibits thereto, the “Reasoned Statement”), and, to the extent applicable, Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act, regarding the Tender Offer, substantially in the form of the most recent draft delivered by the Company or its Representatives to JBT prior to the Parties entering into this Agreement (other than with respect to any sections not yet included in such draft); provided, however, that the Company may amend or supplement such provided form of Reasoned Statement to the extent that the Marel Board determines in good faith that such amendments or supplements are reasonably required; provided further, that the Company shall afford JBT a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any such amendments or supplements prior to the publication of the Reasoned Statement, with the Company giving due and good faith consideration to any such reasonable comments. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Reasoned Statement to comply in all material respects with the requirements of applicable Law. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 4.1 shall be deemed to impair, limit or otherwise restrict in any manner the rights and obligations of the Company and the Marel Board pursuant to Section 4.2 and Section 5.1, and any amendment or supplement to the provided form of Reasoned Statement made pursuant to this Section 4.1 and Section 5.1 shall be consistent in all respects with the rights and obligations of the Company and the Marel Board set forth in Section 4.2 and Section 5.1.

 

4.2.

Marel Recommendation. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Marel Board will confirm in its Reasoned Statement that, in its opinion, (a) it supports the Tender Offer, including the price and other terms thereof, (b) it recommends that the holders of Marel Shares tender their Marel Shares into the Tender Offer (such recommendation on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the “Marel Recommendation”), and (c) it believes that the consummation of the Transaction will have a positive effect on the interests of the Company and its management and employees.

 

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4.3.

Change in Marel Recommendation. In the event that on or after the date of this Agreement and until the Expiration Date, the Marel Board (a) fails to include the Marel Recommendation in its Reasoned Statement, (b) withdraws, modifies or qualifies the Marel Recommendation in a manner that is adverse to JBT or the Bidder (or makes any public statement of its intent to withdraw, modify or qualify the Marel Recommendation in such adverse manner), (c) approves, adopts or recommends a Company Acquisition Proposal, or (d) after receipt by the Company of a Company Acquisition Proposal or public announcement of a Company Acquisition Proposal, fails to reaffirm the Marel Recommendation within ten (10) Business Days after any written request by JBT to do so (provided, that JBT may make no more than one (1) such request for each such Company Acquisition Proposal (provided further that JBT may make one (1) additional request for each material modification to each such Company Acquisition Proposal)), such failure to make such recommendation, any such withdrawal, modification or qualification (or public statement of intent of the same), any such approval, adoption or recommendation or any such failure to reaffirm shall be referred to herein as a “Change in Marel Recommendation”.

 

4.4.

Permitted Change in Marel Recommendation. From the date of this Agreement until the Expiration Date, except as otherwise permitted by Section 5.1, the Marel Board shall not (a) effect a Change in Marel Recommendation or (b) authorize, cause or permit Marel or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any letter of intent, agreement, commitment or agreement in principle providing for any Company Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into in accordance with Section 5.1(c)).

Section 5

Acquisition Proposals; Intervening Events

 

5.1.

Company Acquisition Proposals; Company Intervening Events.

 

  (a)

Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Section 5.1, from and after the date hereof, the Company agrees that neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective officers or directors (including any member of the Marel Board) shall, and that it shall instruct its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives not to, directly or indirectly (in each case other than with JBT, the Bidder, Eyrir Invest hf. (“Eyrir”) (provided, however, that any contact with Eyrir or its Affiliates or Representatives shall be limited to communication that is related to, and in furtherance of the consummation of, the Transaction, except as may otherwise be permitted pursuant to this Section 5.1) and their respective Affiliates and Representatives): (i) initiate, solicit, propose or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the making, submission or announcement of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to lead to, a Company Acquisition Proposal; (ii) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations relating to any Company Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that would reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Acquisition Proposal; (iii) provide any non-public information or data to any Person in relation to a Company Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that would reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Acquisition Proposal; or (iv) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, business combination agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement or agree to do any of the foregoing under this clause (iv) related to any Company Acquisition Proposal.

 

  (b)

Subject to applicable Law, the Company shall promptly (and, in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours) after (i) receipt of a Company Acquisition Proposal, (ii) receipt of any request for information in connection with a Company Acquisition Proposal or (iii) any discussions or negotiations with respect to a Company Acquisition Proposal that are sought to be initiated or continued with such party, provide (A) JBT with written notice of the material terms and conditions of such Company Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry, the identity of the Person making any such Company Acquisition Proposal, proposal, offer or request, and the most current version of the relevant transaction agreement or transaction proposal and any material agreements

 

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or documents ancillary thereto, including any schedule, exhibit and annex thereto and (B) thereafter promptly provide JBT with oral and written notice setting forth all such information as is reasonably necessary to keep JBT informed in all material respects of the status and details (including material amendments or proposed material amendments) of any such Company Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry.

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company or the Marel Board, directly or indirectly, including through any Affiliates or directors or other Representatives, shall be permitted to:

 

  (1)

make any disclosures in compliance with applicable Law, including the Icelandic Takeover Act (including paragraph 2 of Article 104 of the Icelandic Takeover Act), the publication requirements under the Market Abuse Regulation or Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act or as reasonably necessary to hold a Marel shareholder vote on, and otherwise effect if approved by such vote, a Mandated Marel Shareholder Action; provided, however, that if such disclosure has the effect of withdrawing, modifying or qualifying the Marel Recommendation in a manner adverse to JBT or the Bidder, such disclosure shall be deemed to be a Change in Marel Recommendation and JBT shall have the right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Section 13, unless the Company expressly reaffirms the Marel Recommendation in such disclosure;

 

  (2)

after complying with Section 5.1(d) and prior to the Offer Closing Time,

 

  (i)

effect a Change in Marel Recommendation in response to a Company Superior Proposal and terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.3(c) if (A) such Change in Marel Recommendation is made in response to a Company Acquisition Proposal that the Marel Board concludes in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) constitutes a Company Superior Proposal, (B) the Marel Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in Marel Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland and (C) such Company Acquisition Proposal did not result from a breach, in any material respect, of Section 5.1(a), or

 

  (ii)

effect a Change in Marel Recommendation in response to a Company Intervening Event if the Marel Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in Marel Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland;

 

  (3)

prior to the Offer Closing Time, engage, enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information or data to, any Person (provided that any such non-public information has previously been made available to, or is made available to JBT prior to or substantially concurrently with the time such information is made available to such Person (and in any event within one (1) Business Day thereafter)) in response to a Company Acquisition Proposal by any such Person that did not result from a breach, in any material respect, of Section 5.1(a), if the Marel Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (i) the Company Acquisition Proposal either constitutes a Company Superior Proposal or would reasonably be expected to result in a Company Superior Proposal, and (ii) the failure to take such actions would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland, provided that prior to providing any information or data to any Person in connection with such Company Acquisition Proposal,

 

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the Marel Board receives from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement with confidentiality terms no less restrictive than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (which shall not, for the sake of clarity, be required to contain any “standstill,” “no contact” or similar provisions) and which does not restrict or prohibit the Company’s compliance with this Section 5.1. In furtherance of this Section 5.1(c)(3), the Company, the Marel Board and their respective Affiliates and Representatives may (A) seek to clarify and understand the terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers made by any Person to determine whether such inquiry, proposal or offer constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Acquisition Proposal or a Company Superior Proposal, (B) inform a Person that has made such inquiry, proposal or offer of the provisions of this Section 5.1, or (C) waive (on a confidential non-public basis) any “standstill,” “no contact” or similar provisions in any agreement to the extent that failure to waive such provisions would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland; and

 

  (4)

within five (5) Business Days following the commencement of the Tender Offer pursuant to Section 3.1, effect a Change in Marel Recommendation if the material terms of the Offer Document differ in any material respect from the terms set forth in this Agreement (provided that, for purposes of this Section 5.1(c)(4), any differences arising out of any Required Amendments shall not be considered), and the Marel Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in Marel Recommendation in response to such material difference would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland.

 

  (d)

Prior to effecting any Change in Marel Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(2), the Company, on behalf of the Marel Board, shall provide JBT written notice (the “Marel Change in Recommendation Notice”) of the Company’s intention to effect a Change in Marel Recommendation, which notice, in respect of a Company Intervening Event, will describe in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that are the basis for the proposed action, and in respect of a Company Superior Proposal, will identify the Person making the Company Superior Proposal and describe the material terms and conditions of any such Company Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action (and attaching copies of all agreements or other material documents evidencing such Company Superior Proposal), at least five (5) Business Days prior to effecting a Change in Marel Recommendation, and the Company and JBT shall negotiate (to the extent JBT notifies the Company of its desire to do so in writing) in good faith during such five (5)-Business Day period with respect to any modifications to the terms of the Transaction that are proposed by JBT, and the Company shall consider any such proposed modifications in determining in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) whether, as applicable, (i) such Company Acquisition Proposal still constitutes a Company Superior Proposal for the Company or (ii) such Company Intervening Event still constitutes an Company Intervening Event, and whether the failure to take action to effect a Change in Marel Recommendation would still reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland, in each case, notwithstanding such proposed modifications; provided that, with respect to a Company Superior Proposal, in the event of a subsequent modification to the material terms of such Company Superior Proposal during such negotiation period, the Company shall provide JBT with a new Marel Change in Recommendation Notice and a new negotiation period between the Company and JBT shall commence, except that such new negotiation period shall be at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Marel Board effecting a Change in Marel Recommendation (rather than the five (5) Business Days otherwise contemplated by the foregoing).

 

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  (e)

The Company agrees that it will, and will cause its officers and directors and its Subsidiaries to, and instruct its other Representatives and such Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations existing as of the date of this Agreement with any Person (other than JBT and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives) conducted heretofore with respect to any Company Acquisition Proposal or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Acquisition Proposal. The Company agrees that it will (a) promptly inform its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives of and (b) be responsible for any breach by any of its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives of, the obligations undertaken in this Section 5.1 (and any such breach by its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 5.1 by the Company).

 

  (f)

Subject to Section 5.1(c)(3), the Company shall not terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality, “standstill” or similar agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and that was entered into in connection with a potential Company Acquisition Proposal, and shall enforce, under applicable Law, the terms of any such agreement, including by obtaining injunctions to enforce specifically the terms thereof.

 

5.2.

JBT Acquisition Proposals; JBT Intervening Events.

 

  (a)

Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Section 5.2, from and after the date hereof, JBT agrees that neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective officers or directors (including any member of the JBT Board) shall, and that it shall instruct its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives not to, directly or indirectly (in each case other than with the Company and its Affiliates and Representatives): (i) initiate, solicit, propose or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the making, submission or announcement of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to lead to, a JBT Acquisition Proposal; (ii) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations relating to any JBT Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that would reasonably be expected to lead to a JBT Acquisition Proposal; (iii) provide any non-public information or data to any Person in relation to a JBT Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that would reasonably be expected to lead to a JBT Acquisition Proposal; or (iv) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, business combination agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement or agree to do any of the foregoing under this clause (iv) related to any JBT Acquisition Proposal.

 

  (b)

Subject to applicable Law, JBT shall promptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) after (i) receipt of a JBT Acquisition Proposal, (ii) receipt of any request for information in connection with a JBT Acquisition Proposal or (iii) any discussions or negotiations with respect to a JBT Acquisition Proposal that are sought to be initiated or continued with such party, provide (A) the Company with written notice of the material terms and conditions of such JBT Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry, the identity of the Person making any such JBT Acquisition Proposal, proposal, offer or request, and the most current version of the relevant transaction agreement or transaction proposal and any material agreements or documents ancillary thereto, including any schedule, exhibit and annex thereto and (B) thereafter promptly and on a current basis provide the Company with oral and written notice setting forth all such information as is reasonably necessary to keep the Company informed in all material respects of the status and details (including material amendments or proposed material amendments) of any such JBT Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry.

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, JBT or the JBT Board, directly or indirectly, including through any Affiliates or directors or other Representatives, shall be permitted to:

 

  (1)

make any disclosures in compliance with applicable Law or issue a “stop, look and listen” pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided however, that if

 

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such disclosure has the effect of withdrawing, modifying or qualifying the JBT Recommendation in a manner adverse to the Company, such disclosure shall be deemed to be a Change in JBT Recommendation and the Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Section 13, unless JBT expressly reaffirms the JBT Recommendation in such disclosure;

 

  (2)

after complying with Section 5.2(d) and prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval,

 

  (i)

effect a Change in JBT Recommendation in response to a JBT Superior Proposal and terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.4(d) if (A) such Change in JBT Recommendation is made in response to a JBT Acquisition Proposal that the JBT Board concludes in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) constitutes a JBT Superior Proposal, (B) the JBT Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in JBT Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware and (C) such JBT Acquisition Proposal did not result from a breach, in any material respect, of Section 5.2(a), or

 

  (ii)

effect a Change in JBT Recommendation in response to a JBT Intervening Event if the JBT Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in JBT Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware; and

 

  (3)

prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval, engage, enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information or data to, any Person (provided that any such non-public information has previously been made available to, or is made available to the Company prior to or substantially concurrently with the time such information is made available to such Person (and in any event within one (1) Business Day thereafter)) in response to a JBT Acquisition Proposal by any such Person that did not result from a breach, in any material respect, of Section 5.2(a) if the JBT Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (i) the JBT Acquisition Proposal either constitutes a JBT Superior Proposal or would reasonably be expected to result in a JBT Superior Proposal, and (ii) the failure to take such actions would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware, provided that prior to providing any information or data to any Person in connection with such JBT Acquisition Proposal, the JBT Board receives from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement with confidentiality terms no less restrictive than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (which shall not, for the sake of clarity, contain any “standstill,” “no contact” or similar provisions) and which does not restrict or prohibit JBT’s and the Bidder’s compliance with this Section 5.2. In furtherance of this Section 5.2(c)(3), JBT, the JBT Board and their respective Affiliates and Representatives may (A) seek to clarify and understand the terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers made by any Person to determine whether such inquiry, proposal or offer constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to a JBT Acquisition Proposal or a JBT Superior Proposal, (B) inform a Person that has made such inquiry, proposal or offer of the provisions of this Section 5.2, or (C) waive (on a confidential non-public basis) any “standstill,” “no contact” or similar provisions in any agreement to the extent that failure to waive such provisions would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware.

 

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  (d)

Prior to effecting any Change in JBT Recommendation, JBT, on behalf of the JBT Board, shall provide the Company written notice (the “JBT Change in Recommendation Notice”) of JBT’s intention to effect a Change in JBT Recommendation, which notice, in respect of a JBT Intervening Event, will describe in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that are the basis for the proposed action, and in respect of a JBT Superior Proposal, will identify the Person making the JBT Superior Proposal and describing the material terms and conditions of any such JBT Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action (and attaching copies of all agreements or other material documents evidencing such JBT Superior Proposal), at least five (5) Business Days prior to effecting a Change in JBT Recommendation, and the Company and JBT shall negotiate (to the extent the Company notifies JBT of its desire to do so in writing) in good faith during such five (5)-Business Day period with respect to any modifications to the terms of the Transaction that are proposed by the Company, and JBT shall consider any such proposed modifications in determining in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor) whether, as applicable, (i) such JBT Acquisition Proposal still constitutes a JBT Superior Proposal for JBT or (ii) such JBT Intervening Event still constitutes a JBT Intervening Event, and whether the failure to take action to effect a Change in JBT Recommendation would still reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware, in each case, notwithstanding such proposed modifications; provided, however, that, with respect to a JBT Superior Proposal, in the event of a subsequent modification to the material terms of such JBT Superior Proposal during such negotiation period, JBT shall provide the Company with a new JBT Change in Recommendation Notice and a new negotiation period between the Company and JBT shall commence, except that such new negotiation period shall be at least three (3) Business Days prior to the JBT Board effecting a Change in JBT Recommendation (rather than the five (5) Business Days otherwise contemplated by the foregoing).

 

  (e)

JBT agrees that it will, and will cause its officers and directors and its Subsidiaries to, and instruct its other Representatives and such Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations existing as of the date of this Agreement with any Person (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives) conducted heretofore with respect to any JBT Acquisition Proposal or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to a JBT Acquisition Proposal. JBT agrees that it will (i) promptly inform its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives of and (ii) be responsible for any breach by any of its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives of, the obligations undertaken in this Section 5.2 (and any such breach by its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 5.2 by JBT).

 

  (f)

Subject to Section 5.2(c)(3), JBT shall not terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality, “standstill” or similar agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and that was entered into in connection with a potential JBT Acquisition Proposal, and shall enforce, under applicable Law, the terms of any such agreement, including by obtaining injunctions to enforce specifically the terms thereof.

 

5.3.

For the purpose of this Agreement:

 

  (a)

Company Acquisition Proposal” means (i) any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest relating to a merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or (ii) any acquisition by any Person or group resulting in, or any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest that if consummated would result in, any Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of the Company or 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (it being understood that assets include equity securities of Subsidiaries) of the Company, in each case

 

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other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or involving JBT, the Bidder and their respective Affiliates.

 

  (b)

Company Intervening Event” means any material effect, change, event, development or occurrence with respect to the Marel Group that was not known or reasonably foreseeable to the Marel Board on the date of this Agreement, which effect, change, event, development or occurrence, becomes known to the Marel Board prior to the Offer Closing Time; provided, however, that no effect, change, event, development or occurrence relating to any of the following shall constitute a Company Intervening Event: (1) receipt, existence or terms of a Company Acquisition Proposal, or the consequences thereof; (2) the fact, in and of itself, that Marel meets or exceeds any internal or published projections, budgets, forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenue, earnings or other financial or operating metrics, or any changes after the date of this Agreement in the price or trading volume of the Marel Shares (it being understood that any effect, change, event, development or occurrence underlying any of the foregoing in this clause (2) may be taken into consideration, unless otherwise excluded by the exceptions to this definition); and (3) changes in general economic or geopolitical conditions, or changes in conditions in the economy generally.

 

  (c)

Company Superior Proposal” means a bona fide written Company Acquisition Proposal made after the date of this Agreement that would result in a Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Company, or more than 50% of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (including equity securities of its Subsidiaries), of the Company that the Marel Board has determined in good faith, after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor, taking into account all legal, financial, financing and regulatory aspects of the Company Acquisition Proposal, the identity of the Person(s) making the proposal and the likelihood of the Company Acquisition Proposal being consummated in accordance with its terms, that, if consummated, would result in a transaction (after taking into account any revisions to the terms of this Agreement proposed by JBT pursuant to Section 5.1(d)) (i) more favorable to the shareholders of the Company from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) that is reasonably likely to be completed, taking into account any regulatory, financing or approval requirements and any other aspects considered relevant by the Marel Board.

 

  (d)

JBT Acquisition Proposal” means (i) any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest relating to a merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving JBT or (ii) any acquisition by any Person or group resulting in, or any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest that if consummated would result in, any Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of JBT or 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (it being understood that assets include equity securities of Subsidiaries) of JBT, in each case other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or involving the Company and its Affiliates.

 

  (e)

JBT Intervening Event” means any material effect, change, event, development or occurrence with respect to the JBT Group that was not known or reasonably foreseeable to the JBT Board on the date of this Agreement, which effect, change, event, development or occurrence, becomes known to the JBT Board prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval; provided, however, that no effect, change, event, development or occurrence relating to any of the following shall constitute a JBT Intervening Event: (1) receipt, existence or terms of a JBT Acquisition Proposal, or the consequences thereof; (2) the fact, in and of itself, that JBT meets or exceeds any internal or published projections, budgets, forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenue, earnings, or any changes after the date of this Agreement in the price or trading volume of the JBT Shares (it being

 

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understood that the event or circumstance underlying any of the foregoing in this clause (2) may be taken into consideration, unless otherwise excluded by the exceptions to this definition); and (3) changes in general economic or geopolitical conditions, or changes in conditions in the economy generally.

 

  (f)

JBT Superior Proposal” means a bona fide written JBT Acquisition Proposal made after the date of this Agreement that would result in a Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity securities of JBT, or more than 50% of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (including equity securities of its Subsidiaries), of JBT that the JBT Board has determined in good faith, after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor, taking into account all legal, financial, financing and regulatory aspects of the JBT Acquisition Proposal, the identity of the Person(s) making the proposal and the likelihood of the JBT Acquisition Proposal being consummated in accordance with its terms, that, if consummated, would result in a transaction (after taking into account any revisions to the terms of this Agreement proposed by the Company pursuant to Section 5.2(d)) (i) more favorable to the shareholders of JBT from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) that is reasonably likely to be completed, taking into account any regulatory, financing or approval requirements and any other aspects considered relevant by the JBT Board.

Section 6

Covenants

 

6.1.

Marel Interim Operations. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Offer Closing Time (or, if later, the closing of the Squeeze Out) and the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 13, except (i) with the prior written consent of JBT (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) as required by applicable Law (including (x) paragraph 2 of Article 104 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and (y) that the Marel Board may convene a shareholders meeting to decide on any action otherwise prohibited by this Section 6.1 if the Marel Board reasonably determines in good faith (after consultation with the Company’s outside legal counsel) that failure to submit such proposal to a vote of Marel shareholders would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland), (iii) as set forth in Section 6.1 of the letter delivered by the Company to JBT on the date of this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure Letter”), (iv) as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Offer Document or (v) as mandated by the Marel shareholders pursuant to a validly passed shareholder resolution (such mandated action by the Company or its Subsidiaries that, disregarding the preceding clause (ii) solely with respect to clauses (x) and (y) thereof, would otherwise have been prohibited by this Section 6.1, “Mandated Marel Shareholder Action”), provided, however, that (w) subject to the preceding clause (ii), neither the Marel Board nor the Company shall knowingly encourage any Marel shareholder to submit to the Company any shareholder resolutions requiring the Marel Group to take any action otherwise prohibited by this Section 6.1, (x) the Company shall notify JBT promptly after (and in any event within two (2) Business Days after) a notice to shareholders meeting has been sent containing a Marel shareholder proposal to approve any action otherwise prohibited by this Section 6.1, (y) subject to the determination in the preceding clause (x), the Company and its Representatives shall be entitled to take such steps as are reasonably necessary to hold a Marel shareholder vote on, and otherwise effect if approved by such vote, a Mandated Marel Shareholder Action, and (z) JBT shall have the right to attend any meeting of the Marel shareholders whereupon a vote upon any action otherwise prohibited by this Section 6.1 is to be taken and to address the Marel shareholders prior to such vote otherwise in accordance with the applicable rules for such meeting, (1) the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to (x) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (y) preserve intact the material components of its current business organizations and relationships and goodwill with material suppliers, material customers, Governmental Authorities and other material business relations and (z) keep available

 

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the services of its present executive officers, and (2) the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

 

  (a)

amend its or its Subsidiaries’ organizational documents other than, with respect to each Subsidiary of the Company, amendments to organizational documents that would not prohibit or hinder, impede or delay in any material respect the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Transaction);

 

  (b)

(i) split, combine, subdivide, or reclassify any shares of its capital stock (other than transactions (A) solely among the Company and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries), (ii) amend any term or alter any rights of any of its outstanding Equity Securities, (iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution (whether in cash, stock, property or any combination thereof) in respect of any Equity Securities, other than (A) the declaration and payment by the Company of an annual cash dividend on the outstanding Marel Shares in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed the lesser of (1) EUR 10 million and (2) 20% of the Marel Group’s “net result” (as calculated consistent with the Company’s annual report for the operational year 2023) for such fiscal year, with the timing of the declaration, record and payment dates in any given fiscal year to be materially consistent with the timing of the declaration, record or payment dates (as applicable) for the Company’s 2023 fiscal year and (B) dividends or distributions by a Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or (iv) redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire or offer to redeem, repurchase, or otherwise acquire any of its Equity Securities or any Equity Securities, other than (A) repurchases of Marel Shares in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of Marel Stock Options (including in satisfaction of any amounts required to be deducted or withheld under applicable Law) in accordance with the terms of such Marel Stock Options (1) outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (in accordance with their existing terms) or (2) granted after the date of this Agreement (to the extent expressly permitted by Section 6.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter) and (B) transactions among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

  (c)

issue, sell, pledge or encumber or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any Equity Securities, other than (i) the issuance of any Marel Shares upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of the Marel Stock Options, or the withholding of Marel Shares to satisfy tax obligations pertaining to the exercise, vesting or settlement of Marel Stock Options that, in each case, are (x) outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (in accordance with their existing terms as of the date of this Agreement), or (y) granted after the date of this Agreement (to the extent expressly permitted by Section 6.1(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter) or (ii) in connection with transactions (A) solely among the Company and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

  (d)

sell, lease, license, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Subsidiary of the Company or any assets, securities or properties of the Marel Group, other than (i) sales or dispositions of inventory, goods, services, tangible personal property (including equipment) or other immaterial assets, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) transactions (A) solely among the Company and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries, (iii) any non-exclusive license of intellectual property entered into by the Company or by any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (iv) any such sales, leases, licenses, transfers and dispositions for which the aggregate consideration for all such sales, leases, licenses, transfers and dispositions does not exceed $25,000,000;

 

  (e)

(i) acquire, lease or sublease any assets or properties (including any real property), (ii) acquire any equity interest or business of any Person or (iii) acquire another business or merge with or consolidate with any other Person or enter into any binding share exchange, business combination

 

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or similar transaction with another Person or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate; in each case of (i), (ii) and (iii), for aggregate consideration (across all transactions contemplated in (i), (ii) and (iii) collectively) in excess of $30,000,000 per calendar year, provided, however, that nothing in this Section 6.1(e) shall restrict any acquisitions, leases or subleases of inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

  (f)

(i) make any material loans, advances or capital contributions to any other Person, other than (A) loans, advances or capital contributions by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to or in, as applicable, the Company or one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries, or (B) capital contributions required under the terms of contracts in effect as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) incur, assume, guarantee or repurchase or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue or sell any debt securities or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire debt securities, other than (A) borrowings under the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities (as in effect as of the date of this Agreement), provided, however, that such borrowings shall be in compliance with the terms and conditions of such existing credit facilities, including any financial covenants or ratios, or (B) intercompany indebtedness among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries or (C) guarantees of third party indebtedness of the Company or its wholly owned Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of this Agreement;

 

  (g)

make any material change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting principles or practices, except for any such change required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of the Company, advisable under) a change in IFRS or applicable Law;

 

  (h)

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (ii) change the annual Tax accounting period of any material Subsidiary, (iii) adopt or change any material method of Tax accounting, (iv) enter into any material closing agreement with respect to Taxes or (v) settle or surrender any material Tax claim, audit or assessment for an amount in excess of reserves therefor on the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries; except for any such action being required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of the Company, advisable under) a change in applicable Law, provided that no term of such settlement or surrender would be reasonably expected to materially increase the Tax liability of JBT, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries following the Closing; or

 

  (i)

take any action that would be reasonably likely to cause JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to be in violation of applicable Trade Sanctions as of and following the Offer Closing Time.

In no event shall any action expressly prohibited to be taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries pursuant to clause (2) of this Section 6.1 constitute a breach of clause (1) of this Section 6.1. Nothing contained in this Agreement gives JBT or the Bidder, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ operations prior to the Closing. Prior to the Closing, the Company shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’ respective operations subject to this Agreement, including this Section 6.1.

 

6.2.

JBT Interim Operations. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Offer Closing Time and the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 13, except (i) with the prior written consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) as required by applicable Law, (iii) as set forth in Section 6.2 of the letter delivered by JBT to the Company on the date of this Agreement (the “JBT Disclosure Letter”) or (iv) as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Offer Document, (1) JBT shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to (x) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (y) preserve intact the material components of its current business organizations and relationships and goodwill with

 

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material suppliers, material customers, governmental authorities and other material business relations and (z) keep available the services of its present executive officers, and (2) JBT shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

 

  (a)

amend JBT’s. the Bidder’s or any of their respective Subsidiaries’ organizational documents in any manner that would prohibit or hinder, impede or delay in any material respect the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Transaction); provided that any amendment to JBT’s certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of the common stock of JBT to issue JBT Offer Shares shall in no way be restricted by the foregoing;

 

  (b)

(i) split, combine, subdivide, or reclassify any shares of its capital stock (other than transactions (A) solely among JBT and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries), (ii) amend any term or alter any rights of any of its outstanding Equity Securities, or (iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution payable in cash, stock, property or any combination thereof in respect of any Equity Securities, other than (A) the declaration and payment by JBT of quarterly cash dividends on the outstanding JBT Shares in an amount per quarter not to exceed $0.10 per outstanding JBT Share with the timing of the declaration, record and payment dates in any given quarter materially consistent with the timing of the declaration, record and payment dates for the comparable quarter in the prior fiscal year and (B) dividends or distributions by a Subsidiary of JBT to JBT or another Subsidiary of JBT;

 

  (c)

issue, sell, pledge or encumber or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any Equity Securities, other than (i) the issuance of any JBT Shares upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of any JBT Equity Awards, or the withholding of JBT Shares to satisfy tax obligations pertaining to the exercise, vesting or settlement of JBT Equity Awards that, in each case, are (A) outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (in accordance with their existing terms as of the date of this Agreement), or (B) granted after the date of this Agreement (to the extent expressly permitted by Section 6.2(c) of the JBT Disclosure Letter) or (ii) in connection with transactions (A) solely among JBT and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

  (d)

sell, lease, license, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Subsidiary of JBT or any assets, securities or properties of the JBT Group, other than (i) sales or dispositions of inventory, goods, services, tangible personal property (including equipment) or other immaterial assets, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) transactions (A) solely among JBT and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries, (iii) any non-exclusive license of intellectual property entered into by JBT or by any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (iv) any such sales, leases, licenses, transfers and dispositions for which the aggregate consideration does not exceed $25,000,000;

 

  (e)

(i) acquire, lease or sublease any assets or properties (including any real property), (ii) acquire any equity interest or business of any Person or (iii) acquire another business or merge with or consolidate with any other Person or enter into any binding share exchange, business combination or similar transaction with another Person or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate; in each case of (i), (ii) and (iii), for aggregate consideration (across all transactions contemplated in (i), (ii) and (iii) collectively) in excess of $30,000,000 per calendar year; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 6.2(e) shall restrict any acquisitions, leases or subleases of inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

  (f)

(i) make any material loans, advances or capital contributions to any other Person, other than (A) loans, advances or capital contributions by JBT or any Subsidiary of JBT to or in, as

 

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applicable, JBT or one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries, or (B) capital contributions required under the terms of contracts in effect as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) incur, assume, guarantee or repurchase or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue or sell any debt securities or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire debt securities, other than (A) borrowings under JBT’s or its Subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities (as in effect as of the date of this Agreement), provided, however, that such borrowings shall be in compliance with the terms and conditions of such existing credit facilities, including any financial covenants or ratios, or the Debt Financing pursuant to Section 11.1, (B) intercompany indebtedness among JBT and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among the JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries or (C) guarantees of third party indebtedness of JBT or its wholly owned Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of this Agreement;

 

  (g)

make any material change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting principles or practices, except for any such change required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of JBT, advisable under) a change in GAAP or applicable Law;

 

  (h)

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (ii) change the annual Tax accounting period of any material Subsidiary, (iii) adopt or change any material method of Tax accounting, (iv) enter into any material closing agreement with respect to Taxes or (v) settle or surrender any material Tax claim, audit or assessment for an amount in excess of reserves therefor on the financial statements of JBT and its Subsidiaries; except for any such action being required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of JBT, advisable under) a change in applicable Law, provided that no term of such settlement or surrender would be reasonably expected to materially increase the Tax liability of JBT, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries following the Closing; or

 

  (i)

take any action that would be reasonably likely to cause JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to be in violation of applicable Trade Sanctions as of and following the Offer Closing Time.

In no event shall any action expressly prohibited to be taken by JBT or its Subsidiaries pursuant to clause (2) of this Section 6.2 constitute a breach of clause (1) of this Section 6.2. Nothing contained in this Agreement gives the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct JBT’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ operations prior to the Closing. Prior to the Closing, JBT shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’ respective operations subject to this Agreement, including this Section 6.2.

 

6.3.

Dutch Consultation Covenant. From the date of this Agreement until the Offer Closing Time and the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 13:

 

  (a)

The Parties agree to take the following actions with respect to consultation procedure pursuant to article 25, paragraph 1, of the Dutch Works Councils Act (Wet op de ondernemingsraden) (the foregoing act, the “Dutch WCA,” and the foregoing consultation procedure pursuant to the Dutch WCA, the “Dutch Consultation”) with (i) the central works council of Marel Holding B.V. (the “Company Dutch WC”) and (ii) any competent Dutch works council within the JBT Group (the “JBT Dutch WC”), as the case may be:

 

  (1)

in accordance with the Dutch WCA, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement but in any event no later than ten (10) Business Days after the date of this Agreement, the Company (in respect of the Company Dutch WC) and JBT (in respect of the JBT Dutch WC) shall initiate the Dutch Consultation with the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, respectively, by preparing and (after having shared a draft with JBT and the Company, respectively, and considering in good faith any reasonable comments provided by JBT or the Company, as applicable, within three (3) Business Days after submission of such draft) submitting a request for advice (adviesaanvraag) with respect to the Transaction to the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, respectively;

 

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  (2)

the Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Dutch Consultation with the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC in accordance with this Section 6.3 as soon as practicable and the Parties shall act promptly in relation to their respective dealings with the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC;

 

  (3)

each Party shall promptly provide all assistance reasonably requested by or on behalf of the other Party, including providing information on the consequences of the Transaction (if any) and the measures that will be taken in connection therewith, so as to ensure the compliance with section 25 of the Dutch WCA;

 

  (4)

each Party shall provide responses to the questions raised and information requested by the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC as part of the Dutch Consultation as soon as reasonably practicable following any such request from the other Party in writing;

 

  (5)

JBT and the Company shall be available to participate in one or more of the meetings that will be held with the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, respectively, upon request by the Company or JBT, respectively, with reasonable advance written notice. Neither JBT nor the Bidder shall contact any member of the Company Dutch WC and the no member of the Marel Group shall contact any member of the JBT Dutch WC in connection with the Transaction prior to Closing without the prior written consent of the other Party. Other than in consultation with the other Party in accordance with this Agreement or as required by applicable Laws, each Party shall refrain from any and all public statements or communications with, or making any statements to, the respective representatives of the other Party’s Dutch works council (i.e., in respect of JBT and the Bidder: Company Dutch WC; and in respect of any member of the Marel Group: the JBT Dutch WC) or, in relation to the Dutch Consultation, the press or public;

 

  (6)

the Company and JBT agree, subject to the access and information restrictions of Section 7.4, to (i) inform the other Parties of any material updates on the Dutch Consultation with the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC, respectively, on a regular basis and, upon the written request of the other Parties, accompanied with copies of any relevant and material documentation and (ii) to promptly provide the other Parties with the advice rendered by the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC, respectively. Neither the Company nor JBT nor the Bidder shall make, propose or accept any amendment to this Agreement or commitment to the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC, without the prior written approval of the Company (in case of JBT or the Bidder seeking to make, propose or accept such amendment or commitment) or JBT (in case of the Company seeking to make, propose or accept such amendment or commitment); and

 

  (7)

the Company shall have the right to (following reasonable consultation with JBT) (i) direct, devise and implement the strategy for the Dutch Consultation with the Company Dutch WC, for responding to any request from, inquiry or investigation by (including directing the timing, nature and substance of all such responses, acting reasonably), and to lead all meetings and communications (including any negotiations) with, the Company Dutch WC (subject to the last sentences of each of Sections 6.3(a)(6) and 6.3(b), which shall apply mutatis mutandis); and (ii) control the defense and settlement of any Action brought before Dutch Enterprise Chamber by the Company Dutch WC; provided, however, that the Company shall not take any action with respect to the defense or settlement of such Action without first obtaining prior written consent from JBT (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). JBT and the Bidder shall have the right to (following reasonable consultation with the Company) (i) direct, devise and implement the strategy for the Dutch Consultation with the JBT Dutch WC, for responding to any request from, inquiry or investigation by (including directing the timing, nature and substance of

 

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all such responses, acting reasonably), and to lead all meetings and communications (including any negotiations) with, the JBT Dutch WC (subject to the last sentences of each of Sections 6.3(a)(6) and 6.3(b), which shall apply mutatis mutandis) and (ii) control the defense and settlement of any Action brought before Dutch Enterprise Chamber by the JBT Dutch WC; provided, however, that JBT shall not take any action with respect to the defense or settlement of such Action without first obtaining prior written consent from the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

  (b)

If either of the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC either (i) renders negative advice, or (ii) sets any conditions for positive advice or neutral advice that does not permit the Parties to implement the Transaction, in each case, that require changes to this Agreement or additional commitments of the Parties, then the Company shall inform JBT (if it relates to the Company Dutch WC) and JBT shall inform the Company (if it relates to the JBT Dutch WC) thereof promptly in writing. As soon as possible thereafter, subject to Section 6.3(a), the Parties will, using reasonable best efforts and in good faith, initiate discussions among each other and the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable, and subject to Section 6.3(a)(7)) with the aim to reach agreement on any amendments to this Agreement or additional commitments of any Party, as the case may be, as the Parties deem necessary to accommodate the conditions imposed by the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable) or otherwise obtain unconditional positive or neutral advice from the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable) permitting the Parties to implement the Transaction; provided, however, that no Party shall be required to agree on any amendments to this Agreement or to accept any additional commitments in connection with the Dutch Consultation.

 

  (c)

If the Parties do not agree on any amendments to this Agreement or additional commitments to accommodate any and all of the Company Dutch WC’s or the JBT Dutch WC’s conditions (as applicable) or otherwise do not obtain unconditional positive or neutral advice from the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable) pursuant to Section 6.3(b) permitting the Parties to implement the Transaction, but despite that decide in accordance with the proposed resolution (voorgenomen besluit), then the Company will inform the Company Dutch WC and JBT will inform the JBT Dutch WC, as the case may be, in writing accordingly and set out the reasons for deviating from the Company Dutch WC’s or the JBT Dutch WC’s advice, as applicable, after which the Dutch Consultation with the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC, as applicable, shall be deemed completed if:

 

  (1)

the one-month period as set out in section 25(6) of the Dutch WCA has expired without the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable) having appealed the Company’s or JBT’s (as applicable) deviation to the Dutch Enterprise Chamber pursuant to section 26 of the Dutch WCA;

 

  (2)

the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable) have or has unconditionally and irrevocably waived its or their right to appeal to the Company’s or JBT’s (as applicable) deviation pursuant to section 26 of the Dutch WCA in writing; or

 

  (3)

following an appeal of the Company’s or JBT’s (as applicable) deviation by the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC (as applicable) pursuant to section 26 of the Dutch WCA, the Dutch Enterprise Chamber has rendered a judgment (other than an interlocutory judgment) permitting the Parties to implement the Transaction.

 

  (d)

If the Dutch Enterprise Chamber issues a judgment (other than an interlocutory judgment) in favor of the Company Dutch WC or the JBT Dutch WC, as the case may be, following the Company’s or JBT’s (as applicable) deviation pursuant to Section 6.3(a), the Parties will take the decision of the Dutch Enterprise Chamber into account and re-engage in good faith discussions pursuant to Sections 6.3(a) and 6.3(b).

 

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6.4.

Dutch Merger Procedure Covenant. Pursuant to the Dutch Social and Economic Council Merger Regulations (SER-Fusiegedragsregels 2015) (the “Dutch Merger Regulations”), the Company, on behalf of itself and on behalf of JBT and the Bidder, shall, as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, (a) provide notification to the Dutch Social Economic Council (Sociaal-Economische Raad) (the “SER”), (b) provide notification to, and consult with, their respective competent Dutch trade unions pursuant to the Dutch Merger Regulations (such notifications, consultations and additional steps as may be required by the Dutch Merger Regulations, the “Dutch Merger Procedure”) and (c) complete the Dutch Merger Procedure. Each Party shall use its respective reasonable best efforts to enable the relevant trade unions the opportunity to provide their view on the Transaction in accordance with applicable Law. The Company shall provide drafts of the notifications and any other material correspondence (if any) with the SER and the trade unions to JBT at a time reasonably prior to submission thereof and give due and good faith consideration to any reasonable comments that are received from JBT following receipt of the relevant draft(s) by JBT.

Section 7

Efforts to Consummate

 

7.1.

General. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the Parties shall cooperate with the other Parties and use their respective reasonable best efforts to promptly (a) take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do, or cause to be done, and assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to cause the Closing Conditions to be satisfied as promptly as reasonably practicable and to consummate and make effective, as promptly as reasonably practicable, and in any event prior to the Drop Dead Date, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), including preparing and filing promptly and fully all documentation to effect all necessary filings, notices, petitions, statements, registrations, submissions of information, applications and other documents, (b) obtain all approvals, consents, registrations, waivers, permits, authorizations, orders and other confirmations from any Governmental Authority or third party necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction) and (c) execute and deliver any additional instruments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), other than, in the case of each of clauses (a) through (c), with respect to filings, notices, petitions, statements, registrations, submissions of information, applications and other documents, approvals, consents, registrations, permits, authorizations and other confirmations relating to Antitrust Laws and Foreign Investment Laws, which are addressed in Section 7.3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, prior to the Offer Closing Time, no Party shall be required to, and neither the Company nor JBT shall without the prior written consent of the other, pay any consent or other similar fee, “profit-sharing” or other similar payment or other consideration in any form (including increased rent or other similar payment or commercial accommodation or agree to enter into any amendments, supplements or other modifications to (or waivers of) the existing terms of any contract), or provide additional security (including a guaranty) or otherwise assume or incur or agree to assume or incur any liability, to obtain any consent of any Person (other than any Governmental Authority pursuant to Section 7.3) under any contract.

 

7.2.

JBT Stockholder Vote; Change in JBT Recommendation.

 

  (a)

JBT shall (i) take, in accordance with applicable Law and JBT’s organizational documents, all action necessary to convene and hold a special meeting of its stockholders for the purpose of obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval (the “JBT Stockholders Meeting”) as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, which JBT Stockholders Meeting date shall be no earlier than twenty (20) Business Days after, but not later than thirty (30) Business Days after (unless otherwise deferred pursuant to this Section 7.2(a)), the Registration Statement is declared effective, and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the JBT Stockholder Approval as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, as of a scheduled JBT Stockholders Meeting date, JBT has not received proxies

 

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representing a sufficient number of JBT Shares to obtain the JBT Stockholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present, JBT shall (x) postpone or adjourn the JBT Stockholders Meeting for the purpose of and for the time reasonably necessary (not to exceed twenty (20) Business Days) to solicit additional proxies and votes in favor of the JBT Stockholder Approval and (y) use reasonable best efforts to solicit such additional proxies and votes; provided, however, that (A) JBT shall not be required to adjourn or postpone the JBT Stockholders Meeting on more than one occasion and (B) the JBT Stockholders Meeting may only be postponed or adjourned to a date that is more than twenty (20) Business Days after the date for which the JBT Stockholders Meeting was originally scheduled (excluding any postponement or adjournments required by applicable Law) with the consent of the Company.

 

  (b)

In the event that on or after the date of this Agreement, the JBT Board (i) fails to include in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus the JBT Board’s recommendation that the JBT stockholders vote in favor of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “JBT Recommendation”), (ii) withdraws, modifies or qualifies the JBT Recommendation (or makes any public statement of its intent to withdraw, modify or qualify the JBT Recommendation in such adverse manner), (iii) approves, adopts or recommends a JBT Acquisition Proposal, or (iv) after receipt by JBT of a JBT Acquisition Proposal or public announcement of a JBT Acquisition Proposal, fails to reaffirm the JBT Recommendation within ten (10) Business Days after any written request by Marel to do so (provided, that Marel may make no more than one (1) such request for each such JBT Acquisition Proposal (provided further that Marel may make one (1) such additional request for each material modification to any JBT Acquisition Proposal)), such failure to make such recommendation, any such withdrawal, modification or qualification (or public statement of intent of the same), any such approval, adoption or recommendation or any such failure to reaffirm shall be referred to herein as a “Change in JBT Recommendation”. From and after the date of this Agreement, except as otherwise permitted by Section 5.2, the JBT Board shall not (i) effect a Change in JBT Recommendation and (ii) authorize, cause or permit JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any letter of intent, agreement, commitment or agreement in principle providing for any JBT Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into in accordance with Section 5.2(c)).

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding any Change in JBT Recommendation, unless this Agreement has been validly terminated in accordance with Section 13, JBT shall cause the approval of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares to be submitted to a vote of its stockholders at the JBT Stockholders Meeting.

 

7.3.

Regulatory Approvals.

 

  (a)

Each of the Parties agrees to make an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act (the “HSR Filings”), and JBT shall, with the assistance of the Company in providing as promptly as reasonably practicable all such information as JBT reasonably requires for this purpose, submit (initially in draft form where customary) all other filings or notifications in the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions with respect to the Transaction, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, and to supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to the HSR Act or other Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws. Further, each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to avoid or eliminate any impediment and obtain all consents under the Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions, so as to enable the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Drop Dead Date. The Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, without the prior written consent of JBT, take or agree to take any action relating to any objections asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws.

 

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  (b)

Each of the Parties shall use its reasonable best efforts to (unless, with respect to any action, another standard of performance is expressly provided for herein) (i) cooperate in all respects with each other in connection with any filing or submission with a Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry by or before a Governmental Authority relating to such transactions, including any proceeding initiated by a private person and (ii) subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, and to the extent reasonably practicable, consult with the other Parties with respect to information relating to the other Parties that appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third Person or any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than “4(c) documents” and “4(d) documents” (though excluding any “shared” documents), as those terms are used in the rules and regulations under the HSR Act. To the extent reasonably practicable, all telephone calls and meetings with a Governmental Authority regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and relating to any Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws shall include representatives of JBT and the Company. Each Party must inform the other of any material communications with a Governmental Authority relating to any Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws. Except as otherwise restricted by this Section 7.3(b), JBT and the Company or their respective outside counsel shall have the right to review in advance all substantive written materials to be submitted or communications made to any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case to the extent such materials or communications are related to any Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws (other than the HSR Filings); provided that materials required to be provided pursuant to this Section 7.3(b) may be redacted (A) to remove references concerning the valuation of the Company, (B) as necessary to comply with contractual arrangements, (C) as necessary to comply with applicable Law and (D) as necessary to address reasonable privilege claims or confidentiality concerns; provided, further that a Party may reasonably designate any competitively sensitive material provided to another Party under this Section 7.3(b) as “Outside Counsel Only”.

 

  (c)

Subject to Section 7.3(b), and after consideration in good faith of the Company’s views, JBT shall have the right to (i) direct, devise and implement the strategy for obtaining any necessary approval (including by way of an expiration or termination of any applicable waiting periods) of, for responding to any request from, inquiry or investigation by (including directing the timing, nature and substance of all such responses), and to lead all meetings and communications (including any negotiations) with, any Governmental Authority that has authority to enforce any Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law with respect to the Transaction and (ii) control the defense and settlement of any Action brought by or before any Governmental Authority that has authority to enforce any Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law with respect to the Transaction. JBT shall be permitted to pull and refile, on one or more occasions, any filing made under the HSR Act, or any other Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, prior to the Drop Dead Date.

 

  (d)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither JBT nor its Affiliates shall be required (and the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, agree to any of the following without the express written consent of JBT): (i) (A) to offer, agree or consent to sell, divest, lease, license, transfer, dispose of or otherwise encumber or hold separate (before or after the Closing) any assets (including Equity Securities in any Person), licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interests therein of JBT or the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, (B) to offer, agree or consent to terminate any (x) existing relationship, contractual right or obligation of JBT, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates or (y) venture or other similar arrangement of JBT, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, (C) to offer, agree or consent to create any relationship, contractual right or obligation of JBT, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, (D) to offer, agree or consent to any change (including through a licensing arrangement) to or restriction on (including any access or other

 

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requirements), or other impairment of, JBT’s or the Company’s, or any of their respective Affiliates’, ability to own or operate, any of their assets (including Equity Securities in any Person), licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interests or JBT’s ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to the equity securities or other ownership interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (E) to commit or agree to obtain any “prior approval” or other affirmative approval from a Governmental Authority to carry out any future transaction or make any notification or provide prior notice to any Governmental Authority regarding any future transaction or (ii) to commit to or effect any action that is not conditioned upon the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time.

 

7.4.

Access. Subject to applicable Law, each of JBT and the Company shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to), upon reasonable notice, afford the other Parties and their Representatives reasonable access, during normal business hours throughout the period prior to the Offer Closing Time, to its properties, books, contracts and records and, during such period, each shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to) furnish promptly to the other Party and its Representatives all information concerning its business, properties and personnel as may reasonably be requested, in each case solely for the purpose of integration and post-Closing planning or furthering the Transaction; provided that the foregoing provisions shall not be construed to require either JBT or the Company (or either of their Subsidiaries) to permit any inspection, or to disclose any information, that in the reasonable judgment of JBT or the Company, as the case may be, would (a) result in the disclosure of any trade secrets of the JBT Group or the Marel Group, as the case may be, or any third parties or violate the terms of any confidentiality provisions in any agreement with a third party entered into prior to the date of this Agreement if JBT or the Company, as the case may be, shall have used reasonable best efforts (without payment of any consideration, fees or expenses) to (i) obtain the consent of such third party to such inspection or disclosure or (ii) provide such information in a permitted manner, (b) result in a violation of applicable Laws, (c) waive the protection of any attorney-client privilege or (d) result in the disclosure of any sensitive or personal information that would expose JBT or the Company, as the case may be, or any of its Subsidiaries to the risk of liability. All requests for information made pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be directed to an executive officer of JBT or the Company, as the case may be, or such Person as may be designated by either of their executive officers, as the case may be, with a copy to the General Counsel of such party. All such information shall be governed by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, provided that the Parties agree that the expiration of the Confidentiality Agreement shall be extended to the later of (1) the expiration date set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement, (2) the consummation of the Tender Offer and (3) the date that is two (2) years following the date that this Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with Section 13.

Section 8

[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

Section 9

Governance, Integration, Social, Employment and Indemnification Matters

 

9.1.

Governance, Integration and Social Matters. Subject to applicable Law, each of the Parties shall take all actions necessary to cause the matters set forth on Annex 9.1 to occur pursuant to the terms of Annex 9.1.

 

9.2.

Employment and Employee Benefits Matters.

 

  (a)

During the period commencing on the Closing and ending on the first anniversary of the Closing (or, if earlier, the date of employment termination) (the “Protected Period”), JBT shall cause the Company and each of its other Subsidiaries to provide (i) the individuals employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at the Closing who remain employed immediately following the Closing (each, a “Current Employee”) with (x) an annual base salary or hourly wage rate, as applicable, at least as favorable as that provided to the Current Employee as of immediately prior

 

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to Closing, (y) a target annual short-term cash incentive compensation opportunity at least as favorable as that provided to the Current Employee as of immediately prior to the Closing, and (z) employee benefits (other than the Excluded Benefits) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to such employee benefits (other than the Excluded Benefits) maintained for and provided to the Current Employee as of immediately prior to the Closing under the Company Benefit Plans or such employee benefits as required by applicable Law and collective bargaining Agreement or other Contract with any labor union, works council, or other labor organization (each, a “Labor Agreement”), if any and (ii) the Current Employees (taken as a whole) with long-term incentive equity or equity based compensation opportunities that, in the aggregate, have a grant date fair value that is comparable to the annual long-term equity and equity-based compensation awards provided to such Current Employees (taken as a whole) with respect to the most recent year prior to the Closing (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any nonrecurring or special grants). In addition, if, during the Protected Period, a Current Employee’s employment is involuntarily terminated (other than for “cause”) under circumstances which would have entitled such Current Employee to notice, severance benefits or other termination entitlements set forth on Section 9.2(b)(A) of the Company Disclosure Letter, if such termination had occurred immediately prior to the Closing, JBT shall, and shall cause the Company and each of its other Subsidiaries to, provide to such Current Employee notice, severance benefits, and other termination entitlements that are no less favorable than the payments that would have been payable to such Current Employee immediately prior to the Closing, taking into account such Current Employee’s additional period of service following Closing, or if more generous, such payments as required by applicable Law and Labor Agreement, if any. For purposes of this Agreement, “Excluded Benefits” means equity or equity-based compensation or benefits, defined benefit pension benefits, nonqualified deferred compensation and retiree or post-termination medical or other welfare benefits; provided, that, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the employee benefits specifically set forth on, and provided pursuant to the Company Benefit Plans identified on, Section 9.2(a)(B) of the Company Disclosure Letter shall not constitute Excluded Benefits for purposes of the covenant set forth in clause (z) of the first sentence of this Section 9.2(a).

 

  (b)

With respect to any annual cash incentive compensation that may become payable to any Current Employee under the Company’s annual bonus or other cash incentive programs set forth on Section 9.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter in respect of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Closing occurs, JBT shall, and shall cause the Company and each of its other Subsidiaries, to adopt and maintain such programs and pay such amounts in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, subject to the terms and conditions thereof as in effect immediately prior to the Closing.

 

  (c)

JBT shall cause the Company and each of its other Subsidiaries to, cause service rendered by any Current Employee to the Company and its Subsidiaries, prior to the Closing to be taken into account for purposes of eligibility to participate, vesting of defined contribution retirement benefits, level of paid time off, sickness pay and severance benefits (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of benefit accrual or under any Excluded Benefit plan) under the employee benefit plans of JBT, the Company and its other Subsidiaries covering such Current Employee (each, a “JBT Plan”), to the same extent and for the same purpose as such service was taken into account under the corresponding Company Benefit Plan immediately prior to the Closing; provided, that, the foregoing will not apply to the extent that its application would result in a duplication of benefits or coverage with respect to the same period of service. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, JBT shall cause the Company to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any Current Employees not to become subject to any eligibility requirements, waiting periods, actively-at-work requirements or pre-existing condition limitations under any JBT Plan that is a group health benefit plan to the extent any such terms or conditions would not have applied to the Current Employee under the corresponding Company Benefit Plan

 

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in which they participated prior to the Closing. In addition, JBT shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to provide, credit under any JBT Plan that is a group health benefit plan for any eligible expenses incurred by such Current Employees and their covered dependents and credited to such Person under a Company Benefit Plan during the portion of the year prior to the date of the Closing for purposes of satisfying all co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket requirements, and other out-of-pocket expenses or similar requirement under any such JBT Plan applicable to such Current Employees and their covered dependents in respect of the plan year in which the Closing occurs.

 

  (d)

The Company or its Subsidiaries shall, at least one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing, adopt written resolutions (or take other necessary and appropriate action) (i) to terminate each Company Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (ii) to cease contributions to such Company Benefit Plan, and (iii) to fully vest all participants under such Company Benefit Plan, such termination, cessation, and vesting to be effective no later than the Business Day preceding the Closing. The Company or its Subsidiaries shall provide JBT with an advance copy of such proposed resolutions (and any related documents) and a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon prior to adoption or execution.

 

  (e)

The Parties acknowledge and agree that all provisions contained in this Section 9.2 are included for the sole benefit of the respective Parties. Nothing herein, express or implied, (i) is intended to confer upon any Current Employee or any Person any right to continued employment or service for any period, any particular term or condition of employment or service with the Company or its Subsidiaries or JBT or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) shall constitute an amendment to or termination, adoption or any other modification of any Company Benefit Plan, JBT Plan or any other benefit or compensation plan, program, agreement or arrangement or shall alter or limit the ability of the Company or its Subsidiaries or JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, adopt, modify or terminate any Company Benefit Plan, JBT Plan or any other benefit or compensation plan, program, agreement or arrangement or (iii) is intended to confer upon any Current Employee of the Company or other individual (including employees, retirees or dependents or beneficiaries of employees or retirees, or participants or any dependent or beneficiary thereof in any Company Benefit Plan) any right or remedy as a third party beneficiary of this Agreement.

 

9.3.

Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance.

 

  (a)

From and after the Offer Closing time for a period of not less than six (6) years from and after the Offer Closing Time, JBT shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless all past and present directors and officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries (each, together with such person’s heirs, executors, or administrators, an “Indemnified Party”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and other costs and expenses (including advancing attorneys’ fees and expenses prior to the final disposition of any actual or threatened claim, suit, proceeding or investigation to each Indemnified Party), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, incurred in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to matters existing or occurring prior to the later of the Offer Closing Time or the consummation of the Squeeze Out, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such costs and expenses arising under any claim with respect to the Closing and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. For a period of six (6) years from the Closing, all rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses for acts or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at or prior to the Closing, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Closing, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such matter arising under any claim with respect to the Closing and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, now existing in favor of each Indemnified Party as provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or comparable organizational documents) of Marel or its applicable Subsidiary, or in any indemnification agreement in existence on the date of this

 

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Agreement and disclosed in full to JBT prior to the date of this Agreement, shall survive the Closing and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

  (b)

The Company may, prior to the Closing, purchase a tail policy under the current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained at such time by the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Closing (including any acts or omissions with respect to the Closing and the Transaction), which tail policy (i) will be effective for a period from the Closing through and including the date six (6) years after the Closing with respect to claims arising from facts or events that existed or occurred prior to or at the Closing (including any claims arising from the Closing and the Transaction) and (ii) will contain coverage that is at least as protective to each Indemnified Party as the coverage provided by such existing policies; provided, that, the premium for such tail policy may not be (and JBT shall not be required to cause the Company to expend, and the Company shall not be permitted to expend) in excess of three hundred percent (300%) of the last annual premium paid prior to the Closing (the dollar value of such calculation, the “Premium Cap”). JBT shall cause any such policy to be maintained in full force and effect for its full term, and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by the Company and its Subsidiaries. If the Company does not obtain such tail policy, then for a period from the Closing through and including the date six (6) years after the Closing, subject to the Premium Cap, JBT will maintain in effect the Company’s current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies in respect of acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Closing (including any acts or omissions with respect to the Closing and the Transactions). If the annual premiums of such tail policy or insurance coverage exceed the Premium Cap, JBT and the Company will be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such cap.

 

  (c)

Each of JBT, the Bidder and the Company will, at its own expense, cooperate with each Indemnified Party in connection with the defense of any matter for which such Indemnified Party could seek indemnification pursuant to this Section 9.3.

 

  (d)

This Section 9.3 will survive the consummation of the Transaction and is intended to benefit, and after the Offer Closing Time is enforceable by, any person or entity referred to in this Section 9.3. The indemnification and advancement provided for in this Section 9.3 is not exclusive of any other rights to which the Indemnified Party is entitled pursuant to Law. If JBT, the Bidder, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective successors or assigns (other than pursuant to the Transaction) (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity resulting from such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or a majority of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, JBT or the Bidder, as applicable, shall make proper provisions such that such successors or assigns assume the applicable obligations set forth in this Section 9.3.

Section 10

Representations and Warranties of JBT and Marel

 

10.1.

Each of JBT and the Bidder (in Part I) and the Company (in Part II) makes the representations and warranties as set forth in the applicable Part of Annex 10.1 (subject to the qualifications and limitations therein).

Section 11

Financing Cooperation

 

11.1.

Financing Efforts and Cooperation.

 

  (a)

JBT and the Bidder shall, and shall cause their Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or

 

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advisable to arrange, consummate and obtain the Debt Financing on the terms and conditions set forth in the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter as promptly as practicable following the date hereof, including using its, and causing their Subsidiaries to use their, reasonable best efforts to (i) maintain in full force and effect the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter (and to comply with their respective obligations thereunder) until the Closing, (ii) timely (and in any event by the Closing) negotiate and enter into definitive agreements with respect to the facilities contemplated by and to the extent required under the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter on the terms and conditions set forth therein, and (iii) satisfy or cause to be waived on a timely basis all conditions to funding applicable to JBT and the Bidder set forth in the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or such definitive agreements that are within their (or any of their Subsidiaries’) control and otherwise comply with its obligations thereunder. Upon the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions, JBT and the Bidder shall, and shall cause their Subsidiaries to, consummate and use their reasonable best efforts to cause (including by enforcing the obligations of) the Committed Financing Sources to fund the Debt Financing at the Closing.

 

  (b)

If all or any portion of the Debt Financing becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated by the Bridge Financing Agreement or the Commitment Letter, including any “flex” provisions set forth in the executed fee letters referenced therein (together with all exhibits, schedules and annexes thereto, the “Debt Fee Letters”), or if JBT and the Bidder reasonably determine that such funds are reasonably likely to become unavailable to JBT and the Bidder on the terms and conditions set forth therein (such event, an “Original Financing Failure”), JBT and the Bidder shall promptly (and in any event within three (3) Business Days) notify the Company in writing of the Original Financing Failure and JBT and the Bidder shall use their reasonable best efforts to arrange and obtain from alternative sources on financial terms that are not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to JBT and the Bidder and with conditions not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to JBT and the Bidder than the terms and conditions set forth in the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter, as promptly as reasonably practicable, alternative financing in an amount, together with any cash and marketable securities of JBT and the Bidder and any then-available Debt Financing, sufficient for JBT and the Bidder to consummate the Tender Offer and satisfy the other Transaction Uses at Closing (the “Alternative Debt Financing”), and to obtain new financing commitment letter(s) with respect to such Alternative Debt Financing (the “Alternative Debt Financing Document(s)”). JBT and the Bidder shall, promptly (and in any event within three (3) Business Days) upon receipt by JBT and the Bidder, provide true, complete and correct copies of such Alternative Debt Financing Document(s) to the Company. In the event Alternative Debt Financing is obtained, the definition of “Debt Financing” set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been modified as appropriate to reflect such Alternative Debt Financing contemplated thereby.

 

  (c)

JBT and the Bidder shall not permit any amendment, modification to, or any waiver of any provision or remedy under, any of the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or any definitive agreement for the Debt Financing unless (i) such amendment, modification or waiver would not impose new or additional conditions to the Debt Financing or otherwise expand any conditions to the Debt Financing and (ii) such amendment, modification or waiver would not reasonably be expected to (A) make the timely funding of the Debt Financing or the satisfaction of the conditions to obtaining the Debt Financing materially less likely to occur, (B) reduce the aggregate amount of the Debt Financing to an amount, together with any cash and marketable securities of JBT and the Bidder and any other then-available Debt Financing, less than the amount necessary for JBT and the Bidder to consummate the Tender Offer and satisfy the other Transaction Uses at Closing or (C) materially and adversely affect the ability of JBT and the Bidder to enforce their rights against other parties to the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or such definitive agreements. JBT and the Bidder shall promptly provide true, complete and correct copies of each amendment, modification and waiver to any of the

 

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Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or any definitive agreement related to the Debt Financing to the Company.

 

  (d)

JBT and the Bidder shall, as promptly as practicable after obtaining knowledge thereof, give the Company written notice of any fact, change, event or circumstance that is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse impact on the availability of the Debt Financing at Closing. JBT and the Bidder shall, as promptly as practicable after obtaining knowledge thereof, give the Company written notice of (i) any material breach or material default by any party to the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter, or any definitive agreements for the Debt Financing of which JBT and the Bidder become aware, (ii) actual or threatened withdrawal, repudiation, or termination of any of the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or such definitive agreements for the Debt Financing, (iii) the receipt of any written notice or other communication, in each case received from any Committed Financing Source with respect to any material breach of JBT’s and the Bidder’s obligations under the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or definitive agreements for the Debt Financing, or breach, default, withdrawal, termination or repudiation by any party to the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or definitive agreements for the Debt Financing, (iv) any material dispute or disagreement between or among any parties to the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or definitive agreements related to the Debt Financing, in each case, with respect to the obligation to fund any amount of the Debt Financing, (v) any failure by such Committed Financing Source to fund any part of its commitments under the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or definitive agreement related to the Debt Financing to be funded at Closing, (vi) any amendment or modification of, or waiver under, the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter, or (vii) any notification from one or more parties to the Bridge Financing Agreement and the Commitment Letter or any party to any definitive agreements related to the Debt Financing of the failure or inability to satisfy one or more conditions precedent to the Debt Financing. In the event that JBT or the Bidder commence an enforcement action to enforce its rights under any agreement in respect of the Debt Financing or to cause any Committed Financing Source to fund all or any portion of the Debt Financing, JBT and the Bidder shall keep the Company, and the Company shall keep JBT and the Bidder, as applicable, reasonably informed of the status of such enforcement action. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, under no circumstances shall JBT and the Bidder or any Affiliate thereof be required to disclose any information that would waive the protection of attorney-client privilege.

 

  (e)

Prior to the Closing, at JBT’s and the Bidder’s sole cost and expense, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives to, use reasonable best efforts to provide to JBT and the Bidder such customary cooperation reasonably requested by JBT and the Bidder in connection with the underwriting, marketing, arrangement, syndication and funding of the Debt Financing; provided that such requests shall be timely made so as not to delay the Closing beyond the date that it would otherwise occur. Such cooperation shall include using reasonable best efforts to do the following (in each case, to the extent so requested):

 

  (1)

causing management teams of the business, with appropriate seniority and expertise, at reasonable times and upon reasonable advance notice, to participate in a reasonable number of meetings, conference calls, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions and similar presentations to and with any Debt Financing Source or prospective lenders or investors and rating agencies (with all of the foregoing to be virtual at the Company’s or such persons’ request) and otherwise cooperate with the Debt Financing Sources’ documentary due diligence, in accordance with normal custom and practice;

 

  (2)

reasonably assisting with the preparation of customary rating agency presentations, bank information memoranda and other customary marketing and syndication materials reasonably and customarily required or reasonably requested by any Debt Financing

 

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Source in connection with the Debt Financing, in each case solely with respect to information relating to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

  (3)

as promptly as reasonably practicable, furnishing JBT, the Bidder and the Debt Financing Sources with financial and other pertinent information regarding the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as may be reasonably requested by JBT and the Bidder or the Debt Financing Sources to satisfy the conditions set forth in the Debt Financing or is otherwise customary in connection with similar debt financings, including furnishing JBT and the Bidder with (i) audited consolidated financial statements of the Marel Group for, as of the time of such request, the three (3) most recently completed fiscal years and interim financial statements of the Marel Group for each subsequent completed fiscal quarter (setting forth comparative figures for the comparable fiscal quarter in the prior fiscal year), in each case prepared in accordance with the Company’s regular reporting timelines pursuant to applicable laws and regulations (provided, that such financial statements shall in any event be furnished within 90 days from the completion of the most recent fiscal year and within 40 days from the completion of the most recent fiscal quarter, respectively), and (ii) assisting with JBT’s preparation of (and using reasonable efforts to cause the Marel Auditor to assist with JBT’s preparation of) pro forma financial statements for JBT in compliance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act (provided, that the Marel Group shall not be required to prepare any financial statements (other than those referred to in clause (i) above) or other financial information and that JBT shall solely be responsible for the preparation of such pro forma financial statements and any pro forma adjustments giving effect to the transactions contemplated herein), including by providing all reasonably available information relating to the Marel Group that is reasonably necessary for that purpose;

 

  (4)

furnishing the audit opinion and consent of the Company’s auditor (the “Marel Auditor”) on the three (3) most recently available audited consolidated financial statements of the Marel Group and the most recently available interim financial statements of the Marel Group for each subsequent completed fiscal quarter for inclusion in any offering or similar document in connection with the Debt Financing, in accordance with normal custom and practice and (ii) using commercially reasonable efforts to cause such auditor to provide customary comfort letters (including customary “negative assurance” comfort and change period comfort) (with customary bring-down comfort letters delivered on the closing date of any such financing) to the arrangers, underwriters, initial purchasers or placement agents, as applicable, in connection with any such Debt Financing, in each case, if and to the extent customary in connection with debt offerings in Europe or the United States;

 

  (5)

furnishing JBT, the Bidder and the Committed Financing Sources, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing, with all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, that has been reasonably requested by JBT and the Bidder in writing, at least ten (10) days prior to the Closing;

 

  (6)

providing support with obtaining, signing, and executing certificates, waivers, and auditor consents;

 

  (7)

furnishing JBT with information required to complete a customary perfection certificate, disclosure schedules, corporate organizational documents and good standing certificates with respect to the Marel Group;

 

  (8)

subject to the occurrence of the Offer Closing Time, taking all customary corporate actions reasonably requested by JBT that are necessary to permit the consummation of the Debt Financing;

 

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  (9)

delivering notices of prepayment and commitment termination within the time periods required by the relevant agreements governing all indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries to the extent required under the Bridge Financing Agreement, Commitment Letter or other Debt Financing to be paid, satisfied and discharged at the funding or closing of the financing contemplated under the Bridge Financing Agreement, Commitment Letter or other Debt Financing and obtaining the payoff letters to be delivered to allow for the payoff of all such indebtedness;

 

  (10)

delivering prior to the commencement of the marketing of any Debt Financing (A) customary executed authorization and representation letters to accompany customary marketing material regarding the material accuracy of information contained in such marketing material with respect to the Marel Group and, with respect to any “public version” of such marketing material, the lack of material non-public information with respect to the Marel Group therein and (B) customary executed management representation letters and CFO certificates with respect to the financial information included in the marketing material for bond offerings;

 

  (11)

permitting any use of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ logos in connection with the Debt Financing; provided, however, that such logos shall be used solely in a manner that is reasonable and customary for such purposes and that is not intended to or reasonably likely to harm or disparage or otherwise adversely affect the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the reputation or goodwill of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective products, services, offerings or intellectual property rights; and

 

  (12)

as soon as reasonably practicable after obtaining actual knowledge thereof, supplementing the written information provided pursuant to this Section 11.1 to the extent that any such information contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading.

 

  (f)

JBT and the Bidder acknowledge and agree that the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives shall not have any responsibility for, or incur any liability to any Person under, any financing that JBT and the Bidder may raise in connection herewith, or any cooperation provided pursuant to this Section 11.1. JBT and the Bidder shall (i) promptly reimburse the Marel Group for all of the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by any Marel Group member or its respective Representatives in connection with this Section 11.1 and (ii) indemnify and hold harmless each Marel Group member and its respective Representatives from and against all Taxes and damages suffered or incurred, directly or indirectly, by any of them in connection with the arrangement of the Debt Financing (including any action pursuant to this Section 11.1), or any information used in connection therewith, except to the extent caused by (x) any material inaccuracy of the information so provided and used in connection with the Debt Financing (including inaccuracy due to material omission), (y) the fraud of the Company or any of its Affiliates or (z) any Willful Breach or gross negligence by the Company. All non-public or other confidential information provided by the Company, its Affiliates or their respective Representatives pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall be kept confidential in accordance with, and shall be subject to the terms of, the Confidentiality Agreement; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Confidentiality Agreement, the Company agrees that JBT and the Bidder may initiate contact with and pursue and provide the foregoing information to potential Debt Financing Sources in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case subject to the confidentiality and use restrictions applicable to Representatives set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement. The Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives shall be kept reasonably informed regarding the status of the Debt Financing, and, to the extent practicable, shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review, any presentations, bank information

 

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memoranda and similar marketing materials, materials for rating agencies and other documents prepared by or on behalf of or used by JBT and the Bidder or any of its Affiliates or used or distributed to any Debt Financing Source or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Debt Financing that include any logos of or information about or provided by the business, the Company, its Affiliates or their respective Representatives, and any such presentations, memoranda, materials or documents shall include a conspicuous disclaimer to the effect that none of the Company, its Affiliates or their respective Representatives has any responsibility or liability for the content of such document and that the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives disclaim all responsibility therefor.

 

  (g)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (including this Section 11.1), none of the Company, its Affiliates or their respective Representatives shall be required to, in fulfilling its obligations under Section 11.1(e):

 

  (1)

waive or amend any terms of this Agreement or any ancillary agreement related hereto or agree to pay or pay any commitment or other fee or reimburse any expenses in connection with the Debt Financing;

 

  (2)

take any action that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in the Company or any of its Affiliates or their respective Representatives incurring any actual or potential liability or giving or being required to give any indemnity in connection with the Debt Financing;

 

  (3)

take any action that would require the Company or any of its Affiliates or their respective Representatives to execute, deliver, enter into or perform any document, agreement, certificate or instrument with respect to the Debt Financing, or provide (or cause any of their Representatives to provide) any accountants’ comfort letter, reliance letter, legal opinion or other opinion of counsel, other than pursuant to clauses (5), (9) and (10) of Section 11.1(e);

 

  (4)

adopt resolutions or execute consents to approve or authorize the execution of the Debt Financing;

 

  (5)

take any action that would unreasonably interfere with the business or the other businesses or operations of the Company or any of its Affiliates or their respective Representatives;

 

  (6)

take any action that would cause any representation or warranty in this Agreement or any ancillary agreement related hereto to be breached or become inaccurate or that would breach any covenant in this Agreement or any ancillary agreement;

 

  (7)

take any action that would conflict with or violate, or that could reasonably be expected to conflict with or violate, the organizational documents of the Company or any of its Affiliates or applicable Law;

 

  (8)

take any action that would result in the contravention of, or that could reasonably be expected to result in a violation or breach of, or a default under, any Contract to which the Company or any of its Affiliates or their respective Representatives is a party or bound or any obligations of confidentiality binding on the Company or any of its Affiliates or their respective Representatives;

 

  (9)

provide access to or disclose information that constitutes attorney work product or that the Company determines would jeopardize any attorney-client privilege of the Company or any of its Affiliates or their respective Representatives or which is restricted or prohibited under applicable Law;

 

  (10)

cause any director, officer, employee or other Representative of the Company or any of its Affiliates to incur any actual or potential personal liability; or

 

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  (11)

prepare any financial statements or pro forma information outside of the ordinary course of business.

 

  (h)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company and its Affiliates will be deemed to be in compliance with this Section 11.1, and neither JBT, the Bidder nor any of their respective Affiliates shall allege that the Company and its Affiliates are or have not been in compliance with this Section 11.1, unless JBT and the Bidder’s failure to obtain the Debt Financing was due solely to a deliberate action or omission taken or omitted to be taken by the Company in material breach of its obligations under this Section 11.1.

Section 12

Closing Conditions

 

12.1.

Conditions to the Completion of the Tender Offer. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Tender Offer or this Agreement, and in addition to (and not in limitation of) the Bidder’s rights to extend and amend the Tender Offer at any time (subject to the provisions of this Agreement and applicable Laws), (a) the Bidder shall not be required to accept for exchange or exchange for, and may delay the acceptance for exchange of or the exchange for, any validly tendered Marel Shares unless each of the conditions in Sections 12.2, 12.3 and 12.4 shall be satisfied (or waived as set forth below) and (b) the Bidder may not accept for exchange or exchange for, and may delay the acceptance for exchange of or the exchange for, any validly tendered Marel Shares unless the condition in Section 12.5 shall be satisfied.

 

12.2.

Mutual Conditions. The following conditions may (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) be waived, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date, by the Bidder only following approval by both JBT and the Company (without prejudice to Section 12.2(f) permitting the Bidder to reduce the percentage in its sole discretion):

 

  (a)

Regulatory Approvals. (i) Any waiting period (and extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) all other waivers, clearances approvals and waiting periods under the Antitrust Laws of the jurisdictions set forth on Schedule 12.2(a)(i) (the “Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions”) and under the Foreign Investment Laws of the jurisdictions set forth on Schedule 12.2(a)(ii) (the “Specified FDI Jurisdictions,” and together with the Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions, the “Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions”) shall have been obtained, terminated or expired, as applicable, and (iii) no voluntary agreement between JBT, the Bidder or the Company, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, not to consummate the Transaction shall be in effect;

 

  (b)

No Legal Prohibition. No Governmental Authority of competent and applicable jurisdiction shall have (i) enacted, issued or promulgated any Law that is in effect and has the effect of making the Transaction or the acquisition of Marel Shares by JBT or the Bidder illegal or which has the effect of prohibiting or otherwise preventing the consummation of the Transaction or the acquisition of Marel Shares by JBT or the Bidder, or (ii) issued or granted any Order that is in effect and has the effect of making the Transaction or the acquisition of Marel Shares by JBT or the Bidder illegal or which has the effect of prohibiting or otherwise preventing the consummation of the Transaction or the acquisition of Marel Shares by JBT or the Bidder;

 

  (c)

Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall not be the subject of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement;

 

  (d)

JBT Stockholder Approval. The JBT Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained after a vote of the JBT stockholders has been taken and completed at the JBT Stockholders Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. For the purpose of this Agreement, “JBT Stockholder Approval” means the approval of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares by the affirmative votes cast by holders of JBT Shares present and entitled to vote in accordance with, and as required for such issuance by, the rules and regulations of the NYSE and the organizational documents of JBT;

 

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  (e)

NYSE Listing. The NYSE shall have approved (and not subsequently withdrawn) the listing of the JBT Offer Shares, subject to official notice of issuance; and

 

  (f)

Minimum Acceptance. The Tender Offer shall have been validly accepted by eligible shareholders of Marel representing (when taken together with any Marel Shares acquired or agreed to be acquired by the Bidder other than through the Tender Offer) at least 90% (or, in the Bidder’s sole discretion, a lower percentage; provided, however, that such percentage shall not be reduced below 80% without the Company’s consent) of the issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of Marel (excluding, for clarity, Marel Shares owned by any Marel Group Company) as at the Offer Closing Time and such acceptances not being withdrawn or subject to any third party consents in respect of pledges or other rights (such condition, the “Minimum Acceptance Condition”).

 

12.3.

Conditions Waivable by the Bidder. The following conditions may (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) be waived by the Bidder, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date:

 

  (a)

Company Representations and Warranties. (i) The Company Capitalization Representations shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except for de minimis inaccuracies, (ii) the Company Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) in all material respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time, (iii) the representation and warranty in Section 1.7 of Part II of Annex 10.1 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time, and (iv) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Part II of Annex 10.1 other than those described in the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except where the failure to be so true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Marel Group; provided, however, that, with respect to clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, representations and warranties that are made as of a particular date or period shall be true and correct (consistent with the respective thresholds set forth in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), as applicable) only as of such date or period;

 

  (b)

Performance of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have performed and complied with in all material respects the agreements or covenants required to be performed, or complied with, by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Offer Closing Time; and

 

  (c)

No Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Marel Group. Since the date hereof, a Material Adverse Effect shall not have occurred with respect to the Marel Group.

 

12.4.

Conditions Waivable by the Company. The following conditions may (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) be waived by the Company, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date:

 

  (a)

JBT Representations and Warranties. (i) The JBT Capitalization Representations shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except for de minimis inaccuracies, (ii) the JBT Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) in all material respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time and (iii) the representation and warranty in Section 1.8 of Part I

 

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of Annex 10.1 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time and (iv) the representations and warranties of JBT and the Bidder set forth in Part I of Annex 10.1 other than those described in the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except where the failure to be so true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the JBT Group; provided, however, that, with respect to clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, representations and warranties that are made as of a particular date or period shall be true and correct (consistent with the respective thresholds set forth in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) as applicable) only as of such date or period;

 

  (b)

Performance of Obligations of JBT and the Bidder. Each of JBT and the Bidder shall have performed and complied with in all material respects the agreements or covenants required to be performed, or complied with, by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Offer Closing Time; and

 

  (c)

No Material Adverse Effect with respect to the JBT Group. Since the date hereof, a Material Adverse Effect shall not have occurred with respect to the JBT Group.

 

12.5.

Dutch Consultation Condition. A Dutch WC Completion Event shall have occurred in respect of each of the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, and respective resolutions having been adopted by the Company and JBT that are compliant with the applicable Dutch WC Completion Event.

Section 13

Effectiveness, Term and Termination

 

13.1.

Termination by Mutual Consent. This Agreement may be terminated by mutual written consent of JBT and the Company at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time.

 

13.2.

Termination of the Agreement by either JBT or the Company. This Agreement may be terminated in full by either JBT or the Company at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time if:

 

  (a)

at the Expiration Date, any Closing Condition (other than the Closing Conditions set forth in Section 12.2(d) or Section 12.2(f)) has not been satisfied or waived, provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 13.2(a) shall not be available to any Party whose material breach of any provision of this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of any Closing Condition otherwise giving rise to the foregoing termination right;

 

  (b)

the Offer Closing Time shall not have occurred by July 4, 2025 (such date, the “Initial Drop Dead Date”, and the Initial Drop Dead Date, as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 13.2(b), the “Drop Dead Date”), provided that if on the Initial Drop Dead Date (i) the conditions set forth in Section 12.2(c) and Section 12.2(d) have each been satisfied and (ii) the conditions set forth in at least one of Section 12.2(a) or Section 12.2(b) (with respect to Section 12.2(b), solely to the extent the failure of such condition to be satisfied arises as a result of any Law or Order under (x) any Antitrust Law of the United States or a Specified Antitrust Jurisdiction or (y) any Foreign Investment Law of any Specified FDI Jurisdiction) shall not have been satisfied or validly waived, then JBT may, at its option, extend the Drop Dead Date to October 4, 2025 (the “Extended Drop Dead Date”) by delivery of a written notice to the Company on or prior to the Initial Drop Dead Date; provided, further however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 13.2(b) shall not be available to any Party whose material breach of any provision of this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of the Offer Closing Time to occur on or before the Drop Dead Date;

 

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  (c)

the JBT Stockholder Approval shall not have been obtained after a vote of the JBT stockholders (with respect to the approval of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) has been taken and completed at the JBT Stockholders Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof in accordance with Section 7.2;

 

  (d)

at the Expiration Date, the Minimum Acceptance Condition shall have been neither satisfied nor waived; or

 

  (e)

any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any Order, or any Law shall be in effect that was enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the Transaction by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction, in each case, permanently restraining, enjoining, preventing or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal prior to the Offer Closing Time, the consummation of the Transaction, and such Order or Law shall have become final and nonappealable.

 

13.3.

Termination of the Agreement by the Company. This Agreement may be terminated in full by the Company at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time if:

 

  (a)

(i) the Bidder fails to commence the Tender Offer in violation of Section 3.1 or otherwise by June 30, 2024 (the “Required Commencement Date”); provided, however, that (A) the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 13.3(a)(i) shall not be available to the Company to the extent that the Company’s breach of any provision of this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of the Bidder to commence the Tender Offer by the Required Commencement Date and (B) if the Company or its Representatives fail to deliver the information concerning the Marel Group necessary to enable JBT to prepare required pro forma financial statements and related footnotes pursuant to Section 2.4(b) and the historical financial statements and related footnotes required in connection with the Registration Statement at the time of the initial filing of the Registration Statement (collectively, the “Required Company Information”) by April 30, 2024, then the Required Commencement Date shall be automatically extended, without any action required by either Party, by the number of Business Days equivalent to the number of Business Days in the period of time starting on April 30, 2024 and ending on the date of delivery of the Required Company Information by the Company or its Representatives to JBT, or (ii) (A) the Closing Conditions have been satisfied or waived at or prior to the Expiration Date (other than those Closing Conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, but subject to such conditions being able to be satisfied at the Expiration Date or being waived at the Expiration Date), (B) the Bidder, in violation of the terms of this Agreement, fails to accept for purchase Marel Shares validly tendered (and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Tender Offer prior to the expiration of the Failure Notice Period (as defined below) and (C) the Company has delivered written notice (the “Companys Notice”) to the Bidder of the Company’s intention to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13.3(a)(ii) if the Bidder fails to accept for purchase Marel Shares validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Tender Offer by 11:59 p.m. (New York City time) on the second (2nd) Business Day following the date of the Company’s delivery of the Company’s Notice (or such shorter period of time as remains prior to 11:59 p.m. (New York City time) on the Drop Dead Date, the shorter of such periods, the “Failure Notice Period”);

 

  (b)

(i) the Company is not in breach of this Agreement such that JBT has the right (or would have the right following notice and an opportunity to cure, if applicable) to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.4(a), (ii) JBT or the Bidder shall have breached or otherwise failed to perform any of their respective covenants or agreements under this Agreement that would give rise to the failure of the condition set forth in Section 12.4(b), or any of the representations and warranties of JBT or the Bidder set forth in this Agreement shall have become or been inaccurate such that the condition set forth in Section 12.4(a) is not capable of being satisfied if the Offer

 

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Closing Time were the date of termination pursuant to this Section 13.3(b), and (iii) such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy of JBT or the Bidder is not capable of being cured within twenty (20) Business Days following the Company’s delivery of written notice to JBT of such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy (or, if earlier, the Drop Dead Date);

 

  (c)

the Marel Board (or a committee thereof) effects a Change in Marel Recommendation in accordance with Section 5.1(c)(2)(i) and, substantially concurrently with such Change in Marel Recommendation, enters into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company Superior Proposal;

 

  (d)

a Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the JBT Group; or

 

  (e)

at any time prior to the Expiration Date, a Change in JBT Recommendation shall have occurred.

 

13.4.

Termination of the Agreement by JBT. This Agreement may be terminated in full by JBT at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time if:

 

  (a)

(i) neither JBT nor the Bidder is in breach of this Agreement such that the Company has the right (or would have the right following notice and an opportunity to cure, if applicable) to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.3(a) or Section 13.3(b), (ii) the Company shall have breached or otherwise failed to perform any of its covenants or agreements under this Agreement that would give rise to the failure of the condition set forth in Section 12.3(b), or any of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement shall have become or been inaccurate such that the condition set forth in Section 12.3(a) is not capable of being satisfied if the Offer Closing Time were the date of termination pursuant to this Section 13.4(a), and (iii) such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy of the Company is not capable of being cured within twenty (20) Business Days following JBT’s delivery of written notice to the Company of such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy (or, if earlier, the Drop Dead Date);

 

  (b)

a Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Marel Group;

 

  (c)

at any time prior to the Expiration Date, a Change in Marel Recommendation shall have occurred;

 

  (d)

the JBT Board (or a committee thereof) effects a Change in JBT Recommendation in accordance with Section 5.2(c)(2)(i) and, substantially concurrently with such Change in JBT Recommendation, enters into a definitive agreement with respect to a JBT Superior Proposal; or

 

  (e)

the Marel shareholders validly pass a shareholder resolution requiring the Marel Group to take a Mandated Marel Shareholder Action.

 

13.5.

General Effects of Termination. Any proper and valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13 shall be effective immediately upon the delivery of written notice by the terminating party to the other Parties, specifying the provision or provisions pursuant to which such termination is being effected, including any termination pursuant to this Section 13 by the Company that requires subsequent approval or ratification by the Company’s shareholders pursuant to the Icelandic Takeover Act, which shall nonetheless be deemed proper, valid and effective as of such prior written notice following such approval or ratification. In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13, this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect and there shall be no liability of any Party (or any director, officer, employee, Affiliate, agent or other Representative of such Parties) to the other Parties or any third party beneficiary hereof, except that (a) Section 11.1(f), this Section 13.5, Section 14, Section 15, Section 16 and the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement (together with the last sentence of Section 7.4) shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and (b) nothing herein shall relieve any Party, as applicable, from any liability or damages resulting from any fraud or Willful Breach of this Agreement that occurs prior to such termination. For clarity, following proper and valid termination of this Agreement, JBT and the Bidder may withdraw the Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus and withdraw and abandon the Tender Offer at its sole discretion to the extent permitted by applicable Law.

 

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Section 14

Certain Effects of Termination

 

14.1.

JBT Reverse Termination Payment. In the event that this Agreement is terminated by JBT or the Company pursuant to Sections 13.2(a), 13.2(b) or 13.2(e) (with respect to Section 13.2(e), if an applicable Law or Order arises under any Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law) and, at the time of such termination, (i) the conditions set forth in at least one of Section 12.2(a) or Section 12.2(b) (with respect to Section 12.2(b), solely to the extent the failure of such condition to be satisfied arises as a result of any Law or Order under (x) any Antitrust Law of the United States or a Specified Antitrust Jurisdiction or (y) any Foreign Investment Law of any Specified FDI Jurisdiction) shall not have been satisfied or validly waived and (ii) all of the other conditions set forth in Section 12 (other than Section 12.2(f), and, solely to the extent that JBT has not yet submitted the NYSE Supplemental Listing Application to the NYSE at the time of such termination, Section 12.2(e)) have been satisfied or validly waived (except for those other conditions that by their terms may only be satisfied at the Offer Closing Time, provided that such other conditions would have been satisfied if the Offer Closing Time would have occurred on the date of termination (or would have been validly waived as of such time)), then JBT shall pay to the Company (A) EUR 85 million (85,000,000) if the Drop Dead Date is the Initial Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination or (B) EUR 110 million (110,000,000) if the Drop Dead Date is the Extended Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination (any such payment under the preceding (A) or (B), the “Reverse Termination Payment”) in cleared, immediately available funds within three (3) Business Days after such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) the FSA fails to approve any extension to the Expiration Date requested by the Bidder in accordance with Section 3.2(a) (and such requested extension was to a date prior to the Drop Dead Date) and (ii) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13.2(a), then no Reverse Termination Payment shall be payable hereunder, notwithstanding that the conditions to such payment may otherwise have been satisfied pursuant to this Section 14.1.

 

14.2.

Company Expense Reimbursement Payment.

 

  (a)

The Company agrees to pay to JBT an amount equal to up to an aggregate (i) EUR 35 million (35,000,000) if a JBT Superior Proposal Termination occurs or (ii) EUR 15 million (15,000,000) if a JBT Intervening Event Termination occurs, in each case of the preceding (i) or (ii), in out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred, directly or indirectly, by JBT or its Subsidiaries, or on their behalf, for the purposes of, in preparation for, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), including filing fees with respect to any filings, notifications or consents under any Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws or with the SEC, third party costs and expenses incurred in connection with exploratory work carried out in contemplation of and in connection with transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), legal, financial and commercial due diligence, the arrangement of financing (and any fees incurred in connection with the Debt Financing) and the engagement of third party Representatives to assist in the process (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to JBT and its Subsidiaries) (the payments provided for in this Section 14.2(a), the “Company Expense Reimbursement Payment”). The Company Expense Reimbursement Payment will be paid by the Company in cleared, immediately available funds within three (3) Business Days after a JBT Superior Proposal Termination or JBT Intervening Event Termination. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Company be required to make more than one (1) payment to JBT pursuant to this Section 14.2.

 

  (b)

A “JBT Superior Proposal Termination” means a termination of this Agreement (i) by JBT pursuant to Section 13.4(c) for a Change in Marel Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(2)(i) or otherwise in connection with a Company Superior Proposal or (ii) by the Company pursuant to Section 13.3(c).

 

  (c)

A “JBT Intervening Event Termination” means a termination of this Agreement by JBT, other than a JBT Superior Proposal Termination, pursuant to Section 13.4(c) for a Change in Marel

 

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Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(2)(ii) or otherwise but not for a Change in Marel Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(4).

 

14.3.

JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment.

 

  (a)

JBT agrees to pay to the Company an amount equal to up to an aggregate (i) EUR 35 million (35,000,000) if a Company Superior Proposal Termination occurs or (ii) EUR 15 million (15,000,000) if a Company Reimbursement Termination occurs, in each case of the preceding (i) or (ii), in out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred, directly or indirectly, by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or on their behalf, for the purposes of, in preparation for, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), including filing fees with respect to any filings, notifications or consents under any Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws or with the SEC, third party costs and expenses incurred in connection with exploratory work carried out in contemplation of and in connection with transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), legal, financial and commercial due diligence, and the engagement of third party Representatives to assist in the process (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to the Company and its Subsidiaries), including the preparation of the Disclosure Documents, provided however that no amounts or reimbursements paid to any Marel Group Company or its Representatives pursuant to Section 11.1(f) or (in respect of filing fees) Section 16.1(b) shall be reimbursed pursuant to this Section 14.3(a) so as to avoid any double recovery (the payments provided for in this Section 14.3(a), the “JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment”). The JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment will be paid by the JBT in cleared, immediately available funds within three (3) Business Days after a Company Superior Proposal Termination or Company Reimbursement Termination, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall JBT be required to make more than one (1) payment to the Company pursuant to this Section 14.3.

 

  (b)

A “Company Superior Proposal Termination” means a termination of this Agreement (i) by the Company pursuant to Section 13.3(e) for a Change in JBT Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(2)(i) or otherwise in connection with a JBT Superior Proposal, or (ii) by JBT pursuant to Section 13.4(d).

 

  (c)

A “Company Reimbursement Termination” means a termination of this Agreement by the Company, other than a Company Superior Proposal Termination, pursuant to (i) Section 13.3(a)(i), (ii) Section 13.3(b) in connection with a breach by JBT or the Bidder of clause (i) of Section 3.2(d) or (iii) Section 13.3(e).

 

14.4.

Single Payment Only. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Parties acknowledge and hereby agree that in no event shall the Company or JBT be required to pay the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Reverse Termination Payment, as applicable, on more than one occasion, whether or not the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Reverse Termination Payment, as applicable, may be payable under more than one provision of this Agreement at the same or at different times and the occurrence of different events. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall JBT be required to pay both the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment and the Reverse Termination Payment.

 

14.5.

Exclusive Remedy. The Parties acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 14 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty, and that, without these agreements, the Parties would not enter into this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event this Agreement is terminated under the circumstances in which the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Reverse Termination Payment, as applicable, is paid in full (a) (i) the payment by the Company of the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment pursuant to Section 14.2 (including, in each case, any additional amount payable pursuant to this Section 14.5) shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of JBT and the Bidder and each of their controlled Affiliates, each of the direct and

 

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indirect stockholders, partners, managers or other equity or security holders of JBT, the Bidder or any of their respective Affiliates and any Representative of any of the foregoing (each, a “JBT Related Party,” and, collectively, the “JBT Related Parties”) and (ii) the payment by JBT of the Reverse Termination Payment pursuant to Section 14.1 or of the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment pursuant to Section 14.3 (including, in each case, any additional amount payable pursuant to this Section 14.5 or Section 11.1(f) or (in respect of filing fees) Section 16.1(b)) shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Company, any Affiliates thereof, any direct or indirect shareholder, partner, manager or other equity or security holder of the Company or any Affiliate thereof or any Representative of any of the foregoing (each, a “Company Related Party,” and, collectively, the “Company Related Parties”) in the event of such applicable terminations, (b) (i) (x) in the case of payment by the Company of the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, none of JBT or the Bidder, any JBT Related Party or any other Person shall, and none of JBT or the Bidder, any JBT Related Party or any other Person shall be entitled to, bring, threaten, commence, maintain or seek any recovery in connection with (and each of JBT and the Bidder hereby irrevocably covenant not to bring, threaten, commence, maintain or seek (and further covenants to cause each other JBT Related Party not to bring, threaten, commence, maintain or seek) any recovery in connection with) and (y) in the case of payment by JBT of the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Reverse Termination Payment, none of the Company or any Company Related Party shall have any liability for or with respect to, in the case of each of clauses (x) and (y), any action, suit, claim, proceeding, investigation, arbitration or inquiry against the Company or any Company Related Party arising out of this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated hereby, any breach of any agreement or covenant or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement, any matters forming the basis for such termination or any loss suffered as a result of the failure of the Transaction or any other transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated, and (ii) (x) in the case of payment by JBT of the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Reverse Termination Payment, none of the Company, any Company Related Party or any other Person shall, and none of the Company, any Company Related Party or any other Person shall be entitled to, bring, threaten, commence, maintain or seek any recovery in connection with (and the Company hereby irrevocably covenants not to bring, threaten, commence, maintain or seek (and further covenants to cause each other Company Related Party not to bring, threaten, commence, maintain or seek) any recovery in connection with) and (y) in the case of payment by the Company of the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, none of JBT or the Bidder or any JBT Related Party shall have any liability for or with respect to, in the case of each of clauses (x) and (y), any action, suit, claim, proceeding, investigation, arbitration or inquiry against any of JBT, the Bidder or JBT Related Party arising out of this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated hereby, any breach of any agreement or covenant or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement, any matters forming the basis for such termination or any loss suffered as a result of the failure of the Transaction or any other transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated. If the Company or JBT fails to timely pay any amount due pursuant to this Section 14, and, in order to obtain the payment, JBT or the Bidder, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, as applicable, commences an Action which results in a judgment against the Company or JBT or the Bidder, as applicable, for the payment set forth in this Section 14, the Company shall pay JBT or JBT shall pay the Company, as applicable, its reasonable and documented costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees) incurred in prosecuting such Action, together with interest on such amount at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal in effect on the date such payment was required to be made through the date such payment was actually received. Notwithstanding the timing for payment in Sections 14.1 or 14.3, any amount payable pursuant to this Section 14 to the Company but subject to an approval or ratification by the Company’s shareholders of the underlying termination of this Agreement shall be due and paid based only upon such approval or ratification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payment of the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Reverse Termination Payment will not relieve either JBT, the Bidder or the Company from liability for any fraud or Willful Breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (A) in the event this Agreement is terminated by the Company for any reason at a time when JBT would have had the right to terminate this Agreement and receive the Company Expense

 

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Reimbursement Payment, JBT shall be entitled to receipt of any Company Expense Reimbursement Payment that would have been (or would have subsequently become) payable had JBT terminated this Agreement at such time, (B) in the event this Agreement is terminated by JBT for any reason at a time when the Company would have had the right to terminate this Agreement and receive the Reverse Termination Payment or the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment, the Company shall be entitled to receipt of any Reverse Termination Payment or the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment that would have been (or would have subsequently become) payable had the Company terminated this Agreement at such time and (C) in the event this Agreement is terminated by either JBT or the Company for any reason at a time when the Company would have had the right to terminate this Agreement and receive the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment and JBT would concurrently have had the right to terminate this Agreement and receive the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, then neither Party shall be entitled to such respective payment.

Section 15

Notices

Any and all notices and communications under this Agreement shall be made in writing in the English language and delivered by hand, by courier or by email (provided that receipt of the email is promptly confirmed by telefax or email which the receiving Party shall be confirming without undue delay after receipt of such email) to the person at the address set forth below, or such other person or address as may be designated by the respective Party to the other Parties in the same manner:

 

  (a)

if to JBT or the Bidder:

John Bean Technologies Corporation

70 West Madison Street

Suite 4400

Chicago, IL 60602

Attention:  Brian Deck

    Matthew Meister

    James Marvin

    Kedric Meredith

Email:    ####

    ####

    ####

    ####

with copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Attention:  Daniel Wolf, P.C.

    David M. Klein, P.C.

    Carlo Zenkner, P.C.

Email:    ####

    ####

    ####

 

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  (b)

if to the Company:

Marel hf.

Austurhraun 9

210 Garðabær

Iceland

Attention:  Árni Sigurðsson

    Árni Sigurjónsson

    Halla Björgvinsdóttir

    Narfi Snorrason

Email:    ####

    ####

    ####

    ####

with copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Baker & McKenzie LLP

300 E. Randolph Street, Suite 5000

Chicago, IL 60601

Attention:  Dieter Schmitz

    Piotr Korzynski

Email:    ####

    ####

and

BBA Fjeldco ehf.

Katrínartún 2

105 Reykjavík

Iceland

Attention:  Halldór Karl Halldórsson

    Jóhann Magnús Jóhannsson

Email:    ####

    ####

Section 16

Miscellaneous

 

16.1.

Assignment; Costs.

 

  (a)

No Party may assign (by operation of Law or otherwise) either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other Parties; provided, however, that the Bidder may assign any or all of its rights and interest under this Agreement to an Affiliate of the Bidder or JBT without any required consent from any other Party; provided, further, that no such assignment by the Bidder shall relieve the Bidder of its obligations under this Agreement. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any purported assignment in violation of this Agreement will be void ab initio.

 

  (b)

Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement and with respect to any filing fees associated with submitting any filing under the HSR Act and any other filings under any other Antitrust Laws or the Foreign Investment Laws, which shall in any event be paid by JBT, each Party shall bear its own fees and expenses with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as well as the entry into, and consummation of, this Agreement.

 

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16.2.

Debt Financing Sources. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (but in all cases subject to and without in any way limiting the rights, remedies and claims of JBT and its Affiliates under or pursuant to the Bridge Financing, the Commitment Letter or any other agreement entered into with respect to the Debt Financing), each of the Parties on behalf of itself and each of its Affiliates hereby: (a) agrees that any legal action (whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise), involving the Committed Financing Sources, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or federal court of the United States of America, in each case, sitting in New York County and any appellate court thereof (each such court, the “Subject Courts”) and each Party irrevocably submits itself and its property with respect to any such action to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court and agrees that any such dispute shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of New York (provided, however, that notwithstanding the forgoing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, it is understood and agreed that (i) the interpretation of the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” (and whether or not a “Material Adverse Effect” has occurred), (ii) the determination of the accuracy of any “certain funds representation” (as such term or similar term may be defined in the Bridge Financing Agreement) or “specified acquisition agreement representation” (as such term or similar term may be defined in the Commitment Letter) and whether as a result of any inaccuracy thereof JBT, the Bidder or any of their respective Affiliates have the right to terminate its or their obligations hereunder pursuant to Section 13 or decline to consummate the Closing as a result thereof pursuant to Section 14 and (iii) the determination of whether the Closing has been consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms hereof, shall in each case be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of Laws of any other jurisdiction); provided, however, that the Transaction and the Tender Offer and matters related thereto shall, to the extent required by the Laws of Iceland, and the interpretation of the duties of directors of the Company shall, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Iceland, (b) agrees not to bring or support or permit any of its Affiliates to bring or support any legal action (including any action, cause of action, claim, cross-claim or third party claim of any kind or description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise), against the Committed Financing Sources in any way arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder in any forum other than any Subject Court, (c) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action in any such Subject Court, (d) knowingly, intentionally and voluntarily waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable legal requirements trial by jury in any legal action brought against the Committed Financing Sources in any way arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, (e) agrees that none of the Committed Financing Sources will have any liability to any of the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective Affiliates relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder and that none of the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective Affiliates shall bring or support any legal action, including any action, cause of action, claim, cross-claim or third party claim of any kind or description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against any of the Committed Financing Sources relating to or in any way arising out of this Agreement, the Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, (f) waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any legal action involving any Committed Financing Source or the transactions contemplated hereby, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Subject Courts as described herein for any reason, and (g) agrees (x) that the Committed Financing Sources are express third party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, any of the provisions in Section 14.5 or this Section 16.2 (and the definitions of any terms used in Section 14.5 or this Section 16.2) and (y) to the extent any amendments to any provision of Section 14.5 or this

 

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Section 16.2 (or, solely as they relate to such Section, the definitions of any terms used in Section 14.5 or this Section 16.2) are adverse to the Committed Financing Sources, such provisions shall not be amended without the prior written consent of the Committed Financing Sources. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Section 16.2 shall in any way affect any Party’s or any of their respective Affiliates’ rights and remedies under any binding agreement between a Committed Financing Source and such party.

 

16.3.

Survival. The representations, warranties and covenants of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall terminate at the Offer Closing Time; provided that the covenants that by their terms survive the Offer Closing Time or are to be performed (in whole or in part) following the Offer Closing Time shall survive the Offer Closing Time in accordance with their respective terms.

 

16.4.

Third Party Beneficiaries. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, except for (a) the Company Related Parties’ and the JBT Related Parties’ respective limitations on liability (and other protections arising from the covenants not to sue and related provisions) set forth in Section 14.5, (b) after the acceptance of any Marel Shares in the Tender Offer, the rights of (i) the holders of Marel Shares to receive the Consideration as provided for in the Offer Document and herein and (ii) the holders of Marel Stock Options to receive the consideration described in Section 3.11 (which rights under the preceding (i) and (ii) are intended for the benefit of such holders, all of whom are third-party beneficiaries of such rights and related provisions), (c) the rights of the Company, on behalf of the holders of Marel Shares and the holders of Marel Stock Options, to pursue specific performance as set forth in Section 16.6 or, if specific performance is not sought or granted as a remedy, damages in the event of JBT’s or the Bidder’s breach of this Agreement, (d) as specified in Section 9.3(c) or (e) the express third party beneficiary rights of the Committed Financing Sources set forth in Section 16.2.

 

16.5.

Guarantee. JBT shall cause the Bidder to, and hereby guarantees that the Bidder shall, perform and discharge and comply with all of the obligations, covenants, terms, conditions and undertakings of the Bidder under this Agreement in accordance with the terms, and subject to the conditions, hereof, including any such obligations, covenants, terms, conditions and undertakings herein that are required to be performed, discharged or complied with following the Offer Closing Time.

 

16.6.

Specific Performance.

 

  (a)

Except as otherwise provided herein, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a Party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity upon such Party, and the exercise by a Party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.

 

  (b)

The Parties hereto hereby agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any provision of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached, and that money damages or other legal remedies would not be an adequate remedy for any such damages. Accordingly, the Parties acknowledge and hereby agree that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by the Company, on the one hand, or JBT or the Bidder, on the other hand, of any of their respective covenants or obligations set forth in this Agreement, the Company, on the one hand, and JBT and the Bidder, on the other hand, shall be entitled (without proof of actual damages or otherwise or posting or securing any bond or other security), in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled to under law or equity, to an injunction or injunctions to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement, by the other (as applicable), and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants and obligations of the other under this Agreement. The Company, on the one hand, and JBT and the Bidder, on the other hand, hereby agree not to raise any objections to the availability of the

 

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equitable remedy of specific performance to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement by such party (or parties), and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants and obligations of such Party (or Parties) under this Agreement. Any Party’s pursuit of any injunction or specific performance at any time will not be deemed an election of remedies or waiver of the right to pursue any other right or remedy to which such Party may be entitled, including the right to pursue remedies for liabilities or damages incurred or suffered by a party in the case of a breach of this Agreement involving Willful Breach or fraud; provided, however, that in no event shall (i) the Company be entitled to both the payment of the Reverse Termination Payment or the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment, on the one hand, and specific performance to cause JBT and the Bidder to consummate the Tender Offer, on the other hand or (ii) JBT be entitled to both the payment of the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, on the one hand, and specific performance to cause the Company to comply with any terms of this Agreement, on the other hand.

 

16.7.

Collaboration and Rights Regarding Communications. Except (i) as required by (x) applicable Law, (y) by a request by a court, regulatory body or other public authority or (z) an obligation pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any securities exchange, (ii) with respect to any Change in Marel Recommendation, any Change in JBT Recommendation or any action taken by the Company or the Marel Board or JBT or the JBT Board, as applicable, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5, (iii) pursuant to Section 16.8, (iv) with respect to Disclosure Documents otherwise in accordance with Section 2 or the Reasoned Statement in accordance with Section 4 or (v) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3(a):

 

  (a)

the Parties agree to consult with the respective other Party (x) regarding any press release or other public statements concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (y) regarding other public statements, such as interviews, in case such other public statements deviate from or go beyond general guidelines which the Parties will develop for any public communication the date of this Agreement, in each case of the preceding (x) and (y) prior to the respective publication or public statement. For the avoidance of doubt, JBT will have to regularly communicate and file information with the SEC and the Parties acknowledge that all such communications and filings shall be exempt from this Section 16.7 but subject in any event to Section 2.4; and

 

  (b)

other than the initial press releases that will be mutually agreed in good faith by the Parties, no Party shall issue or file any press release or other public statements or filings concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to obtaining the consent of the other Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed), provided, however, that a Party may, without the prior consent of the other Parties, issue any such press release or make any such public statement or filing (i) if the disclosure contained therein is consistent in all material respects with a prior public disclosure that was previously made otherwise pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if required by applicable Law; provided that the Party issuing such press release or making such public statement under this clause (ii) has used its reasonable best efforts to consult with the other Party and to obtain such Party’s consent but has been unable to do so in a timely manner through no fault of such issuing Party.

 

16.8.

Specific Permitted Disclosures.

 

  (a)

The Company hereby agrees that:

 

  (1)

JBT will disclose the entire content of this Agreement (other than the Company Disclosure Letter and the JBT Disclosure Letter) as part of its filing on the Form 8-K with the SEC in connection with the entry into this Agreement;

 

  (2)

JBT and the Bidder shall disclose the material terms of this Agreement (other than, for clarity, the Company Disclosure Letter and the JBT Disclosure Letter) as part of the Offer Document and the Registration Statement; and

 

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  (3)

JBT and the Bidder shall disclose the material terms of this Agreement in filings with the SEC and in a press release issued by them in connection with the Tender Offer and the Transaction, which press release shall be in such form as mutually agreed by the Parties.

 

  (b)

JBT and the Bidder hereby agree that the Company is at any time permitted to disclose the entire content of this Agreement to stakeholders and the press as well as in (i) the Reasoned Statement and (ii) any filing or statement required to be made by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC in respect of the Tender Offer including the statement required by Rule 14e-2 of Regulation 14E as promulgated by the SEC or of the FSA or pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation.

 

16.9.

Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be or become invalid, ineffective or unenforceable as a whole or in part, the validity, effectiveness and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. Any such invalid, ineffective or unenforceable provision shall be deemed replaced by such valid, effective and enforceable provision as comes closest to the economic intent and purpose of such invalid, ineffective or unenforceable provision as regards subject-matter, amount, time, place and extent. The aforesaid shall apply mutatis mutandis to any gap in this Agreement.

 

16.10.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all of the Parties’ agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

16.11.

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement. A facsimile or email transmission of scanned or executed counterparts of this Agreement shall be sufficient to bind a Party to the same extent as an original.

 

16.12.

Amendments and Waivers. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, this Agreement may be amended by the Parties only by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties, at any time before or after the JBT Stockholder Approval is obtained. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, 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, (c) waive compliance with any covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement or (d) waive the satisfaction of any of the conditions contained in this Agreement as provided herein. Subject to Section 13.5, no extension or waiver, or termination of this Agreement, by a Party shall require the approval of JBT’s stockholders or the Company’s shareholders unless such approval is required by Law. 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 the Party to be bound thereby. No failure or delay of any Party to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall constitute a waiver of such rights.

 

16.13.

Interpretation, Definitions.

 

  (a)

This Agreement is made in the English language.

 

  (b)

When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, a Section or an Annex or Exhibit, such reference shall be to an Article, a Section or an Annex or Exhibit of or to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents, index of defined terms and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Any capitalized term used in any Annex or Exhibit but not otherwise defined therein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in 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.” The words “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term “or” is not exclusive. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms. All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to

 

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the masculine, feminine or neuter as the context may require. Any contract or Law defined or referred to herein means such contract or Law as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, unless otherwise specifically indicated (in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in the case of contracts). Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” will be deemed references to the lawful money of the United States of America and “EUR” or “€” will be deemed references to the official currency of the European Union. The Parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. The words “Bidder shall” will be deemed to be followed by the words “(and JBT shall cause Bidder to)”.

 

  (c)

Action” shall mean any (i) civil, criminal or administrative actions or (ii) litigations, arbitrations or other proceedings, in each of (i) and (ii), before any Governmental Authority.

 

  (d)

Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, the term “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

  (e)

Antitrust Law” shall mean the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended, the Clayton Act of 1914, as amended, the HSR Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, any non-U.S. antitrust Laws, as amended, and all other Laws that are designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or significant impediments or lessening of competition or the creation or strengthening of a dominant position through merger or acquisition, in any case that are applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  (f)

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in Reykjavik, Iceland, or New York, New York, are generally closed.

 

  (g)

Commitment Letter” shall mean that certain backstop commitment letter, dated as of April 4, 2024, by and between JBT, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and each other lender that becomes a party thereto (together with the term sheet and all exhibits, schedules and annexes thereto), as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

  (h)

Committed Financing Sources” shall mean each Debt Financing Source party to the Bridge Financing Agreement or the Commitment Letter or that has otherwise entered into any committed agreements with respect to any Debt Financing, including any other commitment letter or other documentation with respect to any permanent financing and any amendments, supplements, joinder agreements and definitive documentation relating thereto, together with their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors, and representatives and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

  (i)

Company Benefit Plan” shall mean each “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA), and each employment, individual consulting, severance, termination, separation, incentive or bonus, commission, retention, change in control, deferred compensation, profit sharing, retirement, welfare, post-employment, equity or equity-based (including stock purchase and phantom equity) or other benefit or compensation plan,

 

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policy, program, agreement, or arrangement that is maintained, sponsored or contributed to or required to be contributed to by a Marel Group Company or with respect to which a Marel Group Company has any current or contingent liability or obligation.

 

  (j)

Company Capitalization Representations” shall mean the representations and warranties in Section 1.2 (other than Section 1.2(f)) of Part II of Annex 10.1.

 

  (k)

Company Disclosure Documents” shall mean all documents publicly filed with, or publicly submitted to, or made publicly available pursuant to the applicable rules, regulations or listing requirements or standards of, the FSA or Nasdaq Iceland by the Company since January 1, 2021, together with any exhibits, financial statements and schedules thereto and other information incorporated therein and publicly available.

 

  (l)

Company Fundamental Representations” shall mean Sections 1.1, 1.2(f), 1.3 and 1.10 of Part II of Annex 10.1.

 

  (m)

Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean the Mutual Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2023 between JBT and the Company.

 

  (n)

Contract” shall mean with respect to any Person, any agreement, indenture, loan agreement, undertaking, note or other debt instrument, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, permit, license, understanding, arrangement, commitment or other obligation to which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them may be bound or to which any of their properties may be subject.

 

  (o)

Debt Amendment” shall mean the “Amendment” as defined in the Commitment Letter.

 

  (p)

Debt Financing” shall mean, collectively, the Bridge Financing, the Guarantee, the Commitment Letter and any other debt financing incurred, or anticipated to be incurred, including the public offering or private placement of debt securities, borrowing under revolving, long-term or bridge loans, in each case by JBT or any of its Subsidiaries in lieu of the Bridge Financing or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  (q)

Debt Financing Sources” shall mean any underwriter, initial purchaser, syndicate or other group engaged for any and all purposes of the Debt Financing, including the parties providing or arranging financing pursuant to any commitment letters, engagement letters, underwriting agreements, securities purchase agreements, indentures or other agreements entered pursuant thereto or relating thereto.

 

  (r)

Dutch WC Completion Event” shall, with respect to the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, as applicable, mean any of the following:

 

  (1)

the relevant Dutch works council irrevocably and unconditionally waives its right in writing to render advice on the Transaction;

 

  (2)

the relevant Dutch works council renders in writing an unconditional positive advice or neutral advice on the Transaction in line with the proposed resolution (voorgenomen besluit) for which advice was requested and permitting the Parties to implement the Transaction;

 

  (3)

the relevant Dutch works council renders an advice on the Transaction subject to conditions, which conditions are unconditionally and irrevocably accepted by the Parties, including by the Parties agreeing to amendments to this Agreement or further commitments pursuant to Section 6.3; or

 

  (4)

the Company having informed the Company Dutch WC or JBT having informed the JBT Dutch WC, as applicable, of the decision to proceed with the proposed resolution in accordance with Section 6.3(a) and one of the events set forth in subsections (1) – (3) of Section 6.3(a) having occurred with respect to the relevant Dutch works council(s).

 

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  (s)

Equity Securities” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) any shares of capital or capital stock (including any ordinary shares) or other voting securities of, or other ownership interest in, such Person, (ii) any securities of such Person convertible into or exchangeable for cash or shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from such Person, or other obligations of such Person to issue, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any restricted shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted units, performance units, contingent value rights, “phantom” stock or similar securities or rights issued by or with the approval of such Person that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, other ownership interests in, or any business, products or assets of, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

  (t)

Foreign Investment Laws” shall mean any Laws that (i) enable a Governmental Authority to monitor, regulate, restrict, prohibit or otherwise review investments by investors, entities or other persons in domestic businesses from a national security perspective or (ii) that address foreign subsidies, including the European Union’s rules and regulations that address foreign subsidies.

 

  (u)

Governmental Authority” shall mean (i) any government, (ii) any governmental or regulatory entity, body, department, commission, subdivision, board, administrative agency or instrumentality, (iii) any court, tribunal, judicial body, or an arbitrator or arbitration panel or (iv) any non-governmental self-regulatory agency, securities exchange, commission or authority, in each of (i) through (iv) whether supranational, national, federal, state, county, municipal, provincial, and whether local, domestic or foreign.

 

  (v)

HSR Act” shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any successor statute, rules and regulations thereto.

 

  (w)

JBT Capitalization Representations” shall mean the representations and warranties in Section 1.2 (other than Section 1.2(f)) of Part I of Annex 10.1.

 

  (x)

JBT Fundamental Representations” shall mean Sections 1.1, 1.2(f), 1.3 and 1.11 of Part I of Annex 10.1.

 

  (y)

JBT Group Company” shall mean any member of the JBT Group.

 

  (z)

Knowledge” of a Party shall mean (i) when referring to JBT, the actual knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of Brian Deck, Matthew Meister and James Marvin and (ii) when referring to the Company, the actual knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of Árni Sigurðsson, Sebastiaan Boelen and Árni Sigurjónsson.

 

  (aa)

Law” shall mean any and all federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, ruling or other legal requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.

 

  (bb)

Lien” shall mean any lien, license, pledge, hypothecation, charge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance or other restriction of similar nature (including any restriction on the transfer of any security or other asset, or any restriction on the possession, exercise or transfer of any other attribute of ownership of any asset).

 

  (cc)

Marel Closing Price” means the volume-weighted average trading price of a Marel Share on the last trading day immediately prior to the Closing.

 

  (dd)

Marel Group Company” shall mean any member of the Marel Group.

 

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  (ee)

Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, (i) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the businesses, results of operations, assets or financial conditions of the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable), each taken separately as a whole; provided, however, that none of the following, either alone or in combination, shall constitute or be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur pursuant to this clause (i): (A) any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence to the extent resulting from (1) general conditions (or changes therein) in the industry in which the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable) operates, (2) business, economic or political conditions (or changes therein) in the United States, Iceland or elsewhere in the world or (3) general conditions (or changes therein) in the credit, financial, banking, currency or capital markets, in the United States, Iceland or elsewhere in the world, including changes in interest or exchange rates; (B) any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence to the extent resulting from (1) changes in Law or in GAAP or IFRS after the date hereof, (2) acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or (3) volcanoes, tsunamis, pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados or other natural disasters; (C) (1) any decline in the market price, or change in trading volume, of the capital stock of JBT or the Company (as applicable) or (2) any failure to meet any internal or public projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates, milestones, budgets or internal or published financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position (it being understood that the exceptions in clauses (C) (1) and (2) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that the underlying cause of any such change, decline or failure referred to therein is, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect); (D) any action taken by the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable) at the Company’s or JBT’s (respectively) written request; or (E) the negotiation, execution, public announcement, pendency or consummation of the Transaction (it being understood that this clause (E) shall not apply to any representation or warranty to the extent the purpose of such representation or warranty is to address the consequences resulting from the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transaction); provided further, however, that any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence referred to in clause (A) or clause (B) may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect to the extent such effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence has a disproportionate adverse effect on the businesses, results of operations, assets or financial condition of the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable), taken as a whole, as compared to other similarly situated companies in the industry in which the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable) operate; or (ii) would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede, interfere with, hinder or delay the consummation by JBT or the Company (as applicable) of the Transaction or the performance by JBT or the Company (as applicable) in all material respects of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  (ff)

Order” shall mean any order, judgment, award, decision, determination, decree, injunction, ruling, writ or assessment of any Governmental Authority (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is binding on any Person or its property under applicable Law.

 

  (gg)

Permits” shall mean all permits, licenses, registrations, certificates, variances, clearances, consents, commissions, franchises, exemptions, Orders, authorizations, approvals, qualifications and filings or notices issued by, obtained from or filed with any Governmental Authority.

 

  (hh)

Person” shall mean any individual, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, company (including any limited liability company or joint stock company), firm or other enterprise, association, organization, entity or Governmental Authority.

 

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  (ii)

Subsidiary” of any Person shall mean (i) a corporation more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, (ii) a partnership of which such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, is the general partner and has the power to direct the policies, management and affairs of such partnership, (iii) a limited liability company of which such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, is the managing member and has the power to direct the policies, management and affairs of such company or (iv) any other Person (other than a corporation, partnership or limited liability company) in which such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, has at least a majority ownership and power to direct the policies, management and affairs thereof.

 

  (jj)

Tax” shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, ad valorem, value added, alternative or add-on minimum or estimated tax or other tax of any kind or any charge of any kind in the nature of taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, penalty or addition to tax imposed by such Governmental Authority.

 

  (kk)

Trade Sanctions” shall mean economic or trade sanctions administered by OFAC, the United States Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, or His Majesty’s Treasury.

 

  (ll)

Willful Breach” shall mean a material breach of this Agreement that is the consequence of an act or omission by the breaching party with the actual knowledge that the taking of such act or failure to take such action would reasonably cause or constitute a material breach of this Agreement.

 

16.14.

Governing Law, Jurisdiction.

 

  (a)

This Agreement and all Actions based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware; provided, however, that the Transaction and the Tender Offer and matters related thereto shall, to the extent required by the Laws of Iceland, and the interpretation of the duties of directors of the Company shall, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Iceland.

 

  (b)

Each of the Parties irrevocably agrees that the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware, and any appellate courts therefrom, are to have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection which any of them may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of, and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of, any such Action in any such court. Any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall therefore be brought in the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware, and any appellate courts therefrom. Notwithstanding the forgoing, any Action to the extent directly applicable to the Icelandic Law requirements of the Tender Offer, or to the duties of the directors of the Company, shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the District Court of Reykjavik and any appellate courts therefrom.

 

  (c)

EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON

 

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CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATION OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

[Signature Page to Follow]

 

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ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

 

JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES EUROPE B.V.

By:

  

/s/ Noah Popp

  

Name: Noah Popp

  

Title: Managing Director A

 

By:

  

/s/ Olaf Sijrier

  

Name: Olaf Sijrier

  

Title: Managing Director B

 

JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

By:

  

/s/ James Marvin

  

Name: James Marvin

   Title: Executive Vice President, General Legal
  

Counsel and Assistant Secretary

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRANSACTION AGREEMENT]

 

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MAREL HF.

By:

  

/s/ Arnar Thor Masson

  

Name: Arnar Thor Masson

  

Title: Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRANSACTION AGREEMENT]

 

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Index of Annexes and Schedules

 

Annex #

  

Annex Name

Annex 9.1

  

Governance and Social Matters

Annex 10.1

  

Representations and Warranties

 

Schedule #

  

Schedule Name

Schedule 12.2(a)

  

Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions

 

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ANNEX 9.1

GOVERNANCE, INTEGRATION AND OTHER SOCIAL MATTERS

JBT and the Company shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to take, as applicable, all actions necessary, including with respect to JBT and the JBT Board, to the extent necessary,

 

  (1)

JBT obtaining the resignation or removal of any directors on the JBT Board immediately prior to the Closing,

 

  (2)

passing any JBT Board resolutions, and

 

  (3)

amending the JBT bylaws in effect immediately prior to the Closing,

Board and Committee Composition

(a) to cause the board of directors of JBT Marel (the “JBT Marel Board”) to be set at ten (10) directors at the Closing and consist (immediately subsequent to the Closing) of:

(i) four (4) independent directors from the pre-Closing Marel Board (together with the successor directors to such initially selected independent directors, the “Marel Independents”);

(ii) five (5) independent directors from the pre-Closing JBT Board (together with the successor directors to such initially selected independent directors, the “JBT Independents”); and

(iii) the JBT Chief Executive Officer (the “JBT CEO”) in office immediately prior to the Closing,

provided that from and after the Closing, “independence” of any JBT Marel Board member will be tested under the listing standards and rules of each of the NYSE and Nasdaq Iceland (solely to the extent any independent requirements are applicable as a result of the Secondary Listing) and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, with at least two (2) of the initial Marel Independents being “financially literate” as defined under and to the extent required by the listing standards of the NYSE;

(b) to cause the initial JBT Independents to be selected by the JBT Board and the initial Marel Independents to be selected by the Marel Board;

(c) to cause the JBT Board chairman as of immediately prior to the Closing to be appointed or elected to serve as chairman of the JBT Marel Board;

(d) to cause the initial term of three (3) of the Marel Independents to expire at the 2026 JBT Marel annual stockholder meeting, and the initial term of one (1) of the Marel Independents to expire at the 2025 JBT Marel annual stockholder meeting, provided that the initial term of any of the Marel Independents shall in no event expire earlier than the next JBT Marel annual stockholder meeting following their respective appointment;

(e) to cause each committee of the JBT Marel Board (including the Audit, Governance & Sustainability and Compensation committees or any successor committee thereto, but excluding the Special Nominating Committee) to consist of three (3) JBT Independents (with the initial members at or prior to Closing selected by JBT Board) and two (2) Marel Independents (with the initial members at or prior to Closing selected by the Marel Board);

(f) to cause the JBT Board to establish, as of the Closing, and to maintain through the third (3rd) anniversary thereof (the “Board Succession Period”), a nominating committee, consisting of two (2) of the Marel Independents (initially as determined by the Marel Board at or prior to Closing and thereafter as determined by a majority of the Marel Independents then in office) and one (1) of the JBT Independents (such committee, the “Special Nominating Committee”), with the exclusive authority, through a majority vote of the committee members then in office, to (i) propose candidates to fill any vacancy arising on the JBT Marel Board resulting from the cessation of service by any Marel Independent for any reason and (ii) propose director nominees to be included in the JBT Marel Board slate for election at each annual stockholder meeting of JBT Marel, or at any special stockholder meeting of JBT Marel at which directors are elected, to fill each seat previously held by a


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Marel Independent. The Special Nominating Committee shall utilize the services of a reputable outside consultant for purposes of identifying qualified candidates;

Management

(g) to cause the current JBT CEO, to the extent willing and able and subject to applicable Laws, to continue as the Chief Executive Officer of JBT Marel following the Closing;

(h) to cause Marel’s current Chief Executive Officer, to the extent willing and able and subject to applicable Laws, to serve as the President of JBT Marel following the Closing;

(i) to provide that (i) the executive leadership team (“ELT”) of JBT Marel following the Closing shall consist of a combination of individuals from both the current JBT and Marel management teams as of prior to Closing and (ii) such ELT members shall report directly to either the Chief Executive Officer of JBT Marel or the President of JBT Marel. The ELT members shall have compensation and benefits structures that are comparable to the JBT executive and leadership team compensation and benefits structures as of immediately prior to Closing;

(j) to otherwise collaborate in good faith prior to Closing to determine the best talent for key management positions of JBT Marel;

Integration Committee

(k) to form a Management Integration Committee (the “Management Integration Committee”) immediately subsequent to the Closing, (i) consisting solely of, and co-chaired by, each of the Chief Executive Office of Marel of immediately prior to Closing and the JBT CEO as of immediately prior to Closing; (ii) which shall report to the JBT Marel Board and (iii) the charter of which will provide that such committee will (A) drive cultural connectivity and internal communication strategy, (B) drive collaboration and (C) optimize ongoing operations to drive performance;

Other

(l) to cause the corporate name of JBT to be changed to “JBT Marel Corporation” effective as of the Closing (“JBT Marel”);

(m) (i) if JBT and Marel jointly determine to change the current JBT NYSE stock symbol, to cause the stock symbol to be changed as jointly agreed, and (ii) JBT and Marel shall jointly determine the stock symbol for JBT Shares to be listed on Nasdaq Iceland;

(n) to cause, following the Closing, (i) JBT Marel’s corporate headquarters to remain in Chicago, Illinois, and (ii) Marel’s current facility in Gardabaer, Iceland to be designated as JBT Marel’s European headquarters and a global technology center of excellence; and

(o) to cause JBT Marel to maintain Marel brands in global markets.


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ANNEX 10.1, PART I

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF JBT

Except as (a) set forth in the disclosure letter dated as of the date hereof, delivered to the Company by JBT on or prior to entering into this Agreement (the “JBT Disclosure Letter”) or (b) disclosed in JBT SEC Documents publicly available at least two (2) Business Days prior to the date hereof on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR) (other than any redacted information, disclosures in the “Risk Factors” or “Forward Looking Statements” sections of any such JBT SEC Document or any other disclosure in any such JBT SEC Document to the extent that such disclosure is predictive or forward-looking in nature), JBT hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

1.1 Organization and Good Standing. JBT is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and the Bidder is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Netherlands. Each of JBT’s Subsidiaries is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (where such concept is recognized under applicable Law) under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization, except where the failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group. Each JBT Group Company has all requisite corporate, company or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted, except where the failure to have such power or authority, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group.

1.2 Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of JBT consists of 120,000,000 JBT Shares and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “JBT Preferred Shares”).

(b) At the close of business on April 3, 2024 (the “JBT Capitalization Date”) there were: (i) (A) 31,830,220 JBT Shares outstanding; (B) 31,460 JBT Shares held directly by JBT in treasury; and (C) no JBT Preferred Shares outstanding; and (ii) (A) a maximum of 350,819 JBT Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the outstanding JBT time-based restricted stock units issued pursuant to the JBT 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “JBT RSUs”), (B) a maximum of 308,124 JBT Shares (assuming achievement of target level of performance) reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding JBT performance-based restricted stock units issued pursuant to the JBT 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “JBT PSUs”) (any equity or equity-based awards issued under the JBT 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time, the “JBT Equity Awards”); (C) 2,373,060 JBT Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to JBT’s 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Convertible Senior Notes”) under the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021, between JBT and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Convertible Senior Notes Indenture”); and (D) 2,400,000 JBT Shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of warrants to purchase JBT Shares (collectively, the “Warrants”). From the JBT Capitalization Date to the date of this Agreement, JBT has not issued any JBT Shares or other Equity Securities, except upon the exercise, vesting and settlement under the JBT Equity Awards outstanding as of the JBT Capitalization Date in accordance with their terms. As of the close of business on the JBT Capitalization Date, the conversion rate of the Convertible Senior Notes, as defined in the Convertible Senior Notes Indenture, was 5.8958 JBT Shares per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes, and as of the date of this Agreement, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes is $402,500,000.

(c) All of the outstanding JBT Shares have been (or will be, when issued) duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive or similar rights.

(d) Except as set forth in, or contemplated by, Section 1.2(b), as of the date of this Agreement there are no outstanding Equity Securities in JBT.


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(e) (i) There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which a JBT Group Company is a party with respect to the voting of capital stock of JBT, (ii) all outstanding securities of JBT have been offered and issued in compliance in all material respects with all applicable securities Laws and (iii) there are no outstanding Contracts (other than JBT Equity Awards) requiring a JBT Group Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Equity Securities of a JBT Group Company.

(f) Each Subsidiary of JBT existing as of the date of this Agreement is set forth on Section 1.2(f) of the JBT Disclosure Letter (along with its jurisdiction of organization). All the issued and outstanding Equity Securities in each Subsidiary of JBT have been validly issued, are free of pre-emptive rights, and are fully paid and nonassessable and are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by JBT free and clear of all Liens, including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Equity Securities, other than Liens: (i) imposed by applicable securities Laws or (ii) arising pursuant to the organizational documents of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of JBT. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which a JBT Group Company is a party with respect to the voting of any Equity Securities of any Subsidiary of JBT. Except for the capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, its wholly owned Subsidiaries, JBT does not own, directly or indirectly, any Equity Securities in any Person.

(g) No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness issued by any JBT Group Company (i) having the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders or equityholders of a JBT Group Company may vote (or which is convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having such right) or (ii) the value of which is directly based upon or derived from the capital stock, voting securities, or other ownership interests of a JBT Group Company, are issued or outstanding.

1.3 Corporate Authority. Each of JBT and the Bidder has all requisite corporate and private limited liability company power and authority, respectively, and has taken all corporate and private limited liability company action, respectively, necessary in order to authorize, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), subject, in the case of JBT, only to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval. This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of each of JBT and the Bidder enforceable against each of JBT and the Bidder in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles (the “Bankruptcy and Equity Exception”).

1.4 No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of JBT and the Bidder does not and will not, subject to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval, contravene or conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, the organizational documents of JBT or the Bidder.

1.5 Governmental Approvals and Consents. Other than (a) the filing of any required applications, filings and notices, as applicable, under the HSR Act and such other consents, approvals, filings or registrations as may be required under any applicable Antitrust or Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Antitrust and FDI Jurisdictions, (b) the submission of the Listing Application, (c) the filing with the SEC of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Form S-4 in which the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be included as a prospectus, and declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4, (d) the filing of any required applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the New York Stock Exchange, (e) such filings and approvals as required in order to comply with securities, takeover and similar Laws, (f) the approval of the Disclosure Documents by the FSA, Nasdaq Iceland and any other applicable Governmental Authority, (g) the completion of the Dutch Consultation with the JBT Dutch WC, (h) the completion of the Dutch Merger Procedure, and (i) such other authorizations, consents, approvals, orders, permits, notices, reports, filings, registrations, qualifications and exemptions the failure of which to be made or obtained, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group, no authorizations, consents, approvals, orders, permits, notices, reports, filings, registrations, qualifications and exemptions of, with or from, or other actions are required to be made by any JBT Group Company with, or obtained by any JBT Group Company from, any Governmental Authority, in connection with the execution and delivery by JBT

 

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and the Bidder of this Agreement, the performance by JBT and the Bidder of their obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction).

1.6 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities.

(a) The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of JBT included or incorporated by reference in the JBT SEC Documents present fairly in all material respects, in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods presented (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), the consolidated financial position of the JBT Group as of the dates thereof and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to normal and recurring year-end audit adjustments in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements). Such consolidated financial statements have been prepared in all material respects from the books and records of the JBT Group.

(b) There are no liabilities or obligations of any JBT Group Company of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities or obligations disclosed and provided for in JBT’s consolidated balance sheet (or the notes thereto) as of December 31, 2023 (the “JBT Balance Sheet”), (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since the date of the JBT Balance Sheet, (iii) liabilities arising in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), and (iv) other liabilities or obligations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group.

1.7 Sufficient Funds.

(a) JBT has delivered to the Company true, complete and correct copies of (i) the executed Bridge Financing Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, from the Banks, in an aggregate amount of up to EUR 1,900,000,000 for purposes of financing the cash portion of the Consideration and available to support the issuance of the Guarantee to be issued in connection with the commencement of the Tender Offer and to be drawn to consummate the Tender Offer and for such other permitted uses as are set forth therein, (ii) the form of Guarantee, (iii) the Commitment Letter, which provides for a backstop revolving credit facility to the extent that the Debt Amendment is not successfully consummated, and (iv) the Debt Fee Letters (collectively, the Debt Fee Letters together with the Bridge Financing Agreement, the Guarantee, and the Commitment Letter, the “Debt Financing Documents”), redacted in a customary manner solely for confidential provisions related to fees, “pricing flex” and other economic terms, none of which (x) subject the funding of the Debt Financing to any additional conditions precedent or (y) could adversely affect the conditionality, enforceability, termination or aggregate principal amount of the Debt Financing available to JBT and the Bidder on the Closing (other than as a result of changes to fees or original issue discount in accordance with the “flex” terms of the Debt Fee Letters).

(b) As of the date hereof, each of the Debt Finance Documents is in full force and effect and represents a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of JBT and the Bidder, except as such enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception. As of the date hereof, none of the Debt Financing Documents have been withdrawn or terminated or otherwise amended, rescinded, supplemented, modified or waived in any respect. There are no side letters or other contracts or arrangements that relate to the Debt Financing not disclosed in the Debt Financing Documents that could adversely affect the availability, conditionality, enforceability or amount of the Debt Financing contemplated by the Debt Financing Documents.

(c) As of the date hereof, no event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would or would reasonably be expected to (i) constitute a default or breach on the part of JBT or the Bidder (to the extent JBT or the Bidder is a party), or to the Knowledge of JBT, the other parties thereto, under any term or condition of the Debt Financing Documents, (ii) constitute or result in a failure to satisfy, or delay in satisfaction of, a condition precedent to or other contingency to be satisfied set forth in the Debt Financing Documents,

 

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(iii) make any of the statements set forth in the Debt Financing Documents inaccurate in any material respect, or (iv) otherwise result in any portion of the Debt Financing Documents being unavailable on the Closing.

(d) The only conditions precedent to the obligations of the parties under the Debt Financing Documents are the satisfaction or the waiver of the conditions set forth in the Debt Financing Documents. There are no conditions or contingencies relating to the funding of the full amount of the Debt Financing other than as set forth in the Debt Financing Documents. As of the date hereof, JBT and the Bidder have no reason to believe that any of the conditions relating to the funding of the full amount of the Debt Financing will not be satisfied at or prior to the Closing or that the amounts under the Debt Financing or any other funds necessary to (i) satisfy all of JBT’s and the Bidder’s cash obligations under this Agreement, (ii) pay any other amounts required to be paid by JBT and the Bidder in cash in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction) at the Closing, and (iii) pay all related fees and expenses of JBT and the Bidder (including under or with respect to the Debt Financing Documents) ((i),(ii), and (iii), collectively, “Transaction Uses”) will not be available to JBT and the Bidder at the Closing.

(e) JBT and the Bidder have fully paid any and all commitment fees or other fees required by the Debt Financing Documents to be paid on or prior to the date of this Agreement. JBT and the Bidder have otherwise satisfied all of the other items and conditions required to be satisfied by JBT and the Bidder on or prior to the date of this Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Debt Financing that are within their (or any of their Affiliates’) control.

(f) The aggregate proceeds of the Debt Financing will be sufficient, when taken together with cash and marketable securities of JBT and the Bidder on hand as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, to enable JBT and the Bidder to satisfy the Transaction Uses at the Closing.

(g) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, JBT and the Bidder acknowledge and agree that JBT’s and the Bidder’s obligations under this Agreement are not conditioned in any manner whatsoever upon JBT and the Bidder obtaining the funds to satisfy the Transaction Uses, and none of the obtaining of the Debt Financing or any other alternative debt or equity financing is a condition to Closing or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction).

1.8 Absence of Certain Changes. From December 31, 2023, through the date of this Agreement, there has not been any change, event, occurrence or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group.

1.9 Compliance; Permits; Indenture and Warrants.

(a) No JBT Group Company is, and since January 1, 2021 no JBT Group Company has been, in conflict with, or in default or violation of, any applicable Laws, except for any such conflicts, defaults or violations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group.

(b) The JBT Group holds, to the extent necessary to operate its businesses as such businesses are being operated as of the date of this Agreement, all Permits, and all such Permits are currently valid and in effect, in each case, except for such Permits the failure of which to hold a valid and effective Permit, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group.

(c) A true, complete and correct copy of the Convertible Senior Notes Indenture has been filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Form 10-K of JBT for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Each of the Warrants was executed in substantially the form attached as Exhibit 4.4 to the Form 10-K of JBT for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

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1.10 Litigation. Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the JBT Group, (a) there are no, and since January 1, 2021 there have been no, Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of JBT, Actions threatened or investigations threatened or pending against any JBT Group Company (or its assets, rights or properties) or any of its directors or officers in their capacity as such and (b) no JBT Group Company or its assets, rights or properties is subject to any Order (and as of the date of this Agreement no such Order is, to the Knowledge of JBT, threatened).

1.11 Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar based fee or commission in connection with the Transaction, the Squeeze Out or the Merger (each, as and if applicable) as a result of being engaged by any member of the JBT Group.

1.12 Opinion of JBT’s Financial Advisor. The JBT Board has received the oral opinion of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, to be subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the aggregate Consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to this Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to JBT.

1.13 Disclaimer of Reliance. Each of JBT and the Bidder (a) is a sophisticated Person and has made its own inquiry and investigation into, and based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, the businesses, assets, condition, operations and prospects of the Marel Group and (b) in determining to proceed with the Transaction has not relied on any statements or information other than the representations and warranties set forth in this Part I of Annex 10.1. Each of JBT and the Bidder acknowledges that neither any Marel Group Company, nor any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives, have made, nor will any of them be deemed to have made (and nor has JBT or the Bidder or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives relied upon) any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the Marel Group, the businesses, assets, condition, operations and prospects of the Marel Group, or the Transactions, other than those expressly set forth in this Part I of Annex 10.1. Each of JBT and the Bidder acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither any Marel Group Company nor any other Person (including any officer, director, member or partner of a Marel Group Company or any of their respective Affiliates) will have or be subject to any liability to JBT, the Bidder or any other Person, resulting from JBT’s or the Bidder’s use in connection with the Transaction of any information, documents or material made available to JBT or the Bidder or their Representatives in any “data rooms,” management presentations, due diligence or in any other form in expectation of the Transaction. Each of JBT and the Bidder acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties contained in Part II of Annex 10.1, the assets and the business of the Marel Group are being transferred on a “where is” and, as to condition, “as is” basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.13, nothing in this Section 1.13 shall limit the ability of JBT or the Bidder to bring a claim or cause of action against any Person in the case of fraud by such Person.

1.14  No Other Representations and Warranties. EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY JBT CONTAINED IN THIS PART I OF ANNEX 10.1 OF THIS AGREEMENT (AS MODIFIED BY THE JBT DISCLOSURE LETTER), NEITHER JBT, THE BIDDER NOR ANY OTHER PERSON MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY JBT GROUP COMPANY OR THEIR RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES, OPERATIONS, PROPERTIES, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, CONDITION (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE) OR PROSPECTS (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE), AND EACH OF JBT AND THE BIDDER HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY.

 

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ANNEX 10.1, PART II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except as (a) set forth in the disclosure letter dated as of the date hereof, delivered to JBT by the Company on or prior to entering into this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure Letter”) or (b) disclosed in any Company Disclosure Documents having been publicly available at least two (2) Business Days prior to the date hereof via the Company’s website (https://marel.com/en/investors/) or Nasdaq Nordic’s online database (https://www.nasdaqomxnordic.com/) (other than any redacted information or disclosure in any such Company Disclosure Document to the extent that such disclosure is predictive or forward-looking in nature), the Company hereby represents and warrants to JBT as follows:

1.1 Organization and Good Standing. The Company is a public limited company duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of Iceland. Each of the Company’s Subsidiaries is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (where such concept is recognized under applicable Law) under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization, except where the failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group. Each Marel Group Company has all requisite corporate, company or similar power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted, except where the failure to have such power or authority, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group.

1.2 Capitalization.

(a) The authorized share capital of the Company consists of 771,007,916 Marel Shares, par value of Icelandic krona 1.00. The Company does not have any outstanding preferred shares.

(b) At the close of business on April 3, 2024 (the “Company Capitalization Date”) there were (i) (A) 753,950,271 Marel Shares outstanding; and (B) 17,057,645 Marel Treasury Shares; and (ii) 20,113,322 Marel Shares that may be issued pursuant to the Marel Stock Options. From the Company Capitalization Date to the date of this Agreement, the Company has not issued any Marel Shares or other Equity Securities or reserved for issuance any Marel Shares or other Equity Securities, except upon the exercise, vesting and settlement under the Marel Stock Options outstanding as of the Company Capitalization Date in accordance with their terms.

(c) All of the outstanding Marel Shares have been (or will be, when issued) duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive or similar rights.

(d) Except as set forth in, or contemplated by, Section 1.2(b), as of the date of this Agreement there are no outstanding Equity Securities in the Company.

(e) (i) There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which a Marel Group Company is a party with respect to the voting of shares of the Company, (ii) all outstanding securities of the Company have been offered and issued in compliance in all material respects with all applicable securities Laws and (iii) there are no outstanding Contracts (other than Marel Equity Awards) requiring a Marel Group Company to repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire any Equity Securities of a Marel Group Company.

(f) Each Subsidiary of the Company existing as of the date of this Agreement is set forth on Section 1.2(f) of the Company Disclosure Letter (along with its jurisdiction of organization). All the issued and outstanding Equity Securities in each Subsidiary of the Company have been validly issued, are free of pre-emptive rights, and are fully paid and nonassessable and are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company free and clear of all Liens, including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Equity Securities, other than Liens: (i) imposed by applicable securities Laws or (ii) arising pursuant to the organizational documents of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which a Marel Group Company is a party with respect to the voting of any Equity Securities of any Subsidiary of the Company. Except for the share capital of, or other equity or voting interests in, its wholly owned Subsidiaries, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any Equity Securities in any Person.


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(g) No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness issued by any Marel Group Company (i) having the right to vote on any matters on which shareholders or equityholders of a Marel Group Company may vote (or which is convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having such right) or (ii) the value of which is directly based upon or derived from the share capital, voting securities, or other ownership interests of a Marel Group Company, are issued or outstanding.

1.3 Corporate Authority. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority and has taken all corporate action necessary in order to authorize, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction). This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles (the “Bankruptcy and Equity Exception”).

1.4 No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company, does not and will not contravene or conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, the organizational documents of the Company.

1.5 Governmental Approvals and Consents. Other than (a) the filing of any required applications, filings and notices, as applicable, under the HSR Act and such other consents, approvals, filings or registrations as may be required under any applicable Antitrust or Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Antitrust and FDI Jurisdictions, (b) such filings and approvals as required in order to comply with securities, takeover and similar Laws, (c) the publication of the Reasoned Statement, (d) such filings and approvals as required in order to comply with securities, takeover and similar Laws, (e) the completion of the Dutch Consultation with the Company Dutch WC, (f) the completion of the Dutch Merger Procedure, and (g) such other authorizations, consents, approvals, orders, permits, notices, reports, filings, registrations, qualifications and exemptions the failure of which to be made or obtained, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group, no authorizations, consents, approvals, orders, permits, notices, reports, filings, registrations, qualifications and exemptions of, with or from, or other actions are required to be made by any Marel Group Company with, or obtained by any Marel Group Company from, any Governmental Authority, in connection with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction).

1.6 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities.

(a) The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Company Disclosure Documents present fairly in all material respects, in conformity with IFRS applied on a consistent basis during the periods presented (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), the consolidated financial position of the Marel Group as of the dates thereof and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to normal and recurring year-end audit adjustments in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements). Such consolidated financial statements have been prepared in all material respects from the books and records of the Marel Group.

(b) There are no liabilities or obligations of any Marel Group Company of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities or obligations disclosed and provided for in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet (or the notes thereto) as of December 31, 2023 (the “Marel Balance Sheet”), (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since the date of the Marel Balance Sheet, (iii) liabilities arising in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Transaction), and (iv) other liabilities or obligations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group.

 

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1.7 Absence of Certain Changes. From December 31, 2023, through the date of this Agreement, there has not been any change, event, occurrence or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group.

1.8 Compliance; Permits.

(a) No Marel Group Company is, and since January 1, 2021 no Marel Group Company has been, in conflict with, or in default or violation of, any applicable Laws, except for any such conflicts, defaults or violations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group.

(b) The Marel Group holds, to the extent necessary to operate its businesses as such businesses are being operated as of the date of this Agreement all Permits, and all such Permits are currently valid and in effect, in each case, except for such Permits the failure of which to hold a valid and effective Permit, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group.

1.9 Litigation. Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Marel Group, (a) there are no, and since January 1, 2021 there have been no, Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, Actions threatened or investigations threatened or pending against any Marel Group Company (or its assets, rights or properties) or any of its directors or officers in their capacity as such and (b) no Marel Group Company or its assets, rights or properties is subject to any Order (and as of the date of this Agreement no such Order is, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened).

1.10 Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar based fee or commission in connection with the Transaction, the Squeeze Out or the Merger (each, as and if applicable) as a result of being engaged by any member of the Marel Group.

1.11 Opinions of the Companys Financial Advisors. The Marel Board has received separate opinions of the Company’s financial advisors, J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., acting through its Corporate Finance Advisory department, also known as Mergers & Acquisitions, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinions and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken set forth therein, the Consideration to be paid to holders of Marel Shares pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (as set forth in such opinions).

1.12 Disclaimer of Reliance. The Company (a) is a sophisticated Person and has made its own inquiry and investigation into, and based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, the businesses, assets, condition, operations and prospects of the JBT Group and (b) in determining to proceed with the Transaction has not relied on any statements or information other than the representations and warranties set forth in this Part II of Annex 10.1. The Company acknowledges that neither any JBT Group Company, nor any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives, have made, nor will any of them be deemed to have made (and nor has the Company or any of its Affiliates or Representatives relied upon) any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the JBT Group, the businesses, assets, condition, operations and prospects of the JBT Group, or the Transactions, other than those expressly set forth in this Part II of Annex 10.1. The Company acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither any JBT Group Company nor any other Person (including any officer, director, member or partner of a JBT Group Company or any of their respective Affiliates) will have or be subject to any liability to the Company or any other Person, resulting from the Company’s use in connection with the Transaction of any information, documents or material made available to the Company or its Representatives in any “data rooms,” management presentations, due diligence or in any

 

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other form in expectation of the Transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.12, nothing in this Section 1.12 shall limit the ability of the Company to bring a claim or cause of action against any Person in the case of fraud by such Person.

1.13 No Other Representations and Warranties. EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY THE COMPANY CONTAINED IN THIS PART II OF ANNEX 10.1 OF THIS AGREEMENT (AS MODIFIED BY THE COMPANY DISCLOSURE LETTER), NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANY OTHER PERSON MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY MAREL GROUP COMPANY OR THEIR RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES, OPERATIONS, PROPERTIES, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, CONDITION (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE) OR PROSPECTS (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE) AND THE COMPANY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY.

 

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Annex B

200 West Street | New York, NY 10282-2198

Tel: 212-902-1000 | Fax: 212-902-3000

 

 

LOGO

April 4, 2024

Board of Directors

John Bean Technologies Corporation

70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400

Chicago, IL 60602

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view to John Bean Technologies Corporation (the “Company”) of the Aggregate Consideration (as defined below) to be paid by the Company for all of the outstanding shares, nominal value ISK 1.00 per share (the “Marel Shares”), of Marel hf. (“Marel”) pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2024 (the “Agreement”), by and among the Company, Marel and John Bean Technologies Europe B.V. (“Bidder”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Agreement provides for Bidder to launch a voluntary public takeover offer within the meaning of Article 101 of the Icelandic Takeover Act no. 108/2007 (the “Icelandic Takeover Act”) for all of the Marel Shares (the “Tender Offer”) pursuant to which the Company will exchange, for each Marel Share accepted, at the election of the holder thereof, either (i) EUR 3.60 in cash (the “All-Cash Offer Consideration”), (ii) 0.0407 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Common Stock”), of the Company (the “All-Stock Offer Consideration,”), or (iii) EUR 1.26 in cash and 0.0265 shares of Company Common Stock (the “Mixed Offer Consideration,” and the aggregate of the All-Cash Offer Consideration, the All-Stock Offer Consideration and the Mixed Offer Consideration to be paid for all of the outstanding Marel Shares, the “Aggregate Consideration”), subject to proration and certain other procedures and limitations contained in the Agreement, as to which procedures and limitations we are expressing no opinion. The Agreement further provides that following consummation of the Tender Offer and if more than 90% of the outstanding Marel Shares are acquired by Bidder in the Tender Offer (the “Minimum Acceptance Condition”), Bidder (or a permitted assignee of Bidder) will launch a squeeze out process in accordance with Article 110 of the Icelandic Takeover Act for any remaining Marel Shares that were not acquired by Bidder in the Tender Offer (the “Squeeze Out”), as to which we express no opinion. The Agreement further provides that if the Minimum Acceptance Condition is not met, Bidder may initiate a merger process between Bidder and Marel in accordance with Article 119 of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies, No 2/1995 (the “Merger”) or take such other corporate actions to acquire all of the outstanding Marel Shares, as to which we express no opinion.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and its affiliates are engaged in advisory, underwriting, lending and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities they manage or in which they invest or have other economic interests or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of the Company, Marel and any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including Eyrir Invest hf., a significant shareholder of Marel (“Eyrir”), and any of their respective affiliates or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the transactions contemplated by the Agreement (the “Transaction”). We have acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with, and have participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the

Transaction. We expect to receive fees for our services in connection with the Transaction, the principal portion

 

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Board of Directors

John Bean Technologies Corporation

April 4, 2024

Page Two

 

of which is contingent upon consummation of the Transaction, and the Company has agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses arising, and indemnify us against certain liabilities that may arise, out of our engagement. At your request, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC has entered into financing commitments and agreements to provide the Company with a bridge loan and bank guarantee in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, in each case subject to the terms of such commitments and agreements and pursuant to which such affiliate expects to receive compensation. We may in the future provide financial advisory and/or underwriting services to the Company, Marel, Eyrir and their respective affiliates for which Goldman Sachs Investment Banking may receive compensation. Affiliates of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC also may have co-invested with Eyrir and its affiliates from time to time and may have invested in limited partnership units of affiliates of Eyrir from time to time and may do so in the future.

In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the Agreement; annual reports to stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, of the Company and Marel and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the Company for the five years ended December 31, 2023; certain interim reports to stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, of the Company and Marel and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company; certain other communications from the Company and Marel to their respective stockholders or shareholders, as applicable; certain publicly available research analyst reports for the Company and Marel; certain financial analyses and forecasts for Marel and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the Company standalone and pro forma for the Transaction, in each case, as prepared by management of the Company and approved for our use by the Company (the “Forecasts”), including certain operating synergies projected by management of the Company to result from the Transaction, as approved for our use by the Company (the “Synergies”). We have also held discussions with members of the senior managements of the Company and Marel regarding their assessment of the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of Marel and with the members of senior management of the Company regarding their assessment of the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of the Company and the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the Transaction; reviewed the reported price and trading activity for shares of Company Common Stock and Marel Shares; reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the food processing equipment and solutions industries and in other industries; and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as we deemed appropriate.

For purposes of rendering this opinion, we have, with your consent, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by, us, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, we have assumed with your consent that the Forecasts, including the Synergies, have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of management of the Company. We have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of the Company or Marel or any of their respective subsidiaries and we have not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. We have assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on the Company or Marel or on the expected benefits of the Transaction in any way meaningful to our analysis. We also have assumed that the Transaction will be consummated on the terms set forth in the Agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to our analysis.

Our opinion does not address the underlying business decision of the Company to engage in the Transaction, or the relative merits of the Transaction as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to the Company; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. This opinion addresses only the

 

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Board of Directors

John Bean Technologies Corporation

April 4, 2024

Page Three

 

fairness from a financial point of view to the Company, as of the date hereof, of the Aggregate Consideration to be paid by the Company for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Agreement. We do not express any view on, and our opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the Agreement or Transaction or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Agreement or entered into or amended in connection with the Transaction, including the Squeeze Out or Merger or any similar transaction following the Tender Offer, any allocation of the Aggregate Consideration, the fairness of the Transaction to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, the holders of any class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of the Company; nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of the Company or Marel, or any class of such persons in connection with the Transaction, whether relative to the Aggregate Consideration to be paid by the Company for the all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Agreement or otherwise. We are not expressing any opinion as to the prices at which shares of Company Common Stock or Marel Shares will trade at any time, as to the potential effects of volatility in the credit, financial and stock markets on the Company or Marel or the Transaction, or as to the impact of the Transaction on the solvency or viability of the Company or Marel or the ability of the Company or Marel to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof and we assume no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming this opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date hereof. Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the information and assistance of the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its consideration of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of shares of Company Common Stock should vote with respect to such Transaction or any other matter. This opinion has been approved by a fairness committee of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Aggregate Consideration to be paid by the Company for all of the Marel Shares pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the Company.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ GOLDMAN SACHS & CO. LLC
(GOLDMAN SACHS & CO. LLC)

 

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Annex C

Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities plc

April 4, 2024

The Board of Directors

Marel hf.

Austurhraun 9

210 Garðabær

Iceland

Members of the Board of Directors:

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of the common stock of Marel hf. (“Marel” and, such common stock, “Marel Common Stock”) of the consideration to be paid to such holders in the proposed Tender Offer and Squeeze Out or Merger (each as defined below and together as an integrated transaction) pursuant to the Transaction Agreement (the “Agreement”) proposed to be entered into among John Bean Technologies Corporation (“JBT”), John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT (“JBT B.V.”), and Marel.

Pursuant to the Agreement, JBT B.V. will commence a voluntary public takeover offer (within the meaning of Article 101 of the Icelandic Takeover Act no. 108/2007 (the “Icelandic Takeover Act”) for all outstanding shares of Marel Common Stock, other than shares of Marel Common Stock held in treasury (such offer, the “Tender Offer”), for per share consideration consisting of, at the election of the holder thereof, (i) €3.60 in cash or (ii) €1.26 in cash and 0.0276 of a share of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of JBT (“JBT Common Stock”) or (iii) 0.0407 of a share of JBT Common Stock (such consideration, the “Consideration”), subject to certain proration procedures (as to which we express no opinion) set forth in the Agreement.

The Agreement also provides that, following completion of the Tender Offer, JBT B.V. will commence a squeeze out process in accordance with Article 110 of the Icelandic Takeover Act (the “Squeeze Out”) or, if immediately following completion of the Tender Offer JBT B.V. owns less than 90% of the outstanding shares of Marel Common Stock, then JBT B.V. may commence a merger process between JBT B.V. (or a wholly owned subsidiary thereof) and Marel in accordance with Article 119 of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies, no. 2/1995 or other applicable law (the “Merger”), in each case such that Marel will become a wholly owned subsidiary of JBT. For purposes of our analysis and this opinion, we have assumed that the same Consideration will be paid in the Squeeze Out or Merger, as the case may be, for shares of Marel Common Stock not tendered into the Tender Offer as payable in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer and Squeeze Out or Merger, together as a single integrated transaction, are collectively referred to as the “Transaction.” Our opinion, as set forth herein, relates to the relative values of Marel and JBT.

In arriving at our opinion, we have (i) reviewed an execution version, provided to us on April 4, 2024, of the Agreement; (ii) reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning Marel and JBT and the industries in which they operate; (iii) compared, for informational purposes, the proposed financial terms of the Transaction with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies we deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies; (iv) compared the financial and operating performance of Marel and JBT with publicly available information concerning certain other companies we deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of Marel Common Stock and JBT Common Stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies; (v) reviewed certain financial analyses and forecasts provided to or discussed with us by the managements of Marel and JBT relating to the respective businesses of Marel and JBT, including certain financial analyses and forecasts relating to Marel under two alternative business scenarios provided to or discussed with us by the management of Marel and certain financial forecasts relating to JBT provided to or discussed with us by the management of JBT as reviewed and approved by Marel, in each case as extrapolated per the management of Marel, as well as the estimated amount

 

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and timing of the cost savings expected by the management of Marel to result from the Transaction (collectively, the “Synergies”); and (vi) performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as we deemed appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

In addition, we attended discussions with certain members of the managements of Marel and JBT with respect to certain aspects of the Transaction, and the past and current business operations of Marel and JBT, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of Marel and JBT, the effects of the Transaction on the financial condition and future prospects of Marel and JBT, and certain other matters we believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry.

In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with us by the managements of Marel and JBT or otherwise reviewed by or for us. We have not independently verified any such information or its accuracy or completeness and, pursuant to our engagement letter with Marel, we did not assume any obligation to undertake any such independent verification. We have not conducted or been provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor have we evaluated the solvency, of Marel, JBT, JBT B.V. or any other entity under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. We also have not considered any actual or potential arbitration, litigation, claims or possible unasserted claims, audits, investigations or other proceedings involving or affecting Marel, JBT, JBT B.V or any other entity. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us or derived therefrom, including the Synergies, that we have been directed to utilize for purposes of our analysis and this opinion, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by the managements of Marel and JBT, as the case may be, as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of Marel and JBT to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We express no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based and Marel has confirmed that we may rely upon such analyses and forecasts (including the Synergies) in the delivery of this opinion. We understand that the financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information relating to Marel or otherwise used in our analysis were prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards (“IFRS”) and that the financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information relating to JBT or otherwise used in our analysis were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). We have assumed that any reconciliations or other differences with respect to such financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information between IFRS and U.S. GAAP will not be material to our analysis. With respect to financial statements, financial analyses, forecasts and other information utilized in our analysis that have been prepared in foreign currencies and converted based on certain exchange rates, we also have assumed that such exchange rates are reasonable to utilize for purposes of our analysis and we express no view as to currency or exchange rate fluctuations or the impact thereof on our analysis or this opinion.

We have assumed that the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement will be consummated as described in the Agreement, and that the definitive Agreement will not differ in any material respects from the execution version thereof furnished to us. We also have assumed that the representations and warranties made by Marel, JBT and JBT B.V. in the Agreement are and will be true and correct in all respects material to our analysis, and that any proration of the Consideration as contemplated by the Agreement will not be material to our analysis. We are not legal, regulatory or tax experts and have relied on the assessments made by advisors to Marel with respect to such issues. We further have assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on Marel, JBT or JBT B.V. or on the contemplated benefits of the Transaction. In giving our opinion, we have relied on Marel’s commercial assessments of the Transaction. The decision as to whether or not Marel enters into a Transaction (and the terms on which it does so) is one that can only be taken by Marel.

Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. It should be understood that subsequent developments may affect this

 

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opinion and that we do not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm this opinion. As you are aware, the industries in which Marel and JBT operate and the securities of Marel and JBT have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and disruptions, and we express no opinion as to any potential effects of such volatility or disruptions on Marel, JBT or the Transaction.

Our opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Common Stock in the proposed Transaction (to the extent expressly specified herein), without regard to individual circumstances of holders of Marel Common Stock (whether by virtue of control, voting, liquidity, contractual arrangements or otherwise) that may distinguish such holders or the securities of Marel held by such holders, and our opinion does not in any way address proportionate allocation or relative fairness. We express no opinion as to any other terms, aspects or implications of the Transaction, including, without limitation, the form or structure of the Consideration or the Transaction, any proration of the Consideration, governance arrangements or irrevocable undertakings or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding to be entered into in connection with or contemplated by the Transaction or otherwise. We also express no opinion as to the fairness of the Transaction, or any consideration paid in connection therewith, to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Marel or as to the underlying decision by Marel to engage in the Transaction. Furthermore, we express no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors, or employees of any party to the Transaction, or any class of such persons relative to the Consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Common Stock in the Transaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation. We express no opinion as to the prices at which Marel Common Stock or JBT Common Stock will trade at any future time. As a result, other factors after the date hereof may affect the value of the businesses of Marel and JBT after consummation of the Transaction, including but not limited to (i) the total or partial disposition of the share capital of JBT by stockholders of JBT within a short period of time after the effective date of the Transaction, (ii) changes in prevailing interest rates and other factors which generally influence the price of securities, (iii) adverse changes in the current capital markets, (iv) the occurrence of adverse changes in the financial condition, business, assets, results of operations or prospects of Marel or JBT, (v) any necessary actions by or restrictions of governmental agencies or regulatory authorities, and (vi) timely execution of all necessary agreements to complete the Transaction on terms and conditions that are acceptable to all parties at interest. No opinion is expressed as to whether any alternative transaction might be more beneficial to Marel.

We note that we were not authorized to and did not solicit third-party indications of interest with respect to the acquisition of all or any part of Marel or any other alternative transaction.

We have acted as financial advisor to Marel with respect to the proposed Transaction and will receive a fee from Marel for our services, a substantial portion of which will become payable only if the proposed Transaction is consummated. In addition, Marel has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. Please be advised that during the two years preceding the date of this letter, neither we nor our affiliates have had any material financial advisory or other material commercial or investment banking relationships with Marel, Eyrir Invest hf (a significant shareholder of Marel) or JBT. In addition, we and our affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, approximately 2% of the outstanding shares of JBT Common Stock and less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Marel Common Stock. In the ordinary course of our businesses, we and our affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities or financial instruments (including derivatives, bank loans or other obligations) of Marel or JBT for our own account or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, we may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or other financial instruments.

On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the date hereof that the Consideration to be paid to the holders of Marel Common Stock in the proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (other than shareholders executing irrevocable undertakings in connection with the Transaction and, as applicable, JBT, JBT B.V., and their respective affiliates).

 

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The issuance of this opinion has been approved by a fairness opinion committee of J.P. Morgan Securities plc. This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of Marel (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Transaction. This opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Marel as to whether such shareholder should tender its shares into the Tender Offer or how any shareholder should vote with respect to the Transaction or any other matter. This opinion may not be disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in whole or in part) to any third party for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written approval. This opinion may be reproduced in full in any proxy statement/prospectus mailed to shareholders of Marel and any reasoned statement of the Board of Directors of Marel published in connection with the Transaction but may not otherwise be disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written approval.

 

Very truly yours,
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES PLC

 

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Annex D

 

Rabobank      

LOGO

Corporate Finance Advisory   

 

  Office address  

Croeselaan 18

3521 CB Utrecht

the Netherlands

Chamber of commerce no: 30046259

  Postal address  

P.O. Box 17100

3500 HG Utrecht

the Netherlands

STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

The Board of Directors of Marel hf.

Austurhraun 9

210 Gardabaer

Iceland

Date: 4 April 2024

Subject: Fairness Opinion

Dear Sir / Madam,

You, the Board of Directors of Marel hf. (the “Board”, the “Client” or “you”), have requested us, Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., hereby acting through its Corporate Finance Advisory department, also known as Mergers & Acquisitions (“Rabobank”), pursuant to the engagement as set out in the engagement letter dated 26 March 2024 (as amended on 3 April, 2024, the “Engagement Letter”), to give you our opinion (the “Opinion”) with respect to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of ordinary shares, having a nominal value of ISK 1.00 per share (individually, a “Share” and collectively, the “Shares” and each holder of a Share, a “Shareholder”), in the share capital of Marel hf., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Iceland (the “Company” and, together with JBT, the “Companies”), other than holders of Excluded Shares (as defined below), of the Consideration (as defined below) to be paid to such Shareholders in the Transaction (as defined below) pursuant to the Transaction Agreement (the “Transaction Agreement” and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, including, but not limited to, the Offer (as defined below), collectively, the “Transaction”), dated as of 4 April 2024, by and among John Bean Technologies Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“JBT”), John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands (the “Offeror”), and the Company. For purposes of this Opinion, “Excluded Shares” means Shares held (i) in the Company’s treasury, (ii) by JBT, the Offeror or any of their respective affiliates, or (iii) by Eyrir Invest hf. or any of its affiliates.

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, the Offeror will commence a tender offer (the “Offer”) for all of the issued and outstanding Shares, other than Shares held in the Company’s treasury, at a price of EUR 3.60 (as may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Offer) for each Share. In the Offer, each Shareholder may elect to receive, in exchange for each Share, one of the following (together, the “Consideration” per Share, and such election, the “Consideration Election”): (a) EUR 3.60 in cash, (b) EUR 1.26 in cash, and 0.0265 shares of JBT common stock (“JBT Shares”, and the JBT Shares to be issued in the Offer as Consideration, the “JBT Offer Shares”) or (c) 0.0407 JBT Offer Shares. The Offer is subject to certain proration mechanisms as set forth in the Transaction Agreement (the “Proration Mechanisms”). We express no view or opinion as to the Consideration Election or the Proration Mechanisms.

 

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Rabobank

Corporate Finance Advisory

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Please be advised that while certain provisions of the Transaction are summarised above, the terms of the Transaction are more fully described in the Transaction Agreement. As a result, the description of the Transaction and certain other information contained herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information appearing or incorporated by reference in the Transaction Agreement.

In arriving at our Opinion, we have:

 

  a)

Reviewed certain publicly available financial and business information relating to the Companies which we deemed relevant for the purposes of providing the Opinion, including, but not limited to, annual reports, company presentations, press releases and research analyst reports relating to the expected future financial performance of the Companies;

 

  b)

Reviewed certain (i) internal (unaudited) financial and operating information provided to us by the Company’s management, (ii) financial forecasts for the Companies provided to us and approved by the Company’s management for our use in connection with this Opinion and our analyses and, based on our assumptions and with guidance from the Company’s management, extrapolated such forecasts for the Companies for certain fiscal years (such extrapolations being reviewed and determined by the Company’s management as reasonable for our use in connection with this Opinion and our analyses), and (iii) assumptions relating to the business, operations and commercial prospects of the Companies;

 

  c)

Considered current and historical market prices of the Shares and the JBT Shares;

 

  d)

Reviewed certain publicly available external research reports concerning the lines of business we believe to be generally comparable to the business of the Companies;

 

  e)

Reviewed certain publicly available financial and other information about certain publicly traded companies engaged in business comparable to the Companies that we deemed to be relevant;

 

  f)

Reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain recent transactions involving companies we deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;

 

  g)

Reviewed the Transaction Agreement; and

 

  h)

Conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations and considered such other information as we deemed appropriate for the purposes of the Opinion.

The Company has confirmed to Rabobank that: (i) the Company has provided Rabobank with all material information in its possession relating to the Companies and the Offeror, which it understands to be relevant for the Opinion and has not omitted to provide Rabobank with any information relating to the Companies or the Offeror that would render the provided information inaccurate, incomplete or misleading or may reasonably have a material impact on the Opinion, (ii) after delivery of aforementioned information, as far as the Company is aware, no events have occurred that may reasonably have a material impact on the Opinion, (iii) all confirmations and financial and other information provided by the Company to Rabobank in relation to the Opinion is true and accurate and no information was withheld from Rabobank that could reasonably affect the Opinion; and (iv) the financial forecasts and projections of the Companies provided by the Company to Rabobank have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available information, estimates and judgments of the management of the Company as to the future financial performance of the Companies.

The Opinion is subject to the above confirmation and is furthermore subject to the following:

 

  a)

Rabobank has assumed and relied upon the accuracy, completeness and correctness of all the financial and other information used by it, which includes information that is publicly available as well as all information supplied, made available to, discussed with, or reviewed by Rabobank, without conducting

 

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Rabobank

Corporate Finance Advisory

   LOGO

 

  any independent verification of such information, and has assumed and relied upon such accuracy, completeness and correctness for the purposes of rendering this Opinion;

 

  b)

Rabobank has relied on the assurances of the Company set forth in the paragraph above for the purposes of rendering this Opinion, in particular that the Company has not omitted to provide Rabobank with any information relating to the Companies or the Offeror that would render the provided information inaccurate, incomplete or misleading or may reasonably have a material impact on the Opinion, and consequently, Rabobank does not accept any responsibility regarding the verification of such information’s accuracy, completeness or correctness, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to such information’s accuracy, completeness or correctness;

 

  c)

Rabobank has not provided, obtained or reviewed on the Company’s behalf any specialist advice, including but not limited to, legal, accounting, regulatory, actuarial, environmental, information technology or tax advice and as such assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith. Accordingly, in providing the Opinion, we have not taken into account the possible implications of any such advice;

 

  d)

Rabobank has not made any evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including, but not limited to, any derivative or off-balance sheet assets, liabilities, and assets or businesses held for sale or disposal) of the Companies;

 

  e)

Rabobank has not conducted a physical inspection of the properties and facilities of the Companies;

 

  f)

Rabobank has not evaluated the solvency or fair value of the Companies under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters;

 

  g)

Rabobank has assumed that the representations and warranties made by the Companies and the Offeror in the Transaction Agreement are and will be true and correct in all respects material to this Opinion; and

 

  h)

With respect to the financial forecasts provided by the Company to Rabobank, Rabobank has assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgements of the management of the Company as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of the Companies and that no event subsequent to the date of any such financial forecasts and undisclosed to us has had a material effect to the Companies.

We do not accept or assume any liability or responsibility whatsoever for the foregoing information, forecasts or extrapolations thereof and do not express any view thereto or to the assumptions on which such forecasts were made.

Our Opinion is based on the economic, monetary, market and other conditions as prevailing on, and the information made available to us up to, and including, the date hereof. It should be understood that subsequent developments or circumstances and any other information that becomes available after this date may affect our Opinion. We expressly disclaim any undertaking or obligation to advise any person of any change in any fact or matter affecting our Opinion of which we become aware after the date hereof and we have not assumed any responsibility to update, revise or reaffirm our Opinion.

In preparing our Opinion, we have assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other approvals and consents required in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, if any, will be obtained without any impact on the financial benefits of the Transaction.

This Opinion is solely for the use and benefit of the Client (solely in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction and shall not be used for any other purpose. We accept no responsibility or liability

 

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Rabobank

Corporate Finance Advisory

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to any person in relation to the contents of this letter other than the Client, even if it has been disclosed with our consent. In addition, you agree that our liability to you will be limited to the manner set out in the Engagement Letter. This Opinion is not intended to be relied upon or confer any rights or remedies upon, nor may it be relied on by the Company or any other party or any of their employees, creditors or shareholders (except for the Client).

This Opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the Shareholders, other than holders of Excluded Shares, as of the date hereof, of the Consideration to be paid to such Shareholders in the Transaction, and we do not express any view on, and our Opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the Transaction Agreement, or any other documents in relation to the Transaction (the “Transaction Documents”), or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Transaction Documents or entered into or amended in connection with the Transaction, including without limitation, the fairness of the Transaction to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, JBT, the Offeror, Eyrir Invest hf. or any of their respective affiliates, the holders of any class of securities of the Company other than Shares, creditors, or other constituencies of the Company (other than the Shareholders, other than holders of Excluded Shares); nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any officers, directors or employees of the Company, or class of such persons, in connection with the Transaction. We are expressing no opinion herein as to the price at which the Shares, the JBT Shares or the JBT Offer Shares will trade at any future time.

Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided solely for the information and assistance of the Board in connection with their consideration of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to whether or not a Shareholder should tender its Shares in connection with the Offer or how a Shareholder should make decisions relating to the Transaction, including, but not limited to, with respect to the Consideration Election or any Proration Mechanisms.

We have also not been requested to opine on, and no opinion is expressed on, and our Opinion does not in any other manner address, any alternatives available to the Transaction and whether any alternative transaction might be more beneficial to the Company other than the Transaction. We have also not been requested to opine as to, and our Opinion does not in any manner address, the likelihood of the consummation of the Transaction. In giving our Opinion, we have relied on the Company’s commercial assessments of the Transaction. The decision as to whether or not the Company enters into a Transaction (and the terms on which it does so) is one that can only be taken by the Company.

Pursuant to the Engagement Letter, Rabobank will receive a fee upon the issue of the Opinion, irrespective of the contents of the Opinion and/or the Transaction being completed. Hence, in respect of this Opinion, we will receive a fee which will not be conditional upon the success of the Offer or the completion of the Transaction. In addition, pursuant to the Engagement Letter, Rabobank may receive an advisory fee, and may receive a discretionary fee, which in each case will be due and payable upon the success of the Offer and the completion of the Transaction.

Rabobank is involved in a wide range of banking and other financial services business, both for its own account and for the account of its clients, out of which a conflict of interest or duties may arise. Rabobank may, from time to time, (i) provide financial advisory services and/or financing to the Company, JBT, the Offeror, and/or parties involved with the foregoing, (ii) maintain a banking or other commercial relationship with the Company, JBT, the Offeror, and/or parties involved with the foregoing, and (iii) trade shares and other securities of the Company, JBT, the Offeror and/or parties involved with the foregoing in the ordinary course of business for our own account and for the accounts of our customers and may, therefore, from time to time hold long or short positions in such securities. Within Rabobank practices and procedures, including, but not limited to, customary

 

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Rabobank

Corporate Finance Advisory

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information barriers, are maintained, designed to help ensure the independence of advice and to restrict the flow of information and to manage such conflicts of interests or duties.

This Opinion is strictly confidential and may not be used or relied upon, or disclosed, referred to or communicated by you (in whole or in part) to any third party for any purpose whatsoever without our prior written authorisation. Reference to this opinion can be made in press releases in connection with the Transaction, the Offer document, the Offeror’s registration statement on Form S-4, and the reasoned statement of the Board in connection with the Transaction (collectively, the “Public Filings”). This Opinion may only be made public through publication of the complete contents of this letter in the Public Filings.

The legal relationship between you and Rabobank with respect to this Opinion shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Dutch law and any claims or disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this Opinion shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Amsterdam. The English text of this Opinion is the only binding text and prevails over any translation (if any).

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Consideration to be paid to the Shareholders, other than holders of Excluded Shares, in the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders.

 

Yours sincerely,
/s/ Rabobank
RABOBANK

 

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ALTERNATE INFORMATION FOR THE DRAFT EXCHANGE OFFER PROSPECTUS

In connection with the launch of the Offer, following approval by the Icelandic FSA, JBT will publish an exchange offer document (the “exchange offer document”). The exchange offer document will include, as an annex, a prospectus (the “exchange offer prospectus”) prepared under Icelandic law and drawn up as a prospectus in accordance with Articles 3 and 6 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, as amended, and in compliance with the requirements set out in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980 of March 14, 2019. The proxy statement/prospectus and the exchange offer prospectus will be substantively similar, except as set forth herein.

Regarding the information contained in this Alternate Information for the exchange offer prospectus beginning on page ALT-1, the following should also be taken into account:

 

  I.

References in this Alternate Information for the exchange offer prospectus to this “Prospectus” should be read as references to the exchange offer prospectus.

 

  II.

As set forth in this Alternate Information for the exchange offer prospectus, certain information incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus is reproduced in the exchange offer prospectus. This Alternate Information for the exchange offer prospectus indicates where such information is included in the exchange offer prospectus, but does not reproduce the information that is included in the exchange offer prospectus.

 

  III.

Neither the exchange offer document nor the exchange offer prospectus will be published until approved by the Icelandic FSA and no Offer is being made until the exchange offer document and the exchange offer prospectus have been approved by the Icelandic FSA and made public in accordance with applicable EU rules and regulations. Following publication and prior to the Acceptance Time, JBT will update the exchange offer prospectus to the extent permissible and required under Icelandic law. Additionally, JBT will comply with its obligation under U.S. securities laws to inform JBT Stockholders and Marel Shareholders of any material change in the information published, sent or given to such holders. JBT intends to publish any additional information regarding the Offer on JBT’s website, www.jbtc.com (for the avoidance of doubt, the contents of this website are not incorporated by reference unless specifically stated otherwise), and will file such information with the SEC as required.

 

  IV.

The information set forth in this Alternate Information for the exchange offer prospectus, including the exchange offer document, was prepared according to Icelandic law, which may have different disclosure requirements than U.S. securities laws.

 

  V.

Please note that the draft exchange offer document and those portions of the draft exchange offer prospectus that are included in this Alternate Information are provided for convenience purposes only. They have not been and will not be reviewed or approved by the Icelandic FSA and do not constitute an offer under Icelandic law or under any other law or regulation, nor do they give rise to any claims or entitlements. The draft exchange offer document and the draft exchange offer prospectus remain subject to change. Only the final exchange offer document and the final exchange offer prospectus, which will be approved by the Icelandic FSA and published by JBT in accordance with Icelandic law, will be legally valid and binding.

 

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1.

Draft exchange offer document:

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

 

 

 

OFFER DOCUMENT

VOLUNTARY PUBLIC OFFER

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

MAREL HF.

(Company registration no. 620483-0369)

Submitted by

JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES EUROPE B.V.

(Registration no. 63675013)

[], 2024

 

 

 

This Offer Document and Appendix 1 hereto contain important information and should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to accepting the Offer submitted by the Offeror for all issued and outstanding Shares excluding any shares held by the Company.

NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY U.S. STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS OFFER DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE OFFER. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER U.S. LAW.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFER IS CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER DOCUMENT AND APPENDIX 1, WHICH WE URGE YOU TO READ.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  

1.

  INTRODUCTION      12  
  1.1    Introduction      12  
  1.2    The Offeror      13  
  1.3    JBT      13  
  1.4    The Company      13  

2.

  BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE FOR THE TRANSCTION AND PROSPECTS FOR MAREL      14  
  2.1    Background to the Transaction      14  
  2.2    Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company      20  

3.

  TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE OFFER      23  
  3.1    Offerees      23  
  3.2    Degree of Control      23  
  3.3    Offer Price and Offer Consideration      23  
  3.4    Closing Conditions      25  
  3.5    Offer Period      27  
  3.6    Changes to the Offer Price and Consideration      28  
  3.7    Notification of extension/increase      28  
  3.8    Revocation of the Offer      29  
  3.9    Acceptance Procedure      29  
  3.10    Withdrawal Rights      31  
  3.11    Announcement of the Result      32  
  3.12    Regulatory Approvals      32  
  3.13    Drop Dead Date      32  
  3.14    Settlement      32  
  3.15    Blocking of Tendered Shares      34  
  3.16    Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions      34  
  3.17    Other Terms and Conditions      35  
  3.18    Financing      35  
  3.19    Tax Considerations      35  
  3.20    Transaction costs      36  
  3.21    Applicable Law and Jurisdiction      36  
  3.22    Approval of the Offer Document      36  
  3.23    Language      36  
  3.24    Advisors      36  

4.

  SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT      37  
  4.1    Introduction      37  
  4.2    Marel Recommendation      37  
  4.3    JBT Recommendation      38  
  4.4    Acquisition Proposals      38  
  4.5    Change in Recommendation      40  
  4.6    Marel Interim Operations      41  
  4.7    JBT Interim Operations      43  
  4.8    Representations, Warranties and General Undertakings      45  
  4.9    Closing Conditions      45  
  4.10    Regulatory Approvals      45  
  4.11    Termination      45  
  4.12    Termination Fees      48  

 

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              Page  
  4.13    Offering Prospectus and Registration Statement      48  
  4.14    Secondary Listing      49  
  4.15    Squeeze Out      49  
  4.16    Merger      49  
  4.17    Euronext Amsterdam delisting      50  
  4.18    Financing Cooperation      50  
  4.19    Treatment of Marel Equity Awards      50  
  4.20    Governance and Social Matters      50  
  4.21    Assignment      50  
  4.22    Amendment and Waiver      51  
  4.23    Required Amendments      51  
  4.24    Governing Law and Jurisdiction      51  

5.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY      53  
  5.1    Overall description      53  
  5.2    Business overview      53  
  5.3    Key financial figures      54  

6.

  THE COMPANY’S SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION      55  
  6.1    Share Capital      55  
  6.2    Shareholders      55  
  6.3    Marel Board and Marel Executive Management      55  

7.

  SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE DECEMBER 31, 2022 FOR THE COMPANY      57  

8.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFEROR      59  

9.

  DESCRIPTION OF JBT      60  
  9.1    Overall description and business overview      60  
  9.2    Key financial figures      60  

10.

  DEFINITIONS      62  
APPENDIX 1      73  

 

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IMPORTANT NOTICES CONCERNING THIS OFFER

This Offer Document and appendices hereto contain important information and should be carefully read before any decision is made with respect to the Offer. You are also urged to read (i) the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus that forms part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by JBT with the SEC on May 15, 2024, and other documents that will be filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information, and (ii) the Offering Prospectus filed with the Icelandic FSA on [●], 2024 in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, and Act no. 14/2020.

You may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and the Offering Prospectus as well as other filings containing information about JBT, without charge, at either the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, the Icelandic FSA’s website at en.fme.is and on JBT’s website at https://ir.jbtc.com/overview/default.aspx. The information contained on or accessible through the SEC’s website, the Icelandic FSA’s website or JBT’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated herein by reference. None of the Offeror, JBT or the Company have authorized any person to give any information or make any representation not contained in this Offer Document, including its appendices, the Registration Statement and Offering Prospectus. The Offeror, JBT and the Company do not accept any liability for any such information or representation. Further, the Offeror, JBT and Marel do not accept any responsibility for, and can make no assurances as to, the reliability, accuracy or completeness of any information provided by others, nor the fairness or appropriateness of any forecasts, views or opinions expressed by others regarding the Offer, the Offeror, JBT, the Company or (when applicable) the Combined Group. None of the Offeror, JBT or the Company make any representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any such information or publication. The making of the Offer and the delivery of this Offer Document shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Offeror, JBT or the Company since the date of this Offer Document or that the information in this Offer Document or in the documents referred to herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof or thereof.

Special Information for Shareholders whose place of residence, seat or habitual residence is in the United States

Pursuant to applicable U.S. securities laws, in the United States, JBT will file the Registration Statement with respect to the JBT Offer Shares. No offer of JBT Offer Shares will be made except by means of the prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement that meets the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). JBT intends to maintain the listing of JBT Shares on the NYSE, and JBT also intends to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland under a ticker symbol to be determined prior to the closing of the Offer. JBT cannot assure you that the JBT Offer Shares will be approved for listing on Nasdaq Iceland.

The Offer and this Offer Document are subject to the laws and regulations of Iceland. The Offer relates to the securities of an Icelandic company and is subject to the disclosure requirements applicable under Icelandic law, which may be different in material aspects from those applicable in the U.S. The Offer is being made in the U.S. pursuant to Section 14(e) of, and Regulation 14E promulgated under, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), subject to the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) under the Exchange Act, to the extent applicable, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Icelandic law. The Offer is not subject to Section 14(d)(1) of, or Regulation 14D promulgated under, the Exchange Act. The Company is not currently subject to the periodic reporting requirements under the Exchange Act and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the SEC thereunder.

The Offer is made to Shareholders whose place of residence, seat or habitual residence is in the U.S. (the “U.S. Company Shareholders”) on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other Shareholders to whom the Offer is made.

 

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The procedures for the tender of Shares and settlement of the consideration due to each Shareholder who accepts the Offer will be carried out in accordance with the rules applicable in Iceland, which may differ in material aspects from the rules and procedures applicable to a tender offer for the securities of a domestic U.S. company. In addition, certain financial information in this Offer Document has been prepared in accordance with IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to financial information relating to U.S. companies and other companies whose financial information is presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

It may be difficult for Shareholders to enforce their rights and any claim they may have arising under the U.S. securities laws, since the Offeror and the Company are located in non-U.S. jurisdictions, and some or all of their respective officers and directors are residents of non-U.S. jurisdictions. All or a substantial portion of the assets of such individuals may be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States upon such individuals, or to enforce against such individuals in United States courts judgments obtained in such courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.

The receipt of cash pursuant to the Offer by a U.S. Company Shareholder may be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and under applicable U.S. state and local, as well as foreign and other, tax laws. Each Shareholder is urged to consult its independent professional advisor immediately regarding the tax consequences of accepting the Offer.

NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY U.S. STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED ANY OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS OFFER DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE OFFER. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER U.S. LAW.

Special notice regarding the Marel Group

This Offer Document contains certain information pertaining to the commercial, financial, operational and legal position of Marel or other entities within the Marel Group which JBT has received from the Marel Group and/or which has been extracted from publications, reports and other documents prepared by the Marel Group. While JBT can confirm that any information received from the Marel Group and/or extracted from publications prepared by the Marel Group has been accurately described and reproduced, JBT has not independently verified and consequently cannot give any assurances as to the accuracy of the information as presented in this Offer Document which has been received from, or has been extracted from publications, reports or other documents prepared by, the Marel Group, and as a result, JBT’s estimates of the impact of completion of the Offer on the unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information in the Offering Prospectus may be incorrect.

Notices to Shareholders of certain restrictions to the Offer

The acceptance of the Offer outside Iceland, the Netherlands and the United States may be subject to legal restrictions.

Shareholders who come into possession of this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus outside of Iceland, the Netherlands and the United States and/or who wish to accept the Offer outside of Iceland, the Netherlands and the United States are advised to inform themselves of the relevant applicable legal provisions and to comply with them. Neither the Offeror nor persons acting in concert with the Offeror within the meaning of Article 100(1) of the Icelandic Takeover Act assume responsibility for the acceptance of the Offer outside of Iceland, the Netherlands and the United States being permissible under the relevant applicable legal provisions.

 

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No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction other than Iceland, the Netherlands and the United States that would permit a public offering of the JBT Offer Shares, or permit possession or distribution of this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus or any advertising material relating to the JBT Offer Shares, except as described in this Offer Document or the Offering Prospectus.

The Offer is not being made, and Shares will not be accepted for purchase from or on behalf of persons, in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or other laws or regulations of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or filing with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated in the Offering Prospectus. Persons obtaining this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus and/or into whose possession this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus comes are required to take due note and observe all such restrictions and obtain any necessary authorizations, approvals or consents. Neither the Offeror nor any of its advisors accepts any liability for any violation by any person of any such restriction. Any person (including, without limitation, custodians, nominees and trustees) who intends to forward this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Iceland, the Netherlands and the United States should inform themselves of the laws of the relevant jurisdiction and should also carefully read the information contained in the section 2 “General information” of the Offering Prospectus before taking any action. The distribution of this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus in jurisdictions other than Iceland, the Netherlands or the United States may be restricted by law, and, therefore, persons who come into possession of this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions. Any failure to comply with any such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws and regulations of any such jurisdiction.

Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. It is the responsibility of all persons obtaining this Offer Document, the acceptance form included as Appendix 1 in the Offer Document, the Offering Prospectus and/or other documents relating to this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus or to the Offer or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions. Any recipient of this Offer Document and/or the Offering Prospectus who is in any doubt in relation to these restrictions should consult his or her professional advisors in the relevant jurisdiction. Neither the JBT Group nor any advisor to the JBT Group accepts or assumes any responsibility or liability for any violation by any person whomsoever of any such restriction. Neither this Offer Document nor the Offering Prospectus represents an offer to acquire or obtain securities other than the Shares.

Special notice to Shareholders in the European Economic Area

In any member state of the European Economic Area other than Iceland and the Netherlands (each, a “Relevant State”), this Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus are only addressed to, and is only directed at Shareholders in that Relevant State that fulfil the criteria for exemption from the obligation to publish a prospectus, including Qualified Investors, within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

This Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus have been prepared on the basis that all offers of JBT Offer Shares offered in the Offer, other than the offer contemplated in Iceland and the Netherlands, will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offer of JBT Offer Shares. Accordingly, any person making or intending to make any offer within a Relevant State of JBT Offer Shares, which is the subject of the offer contemplated in this Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus, may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Offeror to produce a prospectus for such offer. The Offeror has not authorized, and the Offeror will not authorize, the making of any offer of JBT Offer Shares through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the Offeror which constitute the final offer of JBT Offer Shares contemplated in this Offer Document and the Offering Prospectus.

The JBT Offer Shares offered in the Offer have not been, and will not be, offered to the public in any Relevant State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an offering of the JBT Offer Shares offered in the Offer may be made in a

 

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Relevant State, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Offeror: (i) to any Qualified Investor; (ii) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons per Relevant State (other than Qualified Investors); (iii) to investors who acquire JBT Offer Shares for a total consideration of at least EUR 100,000 per investor, for each separate offer; and (iv) in any other circumstance falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation.

For the purposes of this section, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any JBT Offer Shares in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the Offer as to enable an investor to decide to participate in the Offer.

Terms

Certain defined terms used in this Offer Document are set out in Section 10.

Choice-of-law

The Offer described in this Offer Document has been prepared as a voluntary public offer pursuant to the Icelandic Takeover Act. The Offer as set out in this Offer Document as well as any acceptance hereof is governed by the Laws of Iceland. Without prejudice to the Offeror’s right to reject defective tenders, the Offeror reserves the right to accept any tender under the Offer which is made by, or on behalf of, a Shareholder, even if it has not been made in the manner set out in this Offer Document.

The Offer is made for the Shares in the Company, a company listed on both Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam. The Offer is subject to disclosure requirements under the Laws of Iceland; however, simultaneous disclosure will be made in the Netherlands. The Offer is also subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Transaction Agreement. The Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are governed by the Laws of the State of Delaware, provided that the Offer and matters related thereto shall, to the extent required by the Laws of Iceland, and the interpretation of the duties of directors of the Company shall, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Iceland.

The Offer is not made, directly or indirectly, to Shareholders and the Shares will not be accepted for purchase from, or on behalf of, any Shareholder resident in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or other laws of such jurisdiction, and this Offer Document may not be distributed to Shareholders resident in any such jurisdiction. If you are in any doubt as to your eligibility to participate in the Offer, you should contact your professional adviser immediately. Any Person acquiring possession of this Offer Document is expected and assumed to have obtained any necessary regulatory approval, information on any applicable restrictions personally and to comply with such restrictions.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Offeror, its Affiliates, JBT, the Company and persons involved in the Offer disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of any such restrictions.

Enforcement of civil liabilities and service of process

The ability of Shareholders in jurisdictions other than the Netherlands, and in particular the United States, to bring any action against the Offeror may be limited under applicable laws and regulations.

At the date of the Offering Prospectus, the Offeror is incorporated under Dutch law. A significant portion of the Offeror’s assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be impossible or difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or the Offeror or to enforce against them in U.S. courts a judgment obtained in such courts. In addition, there is doubt as to the enforceability, in the Netherlands, of original actions or actions for enforcement based on the federal or state securities laws of the United States or judgments of US courts, including judgments based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal or state securities laws.

 

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As of the date of the Offering Prospectus, neither the United States nor the Netherlands have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments, other than arbitration awards, in civil and commercial matters. With respect to choice of court agreements in civil or commercial matters, the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements has entered into force for the Netherlands, but has not entered into force for the United States. The Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements does not apply to one-sided exclusive jurisdiction clauses. Accordingly, a judgment rendered by a court in the United States would not automatically be recognized and enforced by the Dutch courts. However, if a person has obtained a final judgment without appeal in such a matter rendered by a court in the United States which is enforceable in the United States and files his claim with the competent Dutch court, the Dutch court will in principle recognize and give effect to such foreign judgment without substantive re-examination or re-litigation on the merits insofar as it finds that: (i) the jurisdiction of the U.S. court has been based on a ground of jurisdiction that is generally acceptable according to international standards; (ii) the judgment by the US court was rendered in legal proceedings that comply with the Dutch standards of proper administration of justice that includes sufficient safeguards (behoorlijke rechtspleging); or (iii) the judgment by the U.S. court is not incompatible with a decision rendered between the same parties by a Dutch court, or with a previous decision rendered between the same parties by a foreign court in a dispute that concerns the same subject and is based on the same cause, provided that the previous decision qualifies for acknowledgement in the Netherlands and except to the extent that the foreign judgment contravenes Dutch public policy (openbare orde). Even if such foreign judgment is given binding effect, a claim based thereon may, however, still be rejected if the foreign judgment is no longer formally enforceable in the country of origin.

Enforcement of any foreign judgment in the Netherlands will be subject to the rules of Dutch Code of Civil Procedure (Wetboek van Burgerlijke Rechtsvordering). Judgments may be rendered in a foreign currency but enforcement is executed in euro at the applicable rate of exchange. Under these circumstances, a Dutch court has the power to stay proceedings (aanhouden) or to declare it has no jurisdiction if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.

The Lugano Convention on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters (the “Lugano Convention”) is in force between the EU and Iceland. The Lugano Convention and protocols 1, 2 and 3 are incorporated into Icelandic law with Act no. 7/2011. Subject to the conditions set forth in the Lugano Convention, it forms the basis on which international jurisdiction of the courts is determined, facilitates recognition of foreign judgements and sets out an expeditious procedure for securing the enforcement of judgements in Iceland.

The United States and Iceland do not currently have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgements, other than arbitration awards according to the New York Convention 1958, in civil and commercial matters. Accordingly, a judgement rendered by a court in the United States will not be recognized and enforced by the Icelandic courts. It is a general principle of Icelandic law that foreign judgements do not have legal effect in Iceland unless such effect is provided for in legislation. Because Icelandic law does not provide that judgements rendered by a court in the United States will have specific legal effects in Iceland, such judgements will have limited relevance to the resolution of claims in Icelandic courts. Judgements rendered by a court in the United States can provide guidance on the interpretation of U.S. law to the extent that such judgments govern the subject of the dispute and have probative value as to disputed facts if the jurisdiction of the U.S. court has been based on grounds which are internationally acceptable, the defendant has been given a reasonable opportunity to defend the claims made and proper legal procedures have been observed and except to the extent that the foreign judgement contravenes Icelandic public policy.

 

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Changes to the Offer Document

Any changes to the terms or conditions set out in this Offer Document in connection with the Offer will be made public in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 107 and Article 114 of Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable U.S. securities Laws.

Language

This Offer Document has been prepared in English and Icelandic. In case of inconsistency, the Icelandic FSA has approved with reference to paragraph 3 of Article 113 of the Icelandic Takeover Act that the English text shall prevail.

Forward-looking statements

This Offer Document contains statements that are, or may be considered to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “foresees” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words and phrases. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Offer Document are based upon JBT’s and the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Offeror, JBT, the Company or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the benefits of the Transaction, the anticipated timing of the Transaction and JBT’s and the Company’s projected future financial and operating results. The factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to the following factors:

 

   

the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Transaction Agreement or the inability to complete the Transaction on the anticipated terms and timetable;

 

   

the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the Transaction that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the Transaction;

 

   

the possibility that stockholders of JBT may not approve the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares;

 

   

the risk that the Company and/or JBT may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the Offer in a timely manner or at all;

 

   

the risk that the Transaction and its pendency could have an adverse effect on the ability of JBT and the Company to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers, as well as on their operating results and businesses generally;

 

   

the risk that problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the Company and JBT, which may result in the Combined Group not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected;

 

   

the risk that the Combined Group may be unable to achieve the anticipated benefits and synergies of the Transaction or it may take longer than expected to achieve those anticipated benefits and synergies; and

 

   

the risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in section 1 “Risk Factors” of the Offering Prospectus.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information concerning risks, uncertainties and assumptions can be found in JBT’s filings with the SEC, including the risk factors discussed in JBT’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and future filings with the SEC.

 

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See section 1 “Risk Factors” of the Offering Prospectus. If one or more of those or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what JBT or the Company projected. Consequently, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated or implied by any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Offer Document are made only as of the date hereof, and JBT undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement made by it or on its behalf, whether as a result of new information, future developments, subsequent events or changes in circumstances or otherwise.

In addition, statements that “JBT believes,” “the Company believes,” “the Offeror believes” and similar statements reflect JBT’s, the Company’s and the Offeror’s beliefs and opinions, as applicable, on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to JBT, the Company and/or the Offeror as of the date of this Offer Document. While JBT, the Company and the Offeror believe that information provides a reasonable basis for the statements ascribed to them, that information may be limited or incomplete. None of JBT’s, the Company’s and the Offeror’s statements should be read to indicate that it has conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and you are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.

Although JBT, the Company and/or the Offeror believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements ascribed to them were reasonable at the time made, they cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither JBT nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section in connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this Offer Document and any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by JBT, the Company and/or the Offeror or persons acting on their behalf.

Withdrawal Rights

Withdrawal rights will cease following the Expiration Date.

Liability

The information contained in this Offer Document concerning the Company was obtained from publicly available sources. None of the Offeror, its Affiliates, JBT or other persons involved in the Offer assumes any responsibility for (i) the accuracy or completeness of such information or (ii) any failure by the Company to disclose events which may have occurred or may affect the significance or accuracy of any such information.

 

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1.

INTRODUCTION

 

1.1

Introduction

Pursuant to the Icelandic Takeover Act, John Bean Technologies Europe B.V. (the “Offeror”), a wholly owned Subsidiary of John Bean Technologies Corporation (“JBT”), hereby submits a voluntary conditional public tender offer (the “Offer”) to the shareholders of:

Marel hf.

(Company registration no. 620483-0369)

Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland

to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Shares (other than any Treasury Shares) on the terms and conditions set out in this Offer Document.

The Shareholders are offered EUR 3.60 per Share (based on a reference price per JBT Share of $96.25) (ISK 538 per Share (based on an ISK/EUR exchange rate of 149.5)), as may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Offer (the “Offer Price”). Shareholders who validly accept the Offer (the “Accepting Shareholders”) can elect to receive, in exchange for each Share, one of the following: (i) EUR 3.60 in cash; (ii) 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares and EUR 1.26 in cash; or (iii) 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares. Accepting Shareholders who elect to receive the consideration described in (ii) or (iii) can choose JBT Offer Shares listed on either (i) NYSE or (ii) Nasdaq Iceland, as described in Section 3.15 (Settlement), subject to the approval of the Secondary Listing. All elections will be subject to the proration process as further described in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration) such that the Shareholders immediately prior to the Offer Closing Time (assuming 100% of Shareholders accept the Offer) will receive an aggregate of approximately EUR 950 million in cash and approximately a 38% interest in the Combined Group.

The Offer commences on [●], 2024 (the “Commencement Date”) and expires at 5.00 p.m. Icelandic time on the date that is ten (10) weeks after the Commencement Date (as such date may be extended from time to time pursuant to the Transaction Agreement and paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the “Expiration Date”), as further described in Section 3.5 (Offer Period).

The Shares are currently listed on Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam. Acceptances of the Offer must be received by (i) Arion banki hf. (the “Icelandic Settlement Agent”) in respect of Shares held via Nasdaq Iceland central securities depository (the “Nasdaq Iceland Shares”) or (ii) by ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (the “Dutch Settlement Agent”, and collectively with the Icelandic Settlement Agent, the “Settlement Agents”) in respect of Shares held via Euroclear Nederland (the “Euronext Amsterdam Shares”), through the Accepting Shareholder’s own custodian, bank or stockbroker prior to the Expiration Date, as further described in Section 3.10 (Acceptance Procedure). The relevant custodian, bank or stockbroker may set an earlier deadline for communication by Shareholders in order to permit the custodian, bank or stockbroker to communicate its acceptances to the relevant Settlement Agent in a timely manner. Accordingly, Shareholders should contact their custodian, bank or stockbroker to obtain information about the deadline by which such Shareholder must send instructions to such financial intermediary to accept the Offer and should comply with the dates set by their custodian, bank or stockbroker, as such dates may differ from the dates and times noted in this Offer Document.

Accepting Shareholders may withdraw their acceptances at any time prior to the Expiration Date. Following the Expiration Date, withdrawal rights will cease, and Accepting Shareholders cannot withdraw their Shares.

The Offeror, JBT and Marel hf. (the “Company”) entered into a transaction agreement on April 4, 2024 (as may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Transaction Agreement”), which contains, among other things, provisions relating to the Offer and certain interim operating covenants by the Company and JBT (as further described in Section 4 (Summary of Certain Provisions of the Transaction Agreement)).

 

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The detailed terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in Section 3 (Terms and Conditions for the Offer).

 

1.2

The Offeror

The Offeror is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013. The Offeror is a wholly owned Subsidiary of JBT.

At the time of publication of this Offer Document, the Offeror does not hold any Shares or voting rights in the Company and no Shares are held by any related parties or parties acting in concert with the Offeror, other than as described in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

The Offeror confirms that all agreements of importance to the assessment of the Offer which the Offeror is aware of are described in this Offer Document.

For further details on the Offeror, see Section 8 (Description of the Offeror).

 

1.3

JBT

JBT is a Delaware corporation, and its principal executive office is at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, the United States. For further details on JBT, see Section 9 (Description of JBT).

 

1.4

The Company

The Company is a public limited liability company incorporated under the Laws of Iceland with registration no. 620483-0369 and registered office at Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland.

None of the members of the Marel Board or the Marel Executive Management has or will receive fees, remuneration, shares, options or other kinds of payments from the Offeror or its Affiliates, except in connection with a potential tender of Shares by members of the Marel Board or Marel Executive Management pursuant to the Offer.

As the Company is headquartered in Iceland, the rules of the Icelandic Takeover Act shall apply to this Offer.

For further details on the Company, see Section 5 (Description of the Company).

 

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2.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE FOR THE TRANSACTION AND PROSPECTS FOR MAREL

 

2.1

Background to the Transaction

JBT Management and the JBT Board regularly review JBT’s results of operations, future growth prospects and positions in the industries in which it operates, as well as strategic options for JBT’s business in light of industry, economic and other conditions. In connection with these reviews, JBT from time to time evaluates potential transactions that would further its strategic objectives, including by engaging with representatives of other companies in its industries, investment bankers and investors to explore potential opportunities to enhance shareholder value.

In or around late 2017 and early 2018, representatives of JBT Management and Marel Executive Management held preliminary discussions on a potential strategic transaction between the parties. In early 2018, JBT submitted a non-binding indication of interest to Marel, which ultimately was rejected by Marel.

On October 27, 2023, JBT and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (“Goldman Sachs”) discussed the M&A market in general following JBT’s recent disposition of its AeroTech business. Conversations included the possibility of reaching out to Marel in early 2024. Representatives of JBT Management considered Goldman Sachs a valued financial advisor because of Goldman Sachs’ qualifications, expertise and reputation in providing strategic and financial advisory services in various industrial M&A transactions, its knowledge of the businesses and affairs of JBT and its knowledge of the industry in which JBT operates.

On November 7, 2023, Mr. Árni Oddur Thordarson resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Marel and Mr. Árni Sigurðsson was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Marel. On November 7, 2023, Mr. Brian Deck, President and Chief Executive Officer of JBT, emailed Mr. Sigurðsson to congratulate him on his appointment and suggested a virtual meeting.

On November 9, 2023, Mr. Friðrik Johannsson, chairman of the board of directors of Eyrir Invest hf. (“Eyrir”), Marel’s largest shareholder, contacted Mr. Deck to discuss whether JBT was potentially interested in acquiring Eyrir’s stake in Marel.

During the week of November 13, 2023, Messrs. Deck, Thordarson and Johannsson, along with their respective financial advisors, held multiple telephone conversations to discuss JBT purchasing Eyrir’s stake in Marel. During that series of calls, Mr. Deck indicated to Mr. Johannsson that JBT was not interested in acquiring a minority ownership stake in Marel but noted that JBT might be interested in pursuing a business combination with Marel provided it would not be viewed as a hostile overture, which Mr. Johannsson indicated Eyrir would potentially be supportive of, depending on the valuation.

On November 16, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting attended by JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland & Ellis LLP (“Kirkland”), JBT’s legal advisor, and Goldman Sachs. JBT Management provided an overview on a proposed business combination with Marel, including the rationale and potential structure. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented, based on publicly available information, a preliminary financial analysis of the proposed transaction. Following discussion, the JBT Board approved the submission to Marel of a non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding Shares for EUR 3.15 per Share (482 Icelandic Krona (“ISK”) per Share based on an ISK/EUR exchange rate of 153.0 as of November 16, 2023), which represented a 32% premium to Marel’s closing share price on November 16, 2023 (the “Initial Proposal”). Also at the meeting, the JBT Board also formed a subcommittee of the JBT Board (the “JBT Subcommittee”), consisting of Alan D. Feldman, Mr. Deck, Maury Devine and Charles L. Harrington, to oversee JBT Management in connection with the proposed business combination.

On November 18, 2023, the JBT Subcommittee held a meeting at which JBT Management further discussed with the JBT Subcommittee the strategic rationale of a potential combination of JBT and Marel, and provided an update on its negotiations with Eyrir, including with respect to Eyrir providing an irrevocable commitment to

 

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support a potential business combination between JBT and Marel (the “Eyrir Undertaking”) as well as Eyrir entering into an exclusivity agreement with JBT pursuant to which Eyrir would agree not to transfer its shares in Marel or take certain other actions for a limited period of time.

The Eyrir Undertaking was executed on November 19, 2023, and committed Eyrir to support JBT’s proposal to acquire Marel by means of a voluntary takeover offer, subject to certain terms (including minimum price and valuation). The Eyrir Undertaking was accompanied by an exclusivity agreement, also dated November 19, 2023, pursuant to which Eyrir agreed to an exclusivity period of two months during which it would not engage in any direct or indirect discussions or negotiations, or enter into any agreements, in each case with respect to, the transfer of its shares in Marel to a third party other than JBT.

On November 19, 2023, JBT submitted to Marel (i) the Initial Proposal and (ii) the Eyrir Undertaking.

On November 22, 2023, a subcommittee of the Marel Board, consisting of Arnar Thor Masson, Ton van der Laan and Dr. Svafa Grönfeldt (the “Marel Subcommittee”), met with Marel Executive Management and representatives of J.P. Morgan Securities plc (“J.P. Morgan”), a financial advisor to Marel, and BAA//Fjeldco (“BBA”), Marel’s legal advisor based in Iceland, to evaluate the terms of the Initial Proposal.

On November 24, 2023, following rumors concerning a potential takeover offer for Marel, Marel issued a press release disclosing that it had received a non-binding initial proposal regarding a potential offer for all of Marel’s shares, although the release did not disclose JBT’s name or any of the material terms of such proposal. Later that same day, after having received verbal guidance from the Icelandic FSA and NASDAQ Iceland, Marel issued a second press release which named JBT as the party that submitted the proposal and disclosed the material terms of the Initial Proposal. The second press release naming JBT triggered a requirement under Icelandic law that JBT announce its intention to launch an offer before January 5, 2024 (unless an extension of such period was granted by the Icelandic FSA). Also on November 24, 2023, JBT issued a press release confirming the Initial Proposal. Later that day, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel Executive Management and representatives of J.P. Morgan and BBA were present to discuss the Initial Proposal.

On November 27, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT Management provided an overview of developments that occurred in the previous week, including in relation to the Eyrir Undertaking, the Initial Proposal and the subsequent press releases issued on November 24, 2023. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an update regarding the status of the transaction and discussed with the JBT Board potential next steps.

On November 27, 2023, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel Executive Management was present to further discuss the Initial Proposal. The Marel Subcommittee also met that day with Marel Executive Management and representatives of J.P. Morgan and BBA to further discuss the Initial Proposal. On November 28, 2023, Marel issued a press release announcing the Marel Board’s determination that the Initial Proposal was not in the best interest of Shareholders since it did not account for the intrinsic value of the business as well as the inherent risk of executing the proposed transaction.

On November 29, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting that JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, Goldman Sachs, and LEX (JBT’s legal advisor in Iceland) attended. JBT Management briefed the JBT Board on recent developments, including Marel’s rejection of the Initial Proposal. Following a presentation from representatives of Goldman Sachs of a preliminary financial analysis, LEX provided an overview of the likely considerations of Shareholders from an Icelandic law perspective.

On December 5, 2023, Mr. Feldman, Chairman of the JBT Board, and Mr. Deck held a telephonic discussion with Mr. Sigurðsson to request that Marel engage in discussions with JBT on a potential transaction. Mr. Sigurðsson indicated that he would convey this request to and discuss it further with the Marel Board.

 

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On December 6, 2023, following discussions with Mr. Arnar Þór Másson, Chairman of the Marel Board, Mr. Sigurðsson communicated to Mr. Deck by email that while Marel appreciated the outreach from Messrs. Feldman and Deck and would continue to comply with its fiduciary duties, Marel was not actively considering engaging in any material corporate transaction at that time.

Also on December 6, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT Management provided an overview of the potential synergies that could be achieved in connection with the proposed transaction with Marel. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an update regarding the status of the transaction and discussed with the JBT Board potential next steps, and LEX presented an overview on the role of boards and directors under Icelandic law. Following the departure of the representatives from Goldman Sachs from the meeting, the JBT Board discussed and approved the terms of the proposed engagement letter to be entered into with Goldman Sachs, which was executed on December 7, 2023.

On December 8, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. JBT Management presented on the global protein market, including the trends for the global protein food processing equipment market. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an overview of the status of the transaction and discussed potential next steps with the JBT Board. Following such discussion, JBT Management informed the JBT Board that they would prepare a revised proposal for review at the next JBT Board meeting.

On December 10, 2023, Goldman Sachs delivered a disclosure letter to JBT regarding its relationships with JBT, Marel and Eyrir.

On December 11, 2023, Marel announced the appointment of Mr. Sigurðsson as Chief Executive Officer.

Also on December 11, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs, were present. JBT Management presented on its valuation analysis and representatives of Goldman Sachs presented a preliminary financial analysis. There was a discussion on the terms of a revised proposal (the “Second Proposal”) to Marel for EUR 3.40 per Share (511 ISK per Share based on an ISK/EUR exchange rate of 150.3 as of December 8, 2023), which represented a 46% premium to Marel’s unaffected share price as of November 23, 2023. Following discussion, the JBT Board instructed JBT Management to submit the Second Proposal to Marel.

On December 13, 2023, JBT submitted the Second Proposal to Marel. In addition to the terms described above, the Second Proposal contemplated a secondary listing of JBT stock on Nasdaq Iceland, proportional representation for Marel on the board of the Combined Group and a long-term commitment to a significant Icelandic presence to preserve Marel’s heritage. On the same day, the Marel Subcommittee and representatives of J.P. Morgan met to discuss the Second Proposal and related disclosure to be provided to the market. Later that day, each of JBT and Marel issued press releases confirming conveyance and receipt of the Second Proposal. In its press release, Marel indicated that it was evaluating the Second Proposal.

On December 14, 2023, the Marel Subcommittee met with representatives of J.P. Morgan to further discuss the Second Proposal. On December 15, 2023, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel Executive Management and representatives of J.P. Morgan were present to evaluate the Second Proposal.

On December 16, 2023, Mr. Sigurðsson confirmed to Mr. Deck that the Marel Board had approved further interaction with JBT in connection with a proposed transaction to gain more clarity on the terms of the Second Proposal and JBT’s undertakings expressed therein, although indicated that the proposed value of the Second Proposal was not sufficient.

On December 18, 2023, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present to discuss the steps required to announce an intention to launch an

 

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Icelandic voluntary takeover offer. In light of the January 5, 2024 deadline to publish an intention to make an offer, there was a discussion and agreement on seeking an extension from the Icelandic FSA, which request was made to the Icelandic FSA on December 21, 2023. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented a preliminary financial analysis and representatives of Kirkland provided an overview of the regulatory landscape and various other legal considerations in connection with a potential transaction.

On December 18, 2023, Baker McKenzie (“Baker”), Marel’s legal advisor, delivered a draft mutual non-disclosure agreement to Kirkland. Thereafter, Kirkland and Baker negotiated the terms of this agreement, which was executed on December 22, 2023. On January 5, 2024, Eyrir executed a joinder to the non-disclosure agreement, pursuant to which it acknowledged and agreed to comply with the terms of such non-disclosure agreement as if it was a party thereunder.

Following execution by JBT and Marel of the non-disclosure agreement, JBT and Marel commenced sharing certain due diligence information (including holding discussions on potential synergies) and in January 2024, each opened up online data sites to facilitate the due diligence of each party. The due diligence review of each of JBT and Marel continued until the signing of the Transaction Agreement and included multiple due diligence calls held between the parties, together with their respective advisors.

On December 22, 2023, December 28, 2023, and January 4, 2024, representatives of JBT and Marel held telephonic meetings to discuss JBT’s proposal, including, among other matters, JBT’s estimated financial projections for Marel.

During December 2023 and January 2024, (i) Messrs. Deck and Sigurðsson held various telephonic conversations to discuss certain governance and social matters, which ultimately resulted in certain statements in the January 19, 2024 intention statement described below and (ii) representatives of JBT and Marel and their respective advisors discussed, among other things, the estimated synergies that could reasonably be expected to result from the proposed transaction.

On January 3, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX, and Goldman Sachs were present. Mr. Deck updated the JBT Board on the conversations with Mr. Sigurðsson. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a status update on the potential transaction and presented on potential next steps and key workstreams. The JBT Board discussed potential synergies between Marel and JBT.

On January 5, 2024, the Icelandic FSA formally granted an extension to the statutory deadline for JBT to announce its intention to launch a voluntary takeover offer from January 5, 2024 to January 19, 2024. Each of JBT and Marel issued respective press releases confirming the extension.

On January 11, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. At the meeting, (i) representatives of JBT Management presented on the protein markets and strategic landscape, (ii) representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a transaction update, including JBT’s share price performance since January 2023 and analyst feedback, and a preliminary financial analysis, and (iii) Kirkland presented on the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties and discussed the use of transaction agreements in Icelandic voluntary takeover offers and the potential terms of such agreements.

On January 12, 2024, representatives of Goldman Sachs, at the instruction of JBT Management, verbally communicated to representatives of J.P. Morgan the possibility of JBT issuing a revised non-binding proposal of EUR 3.50 per Share, with a consideration mix of 65% stock and 35% cash.

On January 15, 2024, in accordance with instructions of the Marel Board, representatives of J.P. Morgan held a telephonic discussion with representatives of Goldman Sachs, at which J.P. Morgan relayed Marel’s perspective that the Marel Board might support a proposal that would include (i) EUR 3.70 per Share, (ii) an antitrust

 

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termination fee payable by JBT in the event of failure to obtain the required regulatory approvals, (iii) expense reimbursement by Marel in the event of a Marel change of recommendation and (iv) a number of directors of Marel to serve on the board of the Combined Group in proportion to the pro forma ownership of the Combined Group.

Also on January 15, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX and Goldman Sachs were present. At the meeting, Mr. Deck provided an update on a conversation with Mr. Sigurðsson in which Mr. Sigurðsson expressed Marel’s intention to reject the January 12 non-binding proposal unless it were improved. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented a situation update. After discussion, the JBT Board approved a revised offer of EUR 3.60 per Share, based on an implied price per JBT Share of USD 96.25, which revised implied price reflected the JBT Board’s view of a more normalized trading price of JBT Shares based on JBT’s trailing stock price.

On January 17, 2024, Messrs. Deck and Sigurðsson held a telephone discussion at which Mr. Deck proposed a revised proposal with a headline price of EUR 3.60 per Share, based on an implied price per JBT Share of USD 96.25, with a consideration mix of 65% stock and 35% cash (the “Third Proposal”). Messrs. Sigurðsson and Deck discussed the proposal at length, and Mr. Sigurðsson noted that he would elevate the conversation to the Marel Board.

Also on January 17, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, LEX, and Goldman Sachs were present. Mr. Deck provided an update on his discussions with Mr. Sigurðsson since the previous board meeting.

Additionally on January 17, 2024, the Marel Board also held a meeting attended by Marel Executive Management and representatives of J.P. Morgan. Following discussion, the Marel Board agreed to engage with JBT based on the terms of the Third Proposal.

On January 18, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. Following discussion, including questions addressed by JBT Management and JBT’s advisors, the JBT Board approved the publication of an intention to launch the Offer on the terms of the Third Proposal.

Also on January 18, 2024, JBT formally submitted the Third Proposal to Marel. The Third Proposal provided that Shareholders would have the flexibility to elect to receive, in exchange for each Share, (i) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60, (ii) stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 JBT Offer Shares or (iii) cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 and stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 JBT Offer Shares, subject to proration such that the aggregate consideration paid in the Offer was approximately 65% JBT Offer Shares and 35% in cash. The Third Proposal reconfirmed, among other things, JBT’s commitment to Marel’s Icelandic heritage and certain governance matters related to the Combined Group. In addition, the Third Proposal provided that the closing of the Offer would be subject to certain closing conditions, including the Minimum Acceptance Condition, JBT shareholder approval and regulatory approvals.

Also on January 18, 2024, representatives of Goldman Sachs, at the instruction of the JBT Board, met with representatives of J.P. Morgan to clarify the terms of the Third Proposal and each of JBT’s and Marel’s respective forthcoming announcements of the terms of the Third Proposal, as well as the next steps regarding a potential transaction.

On January 19, 2024, JBT announced its intention to launch the Offer on the terms set forth in the Third Proposal. Each of JBT and Marel issued a press release on January 19, 2024, confirming JBT’s announcement of its intention to launch the Offer, with Marel’s press release announcing the Marel Board’s decision to engage with JBT to further discussions and emphasizing the compelling logic of the combination and the attractiveness of the terms of the Third Proposal.

 

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From January 19, 2024, until the signing of the Transaction Agreement, representatives of JBT and Marel and their respective advisors held multiple conversations to negotiate the terms of the Transaction Agreement and related documents and discuss the proposed transaction, including further discussion of potential synergies, the business strategy for the combined group, the optimal organizational structure and other matters. These conversations included in-person meetings in Iceland.

On January 22, 2024, Kirkland shared an initial draft clean team agreement with Baker, and the parties negotiated the terms of this agreement until it was executed on February 2, 2024.

On February 15, 2024, Kirkland delivered an initial draft of the Transaction Agreement to Baker. From February 15, 2024 until the execution of the Transaction Agreement, Baker and Kirkland exchanged drafts of the Transaction Agreement and the form of Offer Document and engaged in negotiations and discussion regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement and the Offer, including: (i) the ability of JBT to waive the Minimum Acceptance Condition and close the Offer with a lower percentage of the Shares tendered in the Offer, (ii) the interim operating covenants applicable to each of JBT and Marel, (iii) the triggers for payment of expense reimbursement by each party (and the quantum of the cap on such expense reimbursement), (iv) the applicable Drop Dead Date and the final amount of the potential reverse termination fee that would be payable by JBT in the event of a failure to obtain regulatory approvals in certain circumstances, (v) the timing of signing of the Transaction Agreement relative to launch of the Offer and (vi) the scope of the mutual representations and warranties of the parties.

On February 28, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. At the meeting, JBT Management provided the JBT Board with an update on the status of the transaction workstreams, including the timing of the launch of the Offer, governance matters, regulatory approvals and certain work required by Marel’s accountants to prepare financial information to be included in certain transaction documents, including the Registration Statement.

On March 28, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland, Goldman Sachs and LEX were present. At the meeting, (i) JBT Management provided the JBT Board with an update on the status of the transaction workstreams, including the timing of the signing of the Transaction Agreement and launch of the Offer, (ii) Goldman Sachs reviewed and discussed a preliminary financial analysis with respect to the Transaction, and (iii) representatives of Kirkland presented on the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties and discussed certain key terms of the latest draft Transaction Agreement.

On April 1, 2024, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel Executive Management, Mr. Deck and representatives of each of Baker and BBA were present. The representatives of Baker, BBA and the Marel Board discussed the key terms of the Transaction Agreement, including further discussion on antitrust and corporate governance considerations. During the meeting, the representatives of Baker, BBA and the Marel Board also discussed the issuance of the Reasoned Statement.

On April 2, 2024, the Marel Board held meetings at which Marel Executive Management and representatives of each of J.P. Morgan and Coöperatieve Rabobank (“Rabobank”) were present. At such meetings, J.P. Morgan and Rabobank reviewed with the Marel Board their respective preliminary financial analyses with respect to the proposed consideration payable in the Transaction.

Also on April 2, 2024, the JBT Board held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. Representatives of Kirkland discussed the key terms of the latest draft Transaction Agreement and the proposed financing package, and Goldman Sachs presented a preliminary financial analysis with respect to the Transaction. Following further discussion with and questions from members of the JBT Board, to which representatives of each of Goldman Sachs and Kirkland responded, the JBT Board (i) determined that the Transaction, including the Offer and the issuance of the new JBT Offer Shares in connection therewith, was advisable and in the best interests of JBT and its stockholders and approved the entry

 

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into the Transaction Agreement (subject to any changes approved by the Transaction Agreement Committee) and (ii) established a committee comprised of Mr. Deck and Mr. Feldman to negotiate and approve the final terms of the Transaction Agreement, subject to the delivery of Goldman Sachs’ final opinion (the “Transaction Agreement Committee”).

On April 4, 2024, the Transaction Agreement Committee held a meeting at which JBT Management and representatives of each of Kirkland and Goldman Sachs were present. Representatives of Kirkland provided an update on the negotiations with respect to the Transaction Agreement since the prior JBT Board meeting and discussed the key terms of the final Transaction Agreement. Following a presentation by representatives of Goldman Sachs of a financial analysis with respect to the Transaction and at the request of the Transaction Agreement Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs rendered Goldman Sachs’ oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of April 4, 2024 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the aggregate consideration to be paid by JBT for all of the Shares pursuant to the Transaction Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to JBT. For further discussion about Goldman Sachs’ opinion. Following further discussion, the Transaction Agreement Committee approved the terms of and entry into the Transaction Agreement.

Also on April 4, 2024, the Marel Board held a meeting at which Marel Executive Management was present to discuss updates on the negotiations with respect to the Transaction Agreement since the prior Marel Board meeting and discussed the key terms of the final Transaction Agreement. The Marel Board also discussed updates to the offer documentation and the Reasoned Statement since the prior Marel Board meeting. Following further discussion, the Marel Board approved the terms of and entry into the Transaction Agreement. In connection with the execution of the Transaction Agreement, J.P. Morgan and Rabobank provided to the Marel Board their respective financial analyses of the proposed consideration and, at the request of the Marel Board, delivered separate written opinions each dated April 4, 2024 to the Marel Board to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, the consideration to be paid to holders of Marel Shares in the proposed Transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (other than as set forth in such opinions).

On April 5, 2024, each of JBT and Marel issued respective press releases announcing the execution of the Transaction Agreement.

 

2.2

Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company

Compelling Strategic Rationale

JBT and the Company intend to bring about a business combination of the JBT Group and the Marel Group (such combined enterprise, the “Combined Group”), and it is anticipated that the Combined Group would be named “JBT Marel Corporation”. A combination of JBT and the Company would create a leading and diversified global food and beverage technology solutions provider by bringing together two renowned companies with long histories and complementary product portfolios, highly respected brands, and impressive technology.

The Transaction is consistent with JBT’s strategic plan and M&A objectives of pursuing transactions with strong industrial logic and with synergy potential to generate customer benefits and enhance shareholder value.

The Combined Group would have an expanded global footprint, which would enable global customers to more efficiently access industry leading technology worldwide, and the combination is expected to provide beneficial outcomes for customers through expanded product offerings and application knowledge, leveraged R&D capabilities, and enhanced global customer care support, including a focus on improving equipment uptime and efficiency through its comprehensive and differentiated digital solutions, OmniBlu and Innova.

The Combined Group is expected to continue to cater to the trend towards automation solutions in the food and beverage industry and make a greater impact on customer sustainability objectives by offering solutions that provide for more responsible use of the world’s precious food, beverage, water, and energy resources.

 

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Synergy Opportunities

Operating efficiencies are expected to create meaningful cost synergies of more than $125 million within three years following the completion of the transaction across areas such as procurement, manufacturing, and operating expenses. In addition, the Combined Group is expected to benefit from additional revenue synergies given attractive cross-selling, go-to-market effectiveness, scaled innovation, and enhanced global customer care capabilities.

Leverage

The structure and resulting leverage of this highly strategic transaction does not over-leverage the Combined Group and, assuming a transaction close by year-end 2024, the Combined Group is expected to have a pro forma net leverage ratio of less than 3.5x at year-end 2024, which is prior to synergies, and is expected to be well below 3.0x net leverage by year-end 2025, providing significant financial flexibility to the Combined Group to pursue further strategic initiatives.

Governance and Social Matters

In the Transaction Agreement, JBT and the Company agree to use their respective reasonable best efforts to take, as applicable, all actions necessary:

 

  (a)

Board and Committee Composition:

 

  (i)

to cause the board of directors of the Combined Group (the “JBT Marel Board”) to be set at ten (10) directors and consist (immediately subsequent to the Closing) of four (4) independent directors from the pre-Closing Marel Board selected by Marel (together with their successors, the “Marel Independents”), five (5) independent directors from the pre-Closing JBT Board selected by JBT (together with their successors, the “JBT Independents”), and the JBT Chief Executive Officer (the “JBT CEO”);

 

  (ii)

to cause the JBT Board chairman to be appointed or elected to serve as chairman of the JBT Marel Board;

 

  (iii)

to cause the initial term of three (3) of the Marel Independents to expire at the 2026 JBT Marel Corporation annual stockholder meeting, and the initial term of one (1) of the Marel Independents to expire at the 2025 JBT Marel Corporation annual stockholder meeting, provided that the initial term of any of the Marel Independents shall in no event expire earlier than the next JBT Marel Corporation annual stockholder meeting following their respective appointment;

 

  (iv)

to cause each committee of the JBT Marel Board to consist of three (3) of the JBT Independents and two (2) of the Marel Independents;

 

  (v)

to cause the JBT Board to establish, as of the Closing, and to maintain through the third (3rd) anniversary thereof (the “Board Succession Period”), a nominating committee consisting of two (2) of the Marel Independents and one (1) of the JBT Independents (such committee, the “Special Nominating Committee”) with the exclusive authority, through a majority vote of the committee members then in office, to (A) propose candidates to fill any vacancy arising on the JBT Marel Board resulting from the cessation of service by any Marel Independent for any reason and (B) propose director nominees to be included in the JBT Marel Board slate for election at each annual stockholder meeting of the Combined Group, or at any special stockholder meeting of the Combined Group at which directors are elected, to fill each seat previously held by a Marel Independent;

 

  (b)

Management

 

  (i)

to cause the current JBT CEO to continue as Chief Executive Officer of the Combined Group following the Closing;

 

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  (ii)

to cause the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer to serve as the President of the Combined Group following the Closing;

 

  (iii)

to provide that (A) the executive leadership team (“ELT”) of the Combined Group following the Closing shall consist of a combination of individuals from both the current JBT and the Company management teams and (B) such ELT members shall report directly to either the Chief Executive Officer of the Combined Group or the President of the Combined Group;

 

  (iv)

to otherwise collaborate in good faith prior to Closing to determine the best talent for key management positions of JBT the Combined Group;

 

  (c)

Integration Committee

 

  (i)

to form a Management Integration Committee (the “Management Integration Committee”) immediately subsequent to the Closing (A) consisting solely of, and co-chaired by, each of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the JBT CEO, (B) which shall report to the JBT Marel Board, and (C) the charter of which will provide that such committee will (1) drive cultural connectivity and internal communication strategy, (2) drive collaboration and (3) optimize ongoing operations to drive performance; and

 

  (d)

Other

 

  (i)

to cause the corporate name of JBT to be changed to “JBT Marel Corporation” effective as of the Closing;

 

  (ii)

(A) if JBT and the Company jointly determine to change the current JBT NYSE stock symbol, to cause the stock symbol to be changed as jointly agreed, and (B) JBT and the Company shall jointly determine the stock symbol for JBT Offer Shares to be listed on Nasdaq Iceland;

 

  (iii)

to cause, following the Closing, (A) the Combined Group’s corporate headquarters to remain in Chicago, Illinois, and (B) the Company’s current facility in Gardabaer, Iceland to be designated as the Combined Group’s European headquarters and a global technology center of excellence; and

 

  (iv)

to cause the Combined Group to maintain the Company’s brands in global markets.

For further details, see Sections 4.14 (Secondary Listing) and 4.18 (Governance and Social Matters).

 

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3.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE OFFER

 

3.1

Offerees

The Offer extends to all Shares which are not owned by the Company itself. The Settlement Agents will notify all Shareholders listed in the Company’s share registry, including custody agents, of the Offer at the beginning of the day on [●], 2024, except for Shareholders in such jurisdictions in which, to the knowledge of the Offeror, the distribution of the Offer Document and making of the Offer would be contrary to Law or otherwise restricted.

This Offer Document can be obtained on the websites of the Company (www.marel.com) and JBT (www.jbtc.com). The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website or JBT’s website does not constitute part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

3.2

Degree of Control

As of the Commencement Date, the Offeror, or parties acting in concert with the Offeror within the meaning of Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, do not hold any Shares, other than as described in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

 

3.3

Offer Price and Offer Consideration

Offer Price

The Offer Price represents a premium of:

 

   

54% to the closing price of the Shares on Nasdaq Iceland as of November 23, 2023, of ISK 350, being the last trading day prior to the Company’s disclosure of the Initial Offer; and

 

   

16% to the closing price of the Shares on Nasdaq Iceland as of January 18, 2024, of ISK 464, being the last trading day prior to JBT’s announcement of its intention to launch the Offer.

Offer Consideration

The consideration offered to the Shareholders is any of (at the election of each Shareholder):

 

  (a)

cash consideration in the amount of EUR 3.60 per Share (the “All-Cash Offer Consideration,” and the Shares with respect to which such election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Cash Electing Shares”);

 

  (b)

cash consideration in the amount of EUR 1.26 along with a stock consideration consisting of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares per Share (the “Mixed Offer Consideration,” and the Shares with respect to which such election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Mixed Election Shares”); or

 

  (c)

stock consideration consisting of 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares per Share (the “All-Stock Offer Consideration,” and together with the All-Cash Offer Consideration and the Mixed Offer Consideration, the “Consideration,” and the Shares with respect to which the All-Stock Offer Consideration election has been made and not validly withdrawn, the “Stock Electing Shares”).

As described in Section 3.15 (Settlement), Accepting Shareholders who elect the Mixed Offer Consideration or the All-Stock Offer Consideration can choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either (i) NYSE or (ii) Nasdaq Iceland, subject to the approval of the Secondary Listing, and provided that, if no explicit selection is made, Accepting Shareholders shall receive JBT Offer Shares listed on NYSE.

 

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Fractional Shares

No fractional JBT Offer Shares will be exchanged for any Shares tendered in the Offer by any Shareholder. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Transaction Agreement, each Accepting Shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of JBT Offer Shares shall receive in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount representing such holder’s proportionate interest in the net proceeds from the sale for the account of all such holders of JBT Offer Shares which would otherwise be issued (the “Excess Offer Shares”). The sale of the Excess Offer Shares shall be executed on the NYSE and shall be executed in round lots, to the extent practicable. The receipt of the net proceeds resulting from the sale of the Excess Offer Shares shall be free of commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs for such Accepting Shareholders. The net proceeds of such sale will be converted into Euros (at the spot USD to Euro exchange rate) and distributed to the Accepting Shareholders with each such Accepting Shareholder receiving an amount of such proceeds proportionate to the amount of fractional interests which such holder would otherwise have been entitled to receive. The net proceeds credited for any fractional JBT Offer Share will be determined on the average net proceeds per Share. As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to the Accepting Shareholders in lieu of fractional interests, such amounts shall be made available to such Accepting Shareholders. Any such sale shall be made on the Settlement Date. For Euronext Amsterdam Shares, fractional shares are settled in accordance with the customary arrangement Shareholders would have with their financial intermediary.

Proration

The All-Stock Offer Consideration and the All-Cash Offer Consideration shall be subject to the following adjustment:

 

  (a)

if the Cash Election Amount exceeds the Available Cash Election Amount, then (i) all Stock Electing Shares shall be converted to the right to receive the All-Stock Offer Consideration, (ii) all Mixed Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Mixed Offer Consideration, and (iii) the following consideration shall be paid in respect of each Cash Electing Share:

 

  (1)

an amount of cash equal to the quotient of (x) the Available Cash Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Cash Electing Shares; and

 

  (2)

a number of JBT Offer Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the difference of the Available Stock Election Amount less the Stock Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Cash Electing Shares; and

 

  (b)

if the Available Cash Election Amount exceeds the Cash Election Amount, then (i) all Cash Electing Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the All-Cash Offer Consideration, (ii) all Mixed Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Mixed Offer Consideration, and (iii) the following consideration shall be paid in respect of each Stock Electing Share:

 

  (1)

an amount of cash equal to the quotient of (x) the difference of the Available Cash Election Amount less the Cash Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Stock Electing Shares; and

 

  (2)

a number of JBT Offer Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the Available Stock Election Amount divided by (y) the number of Stock Electing Shares.

For purposes of this Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Consideration):

Available Cash Election Amount” means (i) the product of EUR 1.26 multiplied by the total number of Shares tendered into the Offer as at the Expiration Date, minus (ii) the aggregate amount of cash to be paid in respect of all Mixed Election Shares.

Available Stock Election Amount” means (i) the product of 0.0265 multiplied by the total number of Shares tendered into the Offer as at the Expiration Date minus (ii) the aggregate amount of JBT Offer Shares to be paid in respect of all Mixed Election Shares.

 

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Cash Election Amount” means the product of (i) the number of Cash Electing Shares multiplied by (ii) EUR 3.60 (before giving effect to any proration as described above).

Stock Election Amount” means the product of (i) the number of Stock Electing Shares multiplied by (ii) 0.0407 (before giving effect to any proration as described above).

By way of illustrative example only, in the event that all Accepting Shareholders elect to receive the All-Cash Offer Consideration, the effect of the proration as described above will result in each Accepting Shareholder receiving the Mixed Offer Consideration.

 

3.4

Closing Conditions

The Offeror’s right and obligation to accept for exchange, and to exchange, any Share validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth below (collectively, the “Closing Conditions”).

 

  (a)

Mutual Conditions. The following conditions may (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) be waived, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date, by the Offeror only following approval by both JBT and the Company (without prejudice to the Minimum Acceptance Condition, which permits the Offeror to reduce the percentage in its sole discretion):

 

  (i)

Regulatory Approvals. (i) Any waiting period (and extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) all other waivers, clearances, approvals and waiting periods under the Antitrust Laws of the United States, in the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom (the “Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions”) and under Foreign Investment Laws of the European Union, Iceland, France and any other jurisdiction identified to the Company by JBT in accordance with the Transaction Agreement (“Specified FDI Jurisdictions,” and together with the Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions, the “Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions”) shall have been obtained, terminated or expired, as applicable, and (iii) no voluntary agreement between JBT, the Offeror or the Company, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, not to consummate the Transaction shall be in effect (the “Regulatory Approvals Condition”);

 

  (ii)

No Legal Prohibition. No Governmental Authority of competent and applicable jurisdiction shall have (i) enacted, issued or promulgated any Law that is in effect and has the effect of making the Transaction or the acquisition of Shares by JBT or the Offeror illegal or which has the effect of prohibiting or otherwise preventing the consummation of the Transaction or the acquisition of Shares by JBT or the Offeror, or (ii) issued or granted any order that is in effect and has the effect of making the Transaction or the acquisition of Shares by JBT or the Offeror illegal or which has the effect of prohibiting or otherwise preventing the consummation of the Transaction or the acquisition of Shares by JBT or the Offeror (the “No Legal Prohibition Condition”);

 

  (iii)

Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall not be the subject of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (the “Registration Statement Condition”);

 

  (iv)

JBT Stockholder Approval. The JBT Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained after a vote of the JBT stockholders has been taken and completed at the JBT Stockholders Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “JBT Stockholder Approval Condition”);

 

  (v)

NYSE Listing. The NYSE shall have approved (and not subsequently withdrawn) the listing of the JBT Offer Shares, subject to official notice of issuance (the “NYSE Listing Condition”); and

 

  (vi)

Minimum Acceptance. The Offer shall have been validly accepted by eligible Shareholders representing (when taken together with any Shares acquired or agreed to be acquired by the

 

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  Offeror other than through the Offer) at least 90% (or, in the Offeror’s sole discretion, a lower percentage; provided, however, that such percentage shall not be reduced below 80% without the Company’s consent) of the issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of the Company (excluding, for clarity, Shares owned by any Marel Group Company) as at the Offer Closing Time and such acceptances not being withdrawn or subject to any third party consents in respect of pledges or other rights (such condition, the “Minimum Acceptance Condition”).

 

  (b)

Conditions Waivable by the Offeror. The following conditions may (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) be waived by the Offeror, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date:

 

  (i)

Company Representations and Warranties. (A) The Company Capitalization Representations shall be true and correct at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except for de minimis inaccuracies, (B) the Company Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) in all material respects at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time, (C) the representation and warranty in Section 1.7 of Part II of Annex 10.1 of the Transaction Agreement (related to the absence of certain changes) shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time and (D) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Part II of Annex 10.1 of the Transaction Agreement other than those described in the preceding clauses (A), (B) and (C) shall be true and correct at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except where the failure to be so true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Marel Group; provided, however, that, with respect to clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D) above, representations and warranties that are made as of a particular date or period shall be true and correct (consistent with the respective thresholds set forth in clause (A), (B), (C) or (D) as applicable) only as of such date or period;

 

  (ii)

Performance of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have performed and complied with in all material respects the agreements or covenants required to be performed, or complied with, by it under the Transaction Agreement at or prior to the Offer Closing Time; and

 

  (iii)

No Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Marel Group. Since the date of the Transaction Agreement, a Material Adverse Effect shall not have occurred with respect to the Marel Group.

 

  (c)

Conditions waivable by the Company. The following conditions may (to the extent permitted by applicable Laws) be waived by the Company, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date:

 

  (i)

JBT Representations and Warranties. (A) The JBT Capitalization Representations shall be true and correct at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except for de minimis inaccuracies, (B) the JBT Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) in all material respects at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time and (C) the representation and warranty in Section 1.8 of Part I of Annex 10.1 of the Transaction Agreement (related to the absence of certain changes) shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time and (D) the representations and warranties of JBT and the Offeror set forth in Part I of

 

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  Annex 10.1 of the Transaction Agreement other than those described in the preceding clauses (A), (B) and (C) shall be true and correct at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Offer Closing Time as though made at and as of the Offer Closing Time except where the failure to be so true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “material”, “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect”) would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the JBT Group; provided, however, that, with respect to clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D) above, representations and warranties that are made as of a particular date or period shall be true and correct (consistent with the respective thresholds set forth in clause (A), (B), (C) or (D) as applicable) only as of such date or period;

 

  (ii)

Performance of Obligations of JBT and the Offeror. Each of JBT and the Offeror shall have performed and complied with in all material respects the agreements or covenants required to be performed, or complied with, by it under the Transaction Agreement at or prior to the Offer Closing Time; and

 

  (iii)

No Material Adverse Effect with respect to the JBT Group. Since the date of the Transaction Agreement, a Material Adverse Effect shall not have occurred with respect to the JBT Group.

 

  (d)

Dutch Consultation Condition. A Dutch WC Completion Event shall have occurred in respect of each of the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, and respective resolutions having been adopted by the Company and JBT that are compliant with the applicable Dutch WC Completion Event.

 

3.5

Offer Period

In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and the terms of the Transaction Agreement, the Parties agree that the Offer will have an initial acceptance period of ten (10) weeks after the Commencement Date, provided, however, that:

 

  (a)

the Expiration Date shall occur no earlier than twenty (20) business days (as defined in Rule 14d-1(g)(3) under the Exchange Act) after (and including the date of) the Commencement Date;

 

  (b)

the Offeror shall extend the Offer Period as required by any Law, or any rule, regulation or other applicable legal requirement of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC or of Nasdaq Iceland, the NYSE or the Euronext Amsterdam, in any such case, which is applicable to the Offer or to the extent necessary to resolve any comments of the Icelandic FSA or the SEC applicable to the Disclosure Documents; and

 

  (c)

at or prior to the then-applicable Expiration Date, the Offeror shall (subject to any required approval from the Icelandic FSA) extend the Offer Period (i) by one or more additional periods of not less than ten (10) days per extension (or such shorter period as mutually agreed by the Parties in writing) if additional time is required to permit satisfaction of the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) or (ii) by at least an additional three (3) periods of not less than ten (10) days each if all the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition) have either been satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 12 of the Transaction Agreement or if, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, would have been satisfied at the Expiration Date or else validly waived; provided, however, that (A) in no event shall the Offeror be required to extend the Offer Period beyond the Drop Dead Date and (B) any such extension shall not be deemed to impair, limit or otherwise restrict in any manner the rights of the Offeror to terminate the Transaction Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof,

(in each case, the offer period running between and including the Commencement Date and the Expiration Date, as extended by the Offeror pursuant to the Transaction Agreement and paragraph 6 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the “Offer Period”). For clarity, (but without prejudice to the termination right in Section 13.2(a) of the Transaction Agreement (as summarized in Section 4.11(b)(i))) or the requirements to extend in the immediately preceding sentence), the Offeror may, in its reasonable discretion (subject to any

 

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required approval from the Icelandic FSA), extend the acceptance period for any duration (or repeated periods) in order to permit time for the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions.

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, JBT agrees to (i) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any approvals, consents, registrations, waivers, permits, authorizations, orders and other confirmations from the Icelandic FSA required by the Icelandic FSA (any of the foregoing, an “FSA Extension Approval”) to extend any Offer Period as promptly as practicable prior to any then-applicable Expiration Date; provided that nothing shall require JBT or the Offeror to amend the terms of the Offer, this Offer Document or the Offering Prospectus (other than such administrative amendments as are reasonably required to document and implement any extension in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement or a Requirement Amendment) or the terms of the Transaction Agreement, except to the extent of a Required Amendment, and (ii) keep the Company informed on a reasonably current basis of the status of the Offer, including with respect to any FSA Extension Approval or the number of Shares that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Offer, and with respect to any material developments with respect thereto.

 

3.6

Changes to the Offer Price and Consideration

The Offeror does not intend to increase the Offer Price but reserves the right to do so in accordance with applicable rules, including Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and U.S. securities laws. However, any increase of the Offer Price shall not constitute a new tender offer. Shareholders who have validly accepted the Offer will continue to be bound by their acceptances if the Offer Price is increased, subject to the withdrawal rights as described in Section 3.10 (Withdrawal Rights).

Pursuant to Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, if the Offeror, or parties acting in concert with the Offeror within the meaning of Article 100 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, pays a higher price or offers better terms for the Shares (a) during the Offer Period, the Offeror is required to adjust the Offer and offer that higher price to Shareholders, or (b) during a three (3) month period following the Expiration Date, those Shareholders who accepted the Offer shall be paid a supplemental payment corresponding to the difference in price.

In the unlikely event that the Offeror increases the Offer Price, Shareholders who have accepted the Offer at a lower Offer Price will automatically be entitled to such increased Offer Price if the Offer is completed. If the Offeror increases the Offer Price within the last two weeks of the Offer Period, the Offeror will hold the Offer open so that it expires at least two weeks from the date on which the notice of such increase is first published, and otherwise as required by Icelandic Laws and Rule 14e-1 of the Exchange Act.

If the Offeror increases or decreases the percentage of Shares sought in the Offer or the Consideration, or changes the type of Consideration offered to the Shareholders, then pursuant to Rule 14e-1 of the Exchange Act, the Offeror must extend the Offer Period for at least ten (10) Business Days from the date on which notice of such increase or decrease is first published, sent or given to securityholders.

 

3.7

Notification of extension/increase

Notification of any changes to the Offer Price, Consideration or the terms of the Offer will be made public in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 107 and Article 114 of Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable U.S. securities laws. A copy of the notification and a supplement to this Offer Document, as applicable, will be sent to all Shareholders listed in the Company’s share registry on the date of such notification.

Notification of any changes to the Expiration Date will be made public on Nasdaq Iceland’s and Euronext Amsterdam’s news systems, with the SEC, and on the websites of JBT (www.jbtc.com) and the Company (www.marel.com). The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website or JBT’s website does not constitute part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

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3.8

Revocation of the Offer

Pursuant to Article 105 of the Icelandic Takeover Act, the Offer may be revoked by the Offeror if any of the following conditions are satisfied:

 

  (a)

another public offer pursuant to the Icelandic Takeover Act is made which is equivalent to or more favorable than the Offer;

 

  (b)

a Closing Condition is not fulfilled or, to the extent applicable, waived in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement;

 

  (c)

the Company increases its share capital; or

 

  (d)

other special circumstances warrant revocation of the Offer.

Revocation of the Offer is subject to the approval of the Icelandic FSA and any withdrawal of the Offer will be made public in accordance with Article 114 of the Icelandic Takeover Act.

The Transaction Agreement may be terminated as described in Section 4.11 (Termination) and, upon such termination, the Offeror may withdraw this Offer Document and revoke the Offer at its sole discretion.

 

3.9

Acceptance Procedure

Shareholders who wish to tender their Shares on the terms and conditions set out in this Offer are urged to submit their acceptance in accordance with the procedures set out herein prior to the Expiration Date at 5.00 p.m. (Icelandic time).

Shareholders who hold Shares registered in the name of a custodian, bank or stockbroker or other nominee, must contact such Persons to accept the Offer. The relevant custodian, bank or stockbroker may set an earlier deadline for communication by Shareholders in order to permit the custodian, bank or stockbroker to communicate its acceptances to the relevant Settlement Agent in a timely manner. Accordingly, Shareholders should contact their custodian, bank or stockbroker to obtain information about the deadline by which such Shareholder must send instructions to such financial intermediary to accept the Offer and should comply with the dates set by such financial intermediary, as such dates may differ from the dates and times noted in this Offer Document.

Any Acceptance that is not correctly completed or that is received after the Expiration Date can be rejected without further notice. There shall be no obligation on the Offeror, the Settlement Agents or any person acting on its or their behalf to give notice of any defects or irregularities in any Acceptance and no liability shall be incurred by any of them for failure to give any such notification. Furthermore, neither the Offeror nor the Settlement Agents will be responsible for delays in the postal system or for any Acceptance forwarded by e-mail that are not received in time due to technical or any other reason. All questions as to the form of all documents and the validity (including time of receipt) and acceptance of such documents will be determined by the Offeror, in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding.

The Offeror reserves the right to approve acceptances that are received after the Expiration Date. However, the Offeror will ensure due compliance with the duty to treat Shareholders equally under the Icelandic Takeover Act and applicable Law when exercising its discretion pursuant to the foregoing.

Accepting Shareholders must indicate the number of Shares that they wish to tender in its Acceptance, however JBT’s expectation is that Accepting Shareholders will tender all of their Shares in the Offer. All Shares to be tendered to the Offeror pursuant to the Offer must be free from any and all charges, liens and other encumbrances. Any third party with registered encumbrances or other third-party rights over the relevant securities account(s) must complete and submit its Acceptance and thereby waive its rights in the Shares sold in

 

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the Offer and approve the transfer of the Shares to the Offeror free and clear of any such encumbrances and any other third-party rights. Shares shall be transferred inclusive of any dividends declared or any other distributions in respect of the transferred Shares that have not been paid by the Company prior to settlement of the Offer. The Offeror reserves the right to ascertain whether any pledges or encumbrances are in place before making a payment.

Accepting Shareholders will remain the legal owners of their Shares and retain voting rights and other shareholder rights related thereto to the extent permitted under applicable Law until the Settlement Date. Upon settlement of the Offer and the registration of the Offeror as the owner of the Shares in the Company’s share registry, the Offeror will be able to exercise the voting rights attached to the Shares sold in the Offer.

Acceptance Procedure for Shareholders holding Nasdaq Iceland Shares

Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares and have an Icelandic electronic ID, and who wish to tender their Shares on the terms and conditions of the Offer must submit their acceptance of the Offer by completing the acceptance form available on www.arionbanki.is/marel, in the form and substance prescribed thereby (the “Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form”) prior to 5.00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date.

Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares, but who do not possess an Icelandic electronic ID, or cannot otherwise complete the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form, must complete and sign the acceptance form enclosed with this Offer Document as Appendix 1 (together with the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form, the “Icelandic Acceptance Forms”) and return to it to the Icelandic Settlement Agent prior to the Expiration Date. The completed acceptance form can be submitted to the Icelandic Settlement Agent via email at marel2024@arionbanki.is or delivered to the offices of the Icelandic Settlement Agent at Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Following receipt of an Icelandic Acceptance Form, the Icelandic Settlement Agent will forward the instructions of the Accepting Shareholder to the custodian specified by it to give effect to the acceptance in accordance with the terms of this Offer Document.

By delivering a duly executed Icelandic Acceptance Form, the Accepting Shareholder irrevocably authorises the Icelandic Settlement Agent to debit such Accepting Shareholder’s securities account and to transfer the Nasdaq Iceland Shares to the Offeror against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of JBT Offer Shares upon settlement of the Offer.

In accordance with Icelandic Law, the Icelandic Settlement Agent must categorise all new customers in one of three customer categories: eligible counterparties, professional clients and non-professional clients. All Shareholders delivering an Icelandic Acceptance Form that are not existing clients of the Icelandic Settlement Agent, will be categorised as non-professional clients. For further information about the categorisation, the Shareholder may contact the Icelandic Settlement Agent. The Icelandic Settlement Agent will treat the delivery of the Icelandic Acceptance Form only as an execution instruction from the Accepting Shareholder to sell its Nasdaq Iceland Shares under the Offer, since the Icelandic Settlement Agent is not in the position to determine whether the acceptance and selling of Nasdaq Iceland Shares is suitable or not for the Accepting Shareholder.

Shareholders can contact the Icelandic Settlement Agent with any queries by email at assistance.marel2024@arionbanki.is.

Acceptance Procedure for Shareholders holding Euronext Amsterdam Shares

Shareholders who hold Euronext Amsterdam Shares are requested to make their acceptance known through their custodian, bank or stockbroker no later than by 5.00 p.m. (Icelandic time) on the Expiration Date. Each Shareholder should contact its financial intermediary to obtain information on the acceptance process, including the deadline by which such Shareholder must send instructions to the financial intermediary to accept the Offer. Shareholders should comply with the dates and acceptance process set by their financial intermediary.

 

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The institutions admitted to Euronext Amsterdam (each an “Admitted Institution”) can tender Euronext Amsterdam Shares only to the Dutch Settlement Agent and only in writing (the “Dutch Acceptance”). The Admitted Institutions are requested to tender the Euronext Amsterdam Shares via Euroclear Nederland (via Swift message MT565). In submitting the acceptance on behalf of their clients, the Admitted Institutions should confirm (i) the total number of Euronext Amsterdam Shares that their client(s) (i.e., the underlying Accepting Shareholder(s)) wishes to tender in the Offer, (ii) the Consideration elected by such Accepting Shareholder(s), and (iii) if the Accepting Shareholder(s) elects Mixed Offer Consideration or All-Stock Offer Consideration, whether the Accepting Shareholder(s) chooses to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on NYSE or Nasdaq Iceland (subject to the approval of the Secondary Listing, and provided that, if no explicit selection is made, such Accepting Shareholder(s) shall receive JBT Offer Shares listed on NYSE). In addition, in respect of Accepting Shareholders who wish to tender more than 100,000 Euronext Amsterdam Shares, the Admitted Institutions are required to submit a statement to the Dutch Settlement Agent containing the name of the Accepting Shareholder, the number of Euronext Amsterdam Shares such Accepting Shareholder wishes to tender and declare that:

 

  (a)

they hold the Euronext Amsterdam Shares tendered by the relevant Accepting Shareholder in their administration;

 

  (b)

on behalf of the relevant Accepting Shareholder, such Accepting Shareholder who accepts the Offer irrevocably represents and warrants that the Euronext Amsterdam Shares tendered by the Accepting Shareholder are being tendered in compliance with the restrictions set out this Offer Document; and

 

  (c)

the relevant Admitted Institution undertakes to effect the transfer of the relevant Euronext Amsterdam Shares to the Offeror on or before the Settlement Date.

Although under normal circumstances the relevant Admitted Institution will ensure that the Euronext Amsterdam Shares are transferred to the Offeror, if so instructed, Accepting Shareholders are advised that each Accepting Shareholder is responsible for the transfer of such Euronext Amsterdam Shares to the Offeror.

The payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares to an Admitted Institution for the benefit of an Accepting Shareholder will only occur when all Euronext Amsterdam Shares of such Accepting Shareholder are delivered. No split settlement will be facilitated.

The tendering of Euronext Amsterdam Shares by an Accepting Shareholder in acceptance of the Offer will constitute irrevocable instructions by the relevant Accepting Shareholder to the relevant Admitted Institution to:

 

  (a)

block any attempt to transfer such Euronext Amsterdam Shares, so that on or prior to the Settlement Date no transfer of such Euronext Amsterdam Shares may be effected (other than any action required to effect the transfer to the Offeror);

 

  (b)

debit the securities account in which such Euronext Amsterdam Shares are held on the Settlement Date in respect of all of the Euronext Amsterdam Shares, against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares by the Dutch Settlement Agent on the Offeror’s behalf; and

 

  (c)

effect the transfer of such Euronext Amsterdam Shares to the Offeror.

 

3.10

Withdrawal Rights

At any time during the Offer Period, Accepting Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Shares. Following the Expiration Date, withdrawal rights will cease, and any Shares tendered into the Offer will not be able to be withdrawn.

Accepting Shareholders will continue to be bound by their acceptances if the Offer Period is extended and/or the Offer Price is increased, unless they withdraw their acceptance. If the Offer Period is extended, the Accepting Shareholders may withdraw their tendered Shares until the end of the Offer Period as extended. If the Offeror increases the Offer Price, the Accepting Shareholders who have accepted the Offer at a lower price will automatically be entitled to such increased Offer Price if the Offer is completed.

 

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To withdraw previously tendered Nasdaq Iceland Shares, Accepting Shareholders must declare their withdrawal to the Icelandic Settlement Agent by withdrawing their acceptance through the Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form available on www.arionbanki.is/marel or by delivering written notice to the offices of the Icelandic Settlement Agent at Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

To withdraw previously tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares, Accepting Shareholders must declare their withdrawal in writing to their relevant custodian bank for a specified number of tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares, where in the event that no number is specified, the withdrawal shall be deemed to have been declared for all of the tendered Euronext Amsterdam Shares of such Accepting Shareholders.

 

3.11

Announcement of the Result

A notification on the results of the Offer will be made public on Nasdaq Iceland’s and Euronext Amsterdam’s news systems, with the SEC, and on the websites of JBT (www.jbtc.com) and the Company (www.marel.com) one (1) Business Day following the Expiration Date.

JBT will also file such notifications and announcements with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and otherwise comply with its obligations under U.S. law with respect to informing security holders of any material change in the information published, sent or given to security holders.

The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website, JBT’s website or the SEC’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

3.12

Regulatory Approvals

The Transaction is subject to the Regulatory Approvals, as described in Sections 3.4(a)(i) and 4.10 (Regulatory Approvals).

 

3.13

Drop Dead Date

Either JBT or the Company may terminate the Transaction Agreement if the Offer Closing Time has not occurred by (i) July 4, 2025 (such date, the “Initial Drop Dead Date”) or (ii) if the Initial Drop Dead Date is extended pursuant to Section 13.2(b) of the Transaction Agreement (as described in Section 4.11(b)(ii) herein), October 5, 2025 (the “Extended Drop Dead Date”) (the Initial Drop Dead Date, or if extended, the Extended Drop Dead Date, the “Drop Dead Date”). In the event of such termination, the Offer will not be completed and Accepting Shareholders who have tendered their Shares will be released from their acceptance of the Offer.

 

3.14

Settlement

Settlement of the Offer will be made as promptly as possible but shall take place no later than three (3) Business Days from the Expiration Date (provided that the Offeror may apply for an extension as permitted under paragraph 7 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act) (the “Settlement Date”).

On the Settlement Date, the Offeror shall promptly settle the Offer in accordance with its terms and applicable Laws, and accept for exchange, and exchange, all Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer (such settlement and exchange, the “Closing,” and the time that the Offeror accepts for exchange, and exchanges, all of the Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, the “Offer Closing Time”). The share register of the Company shall be updated immediately following the Offer Closing Time.

If Shareholders hold Shares through their custodian, bank or stockbroker, and payment on settlement is to be made in such nominee’s or intermediary’s account, they should contact such custodian, bank or stockbroker for determining when and how payment will be credited to their personal accounts.

 

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Settlement of the cash consideration for Nasdaq Iceland Shares

For Accepting Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares, settlement of the All-Cash Offer Consideration and the cash consideration portion of the Mixed Offer Consideration will be made in cash in euros and transferred to the bank account/custody account that at the time of acceptance was registered as the account for payment of dividends to the relevant Accepting Shareholder.

If there are no records of a bank account that can be used for settlement, the Accepting Shareholder must specify on the Icelandic Acceptance Form the bank account into which payment should be made.

For Accepting Shareholders, who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares and who do not hold a bank account with an Icelandic bank, payment details for offshore payments must be included in addition to the bank account number, such as IBAN, SWIFT or similar payment codes depending on the jurisdiction where the bank account is located. The Icelandic Settlement Agent should be contacted in this respect.

The Icelandic Settlement Agent will endeavour to contact all Accepting Shareholders who hold Nasdaq Iceland Shares who have not registered bank accounts with their securities accounts or who have not included account details in the Icelandic Acceptance Form, through their respective custodians, for the purposes of obtaining such bank account information. Settlement for such Accepting Shareholders who (i) have not registered bank accounts with their securities accounts or included account details in the Icelandic Acceptance Form, (ii) have no bank account registered in its name or (iii) do not have a bank account, will be made by Icelandic Settlement Agent by forwarding the All-Cash Offer Consideration or the cash consideration, as the case may be, to the custodians where such Accepting Shareholders hold their respective Nasdaq Iceland Shares in respect of which acceptance has been received and where such Accepting Shareholders may claim their funds upon further request made by them. In doing so, the Icelandic Settlement Agent may select the payment method that the Icelandic Settlement Agent in its sole opinion deems the most appropriate, and the Icelandic Settlement Agent may (but has no obligation to) for such purpose convert the funds into any applicable currency. A payment made by the Icelandic Settlement Agent to an Accepting Shareholder in the aforesaid manner shall be deemed as final settlement of any cash consideration for the relevant Nasdaq Iceland Shares and shall entitle the Icelandic Settlement Agent to transfer the relevant Nasdaq Iceland Shares to the Offeror.

Settlement of the cash consideration for Euronext Amsterdam Shares

For Accepting Shareholders who hold Euronext Amsterdam Shares, settlement of the All-Cash Offer Consideration and the cash consideration portion of the Mixed Offer Consideration will be made by the Dutch Settlement Agent to the Admitted Institutions on the Settlement Date. The Admitted Institutions will thereafter credit the relevant cash consideration on the account of their underlying client(s) (i.e., the Accepting Shareholder(s)).

The Offeror cannot guarantee that Accepting Shareholders will actually receive the payment on the Settlement Date from the Admitted Institution with whom they hold their Euronext Amsterdam Shares. However, for the avoidance of doubt, Accepting Shareholders should receive the payment as soon as reasonably practicable following the Settlement Date.

Settlement of JBT Offer Shares

Subject to Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration), each Accepting Shareholder who elects the All-Stock Offer Consideration or the Mixed Offer Consideration will receive JBT Offer Shares. Subject to the approval of the Secondary Listing, Accepting Shareholders who elect the All-Stock Offer Consideration or the Mixed Offer Consideration will be able to choose to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on either (i) NYSE or (ii) Nasdaq Iceland, provided that, if no explicit selection is made, Accepting Shareholders shall receive JBT Offer Shares listed on NYSE.

 

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3.15

Blocking of Tendered Shares

By delivering a duly executed Icelandic Acceptance Form or otherwise providing instructions to its financial intermediary, each Accepting Shareholder gives the relevant Settlement Agent or its financial intermediary an authorisation to block the specified Shares in favor of such Settlement Agent or financial intermediary. The relevant Settlement Agent or financial intermediary is at the same time authorised to transfer such Shares to the Offeror against payment of the cash consideration and/or delivery of the JBT Offer Shares. In the event the Offer is cancelled, revoked or terminated, the blocking will be terminated. In the event that an Accepting Shareholder validly withdraws its acceptance of the Offer as described in Section 3.10 (Withdrawal Rights), the blocking will be terminated with respect to its respective Shares. It is not possible for the Accepting Shareholder to dispose or grant any encumbrance, security or option over the Shares when they are blocked. The Accepting Shareholder is free to dispose any other securities registered in the same securities account as the blocked Shares, provided such securities are not in the capital of the Company. Accepting Shareholders will, subject to applicable Law, remain owners of their Shares and retain their right to vote their Shares and other shareholder rights, until the Settlement Date.

 

3.16

Potential Post-Offer Reorganization Transactions

Following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror may or will (as applicable) pursue post-completion actions with respect to the Company.

Squeeze Out

The Offeror (or a permitted assignee of the Offeror) may launch the Squeeze Out within three months of the Offer Closing Time provided that the Minimum Acceptance Condition has been satisfied and to the extent permitted under applicable law, as further described in Section 4.15 (Squeeze Out). The price and consideration offered to the remaining owners of the Shares that were not acquired in the Offer is, in case of the Squeeze-Out, subject to an agreement between the Offeror and the remaining Shareholders and, if no agreement can be reached, is determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. However, in the event that the Squeeze-Out is initiated within three months following the Offer Closing Time, the Offer Price is deemed to be a fair price for purposes of the Squeeze Out.

Merger

Following the Offer Closing Time, if the Offeror owns less than 90% of the issued and outstanding Shares or the Marel business, the Offeror may initiate the Merger or take other corporate actions to acquire all of the outstanding Shares, as further described in Section 4.16 (Merger). In the Merger, if effected as a domestic merger with the Company as disappearing company and a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated under Icelandic law as acquiring company, the effect of the transaction or combined transactions will be that the remaining owners of the Shares that were not acquired in the Offer would be entitled to substantially the same consideration for their Shares as was offered in the Offer. However, those Shareholders that vote against such Merger during a shareholders’ meeting are entitled to have their Shares redeemed so long as (i) they request so in writing within a month following the shareholders’ meeting where the Merger was voted upon and that (ii) they state their willingness to that effect during the relevant shareholders’ meeting if so requested. If no agreement can be reached between the Offeror and the relevant Shareholders on the price and consideration for the Shares to be redeemed, the relevant Shareholders will be entitled to a price and a consideration as determined by independent court-appointed appraisers or a court. In the Merger, if effected as a cross border merger with the Offeror (or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Offeror) as disappearing company and the Company as acquiring company, the remaining owners of the Shares that were not acquired in the Offer would continue to be a Shareholder but may as a consequence of such Merger be diluted such that the Offeror, after the Merger, holds 90% or more of the issued and outstanding Shares, after which such remaining owners may be squeezed out in a squeeze-out process in accordance with Article 24 of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies no. 2/1995 for the remaining Shares.

 

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Delisting

The tender of Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of Shares that might otherwise trade publicly and will reduce the number of Shareholders, which could adversely affect the liquidity and market value of the remaining Shares held by the public. The extent of the public listing and market for Shares and the availability of quotations reported in the open market depend upon the number of publicly held Shares, the aggregate market value of the publicly held Shares at such time, the interest of maintaining a market in the Shares on the part of any securities firms and other factors beyond the control of JBT and the Company.

In connection with the Transaction and the Merger or Squeeze Out, JBT, through the Offeror, and Marel intend to delist the Shares from Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam as soon as practicable after the Offer Closing Time. JBT may initiate a delisting of the Shares depending on the stake of JBT, prevailing market conditions and other economic considerations. A delisting would require the approval of Shares at a shareholders’ meeting in respect of the Nasdaq Iceland Shares, and following such meeting, an application would be submitted to Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland to delist. However, if the Offeror implements any post-offer reorganization transactions, the listing of the Shares on Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland may be terminated as a result of the Company ceasing to exist or as determined by the relevant stock exchange. A delisting would result in the revocation of trading of Shares on Euronext Amsterdam and Nasdaq Iceland and, thus could make the Shares effectively illiquid. The Offeror does not intend to compensate for such adverse effect.

 

3.17

Other Terms and Conditions

Accepting Shareholders will be eligible to vote at any general meeting the Company may hold during the Offer Period, and such Accepting Shareholders will retain their right to any dividends or other distributions with respect to their Shares until payment and delivery has been completed and the Offeror has been registered as the owner of the Shares in the Company’s share register.

 

3.18

Financing

The Offer is not subject to any financing condition. The cash consideration payable in respect of the Offer is fully secured by funds available to the Offeror pursuant to financing commitments provided by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Goldman Sachs Bank USA on terms which are customary for the financing of public offers.

 

3.19

Tax Considerations

Below is a summary of certain Icelandic tax considerations relevant to the disposal of Shares pursuant to the acceptance of the Offer. The statements below regarding Icelandic taxation are based on Laws in force in Iceland as of the date of this Offer Document, which may be subject to any changes in Law occurring after such date.

The summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to dispose of Shares. The tax consequences (Icelandic or otherwise) for Shareholders in connection with an acceptance of the Offer depend on each Shareholder’s individual circumstances. Shareholders are advised to seek specialist advice from tax advisers on the taxation of Shares in connection with this Offer.

Acceptance of the Offer will be regarded as a realisation of Shares for Icelandic tax purposes, regardless of whether the Consideration is All-Stock Offer Consideration, All-Cash Offer Consideration or Mixed Offer Consideration. Realisation will, as the main rule, be deemed to have taken place when the Offer has been accepted by the Shareholder and all Closing Conditions have been either satisfied or validly waived on the Expiration Date.

 

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Shareholders who are resident in Iceland for tax purposes

Capital gains from the sale of Shares are subject to 22.0% tax in the case of individuals tax resident in Iceland, subject to certain rights to deduct capital losses resulting from the sale of shares or similar assets, with the first total ISK 300,000 of such capital gains income exempt from taxation. Limited liability companies (e.g., ehf. and hf.), which are tax resident in Iceland, enjoy an effective participation exemption, allowing them to deduct the full amount of the capital gains.

Shareholders who are not resident in Iceland for tax purposes

With respect to Shareholders who are not resident in Iceland, Article 3(7) of the Icelandic Income Tax Act no. 90/2003 provides that any income received from the Shares, including capital gains, by any person or entity residing outside Iceland constitutes taxable income in Iceland. The tax rate applicable to income from any disposal of the Shares is (i) 22.0% for individuals and (ii) 20% for legal entities.

The tax liability under Icelandic Laws may be reduced under certain applicable tax treaties. If a Shareholder would like to take advantage of such applicable tax treaties by relief at source, the Shareholder is required to obtain a confirmation from the Icelandic tax authorities regarding the applicable treaty protection. The confirmation is obtained via a filing of Icelandic tax form RSK 5.42.

Irrespective of the availability of any tax treaty protection, limited liability companies resident in the European Economic Area, a state party to European Free Trade Association or in the Faroe Islands enjoy the effective statutory participation exemption which comparable Icelandic entities do, allowing them to deduct the full amount of the capital gains received. This exemption requires the filing of a tax return in Iceland to obtain a refund of taxes withheld.

 

3.20

Transaction costs

Accepting Shareholders may have to pay brokerage fees in connection with the acceptance of the Offer. Admitted Institutions may also charge a fee to their clients (i.e., Accepting Shareholders) in connection with participating in the Offer. The Parties will not cover any costs that a Shareholder may incur in connection with acceptance of the Offer. JBT may, however, pay a customary commission to the custodian banks.

 

3.21

Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This Offer Document is governed by Icelandic Law, and any disputes which may arise from the substance and the execution of the Offer shall be resolved by the District Court of Reykjavík, Iceland, unless otherwise agreed by (and as between) the Parties pursuant to the Transaction Agreement.

 

3.22

Approval of the Offer Document

This Offer Document was approved by the Icelandic FSA on [●], 2024 with reference to paragraph 2 of Article 113 of the Icelandic Takeover Act.

 

3.23

Language

This Offer Document has been prepared in English and translated into Icelandic. In case of inconsistencies, the Icelandic FSA has approved with reference to paragraph 3 of Article 113 of the Icelandic Takeover Act that the English text shall prevail.

 

3.24

Advisors

Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor, Kirkland and LEX are acting as legal counsel and Arion banki hf. is acting as lead manager to JBT in connection with the Offer.

 

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4.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

 

4.1

Introduction

On April 4, 2024, the Parties entered into the Transaction Agreement. The Transaction Agreement includes, among other things, provisions relating to the Transaction, and certain interim operating covenants by the Company and JBT, as further described below. The below description of the Transaction Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Transaction Agreement. A copy of the Transaction Agreement is included as Exhibit No. 2.1 to the Form 8-K filed by JBT on April 5, 2024, which is available on JBT’s website, www.jbtc.com. The information contained on or accessible through the JBT’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated by reference herein.

 

4.2

Marel Recommendation

The Company has undertaken in the Transaction Agreement to publish a reasoned statement of the Marel Board pursuant to paragraph 5 of Article 104 of the Icelandic Takeover Act (together with any amendments made in accordance with the Transaction Agreement or supplements thereto and including exhibits thereto, the “Reasoned Statement”) and Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act regarding the Offer on the Commencement Date, or else as promptly as practicable following the date of this Offer Document and in any event no later than the Business Day hereafter, substantially in the form delivered by the Company or its Representatives to JBT prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement (other than with respect to sections not yet included in such draft); provided, however, that the Company may amend or supplement such provided form of Reasoned Statement to the extent that the Marel Board determines in good faith that such amendments or supplements are reasonably required; provided further, that the Company shall afford JBT a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any such amendments or supplements prior to the publication of the Reasoned Statement, with the Company giving due and good faith consideration to any such reasonable comments. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Reasoned Statement to comply in all material respects with the requirements of applicable Law. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing shall be deemed to impair, limit or otherwise restrict in any manner the rights and obligations of the Company and the Marel Board pursuant to the paragraph below and the terms and provisions of the Transaction Agreement related to a Change in Marel Board Recommendation, Company Acquisition Proposals and Company Intervening Events, and any amendment or supplement to the provided form of Reasoned Statement made pursuant to this paragraph shall be consistent in all respects with the rights and obligations set forth in the paragraph below and terms and provisions of the Transaction Agreement related to a Change in Marel Board Recommendation, Company Acquisition Proposals and Company Intervening Events.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement, the Marel Board is required to confirm in its Reasoned Statement that, in its opinion, (a) it supports the Offer, including the price and other terms thereof; (b) it recommends that the holders of Shares tender their Shares into the Offer (such recommendation on the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement, the “Marel Recommendation”); and (c) it believes that the consummation of the Transaction will have a positive effect on the interests of the Company and its management and employees.

In the event that on or after the date of the Transaction Agreement until the Expiration Date, the Marel Board (a) fails to include the Marel Recommendation in its Reasoned Statement, (b) withdraws, modifies or qualifies the Marel Recommendation in a manner that is adverse to JBT or the Offeror (or makes any public statement of its intent to withdraw, modify or qualify the Marel Recommendation in such adverse manner), (c) approves, adopts or recommends a Company Acquisition Proposal, or (d) after receipt by the Company of a Company Acquisition Proposal or public announcement of a Company Acquisition Proposal, fails to reaffirm the Marel Recommendation within ten (10) Business Days after any written request by JBT to do so (provided that, JBT may make no more than one (1) such request for each such Company Acquisition Proposal (provided further that, JBT may make one (1) such additional request for each material modification to each such Company Acquisition

 

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Proposal)), such failure to make such recommendation, any such withdrawal, modification or qualification (or public statement of intent of the same), any such approval, adoption or recommendation, or any such failure to reaffirm, is referred to as a “Change in Marel Recommendation”.

From the date of the Transaction Agreement until the Expiration Date, except as otherwise provided by the Transaction Agreement, the Marel Board shall not (a) effect a Change in Marel Recommendation or (b) authorize, cause or permit Marel or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any letter of intent, agreement, commitment or agreement in principle providing for any Company Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into in accordance with Section 5.1(c) of the Transaction Agreement (and as summarized in Section 4.4 (Acquisition Proposals) below)).

 

4.3

JBT Recommendation

JBT has undertaken in the Transaction Agreement to (a) in accordance with applicable Law and JBT’s organizational documents, all action necessary to convene and hold a special meeting of its stockholders for the purpose of obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval (the “JBT Stockholders Meeting”) as promptly as reasonably practicable following the date of the Transaction Agreement, which shall be no earlier than twenty (20) Business Days after, but not later than thirty (30) Business Days after (unless otherwise deferred pursuant to the Transaction Agreement), the Registration Statement is declared effective and (b) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the JBT Stockholder Approval as promptly as practicable after the date of the Transaction Agreement.

In the event that the JBT Board (a) fails to include in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus the JBT Board’s recommendation that the JBT stockholders vote in favor of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares in the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (the “JBT Recommendation”), (b) withdraws, modifies or qualifies the JBT Recommendation (or makes any public statement of its intent to withdraw, modify or qualify the JBT Recommendation in such adverse manner), (c) approves, adopts or recommends a JBT Acquisition Proposal, or (d) after receipt by JBT of a JBT Acquisition Proposal or public announcement of a JBT Acquisition Proposal, fails to reaffirm the JBT Recommendation within ten (10) Business Days after any written request by the Company to do so, provided, that the Company may make no more than one (1) such requests for each such JBT Acquisition Proposal (provided further that the Company may make one (1) such additional request for each material modification to any JBT Acquisition Proposal)), such failure to make such recommendation, any such withdrawal, modification or qualification (or public statement of intent of the same), any such approval, adoption or recommendation or any such failure to reaffirm shall be referred to herein as a “Change in JBT Recommendation”.

Except as otherwise permitted by the Transaction Agreement, the JBT Board shall not (i) effect a Change in JBT Recommendation or (ii) authorize, cause, or permit JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any letter of intent, agreement, commitment or agreement in principle providing for any JBT Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into in accordance with Section 5.2(c) of the Transaction Agreement (and as summarized in Section 4.4 (Acquisition Proposals) below)).

 

4.4

Acquisition Proposals

Each of JBT and the Company has agreed that neither it or any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective officers or directors (including any member of the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable) shall, and that it shall instruct and cause its Subsidiaries’ and Representatives not to, directly or indirectly (in each case other than with JBT, the Offeror and their respective Affiliates and Representatives, and in the case of the Company, Eyrir (provided, however, that any contact with Eyrir or its Affiliates or Representatives shall be limited to communication that is related to, and in furtherance of the consummation of, the Transaction, except as may otherwise be permitted pursuant to the Transaction Agreement)): (a) initiate, solicit, propose or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the making, submission or announcement of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or

 

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would reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal; (b) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations relating to any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal; (c) provide any non-public information or data to any Person in relation to an Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal; or (d) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, Transaction Agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement or agree to do any of the foregoing related to any Acquisition Proposal.

Subject to applicable Law, the Company or JBT, as applicable, shall promptly (and, in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours) after (a) receipt of an Acquisition Proposal, (b) receipt of any request for information in connection with an Acquisition Proposal, or (c) any discussions or negotiations with respect to an Acquisition Proposal that are sought to be initiated or continued with such party, provide (A) the other party with written notice of the material terms and conditions of such Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry, the identity of the Person making any such Acquisition Proposal, proposal, offer or request, and the most current version of the relevant transaction agreement or transaction proposal and any material agreements or documents ancillary thereto, including any schedule, exhibit and annex thereto, and (B) thereafter, promptly provide the other party with oral and written notice setting forth all such information as is reasonably necessary to keep such party informed in all material respects of the status and details (including material amendments or proposed material amendments) of any such Acquisition Proposal, request or inquiry.

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, JBT and the JBT Board, and the Company or the Marel Board, as applicable, directly or indirectly, including through any Affiliates or directors or other Representatives, shall be permitted to (a) make any disclosures in compliance with applicable Law as further described in the Transaction Agreement, provided that if such disclosure has the effect of withdrawing, modifying or qualifying, with respect to Marel, the Marel Recommendation in a manner adverse to JBT or the Offeror, or with respect to JBT, the JBT Recommendation in a manner adverse to Marel, such disclosure shall be deemed to be a Change in Marel Recommendation and JBT shall have the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement as described in Section 4.11 (Termination) below, unless the Company expressly reaffirms the Marel Recommendation in such disclosure, (b) after complying with the provisions set out in the Transaction Agreement (and summarized in Section 4.5 (Change in Recommendation) below), with respect to the Company, prior to the Offer Closing Time, and with respect to JBT, prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval (i) effect a Change in Recommendation in response to a Superior Proposal and terminate the Transaction Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof if (A) such Change in Recommendation is made in response to an Acquisition Proposal that the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, concludes in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) constitutes a Superior Proposal, (B) the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) hat the failure to effect such Change in Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware (in the case or JBT) or Iceland (in the case of the Company), and (C) such Acquisition Proposal did not result in a breach, in any material respect, of the conditions set out in the Transaction Agreement, or (ii) effect a Change in Recommendation in response to an Intervening Event if the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in Recommendation would reasonably be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware (in the case or JBT) or Iceland (in the case of the Company), (c) with respect to the Company, prior to the Offer Closing Time, and with respect to JBT, prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval, engage, enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information or data to, any Person (provided that any such non-public information or data to, any Person (and in any event within one (1) Business Day thereafter)) in response to an Acquisition Proposal by any such Person that did not result from a breach, in any material respect, of the Transaction Agreement if the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (i) the Acquisition Proposal either constitutes a Superior Proposal or would reasonably be expected to result in a

 

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Superior Proposal, and (ii) the failure to take such actions would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under the applicable laws of Delaware (in the case or JBT) or Iceland (in the case of the Company), provided that prior to providing any information or data to any Person in connection with such Acquisition Proposal, the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, receives from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement with confidentiality terms no less restrictive than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (which shall not, for the sake of clarity, be required to contain any “standstill,” “no contact” or similar provisions) and which does not restrict or prohibit JBT’s or Marel’s, as applicable, compliance with the terms summarized in this Section 4.4 (Acquisition Proposals), JBT, the JBT Board or the Company, the Marel Board and their respective Affiliates and Representatives may (A) seek to clarify and understand the terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers made by any Person to determine whether such inquiry, proposal or offer constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal or a Superior Proposal, (B) inform a Person that has made such inquiry, proposal or offer of its obligations relating to Acquisition Proposals and Superior Proposals as summarized in this Section 4.4 (Acquisition Proposals), or (C) waive (on a confidential non-public basis) any “standstill,” “no contact” or similar provisions in any agreement to the extent that failure to waive such provisions would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable laws of Delaware or Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland, as applicable; and (d) with respect to the Company, within five (5) Business Days of the Commencement Date, effect a Change in Marel Recommendation if the material terms of this Offer Document differ in any material respect from the terms set forth in the Transaction Agreement (provided that, any differences arising out of any Required Amendments shall not be considered), and the Marel Board determines in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to effect such Change in Marel Recommendation in response to such material difference would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland.

Each of JBT and the Company agrees that (a) it will, and will cause its officers and directors and its Subsidiaries and such Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations existing as of the date of the Transaction Agreement with any Person (other than JBT and its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives) conducted with respect to any Acquisition Proposal or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal and (i) promptly inform its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives of and (ii) be responsible for any breach by any of its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives of, the obligations undertaken in the Transaction Agreement (and any such breach by its and its Subsidiaries’ directors, officers, agents and Representatives shall be deemed to be a breach of its obligations); and (b) it shall not, subject to the provisions of the Transaction Agreement, terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality, “standstill” or similar agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and that was entered into in connection with a potential Acquisition Proposal, and shall enforce, under applicable Law, the terms of any such agreement, including by obtaining injunctions to enforce specifically the terms thereof.

 

4.5

Change in Recommendation

Prior to effecting a Change in Recommendation, JBT (on behalf of the JBT Board) or Marel (on behalf of the Marel Board), as applicable, shall provide written notice to the other party of its intention to effect a Change in Recommendation at least five (5) Business Days prior to effecting a Change in Recommendation (a “Change in Recommendation Notice”). In respect of an Intervening Event, the Change in Recommendation Notice will describe in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that are the basis for the proposed action, and in respect of a Superior Proposal, the notice will identify the Person making such superior proposal and describe the material terms and conditions of any such Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action (and attach copies of all agreements and other material documents evidencing such proposal). The parties shall negotiate (to the extent it has been notified by the other party of its desire to do so in writing) in good faith during such five (5) Business Day period with respect to any modifications to the terms of the Transaction that are proposed by JBT or the Company, as applicable, which shall be considered in good faith (after consultation, as applicable, with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor(s)), whether, (a) such Acquisition Proposal still constitutes a

 

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Superior Proposal for JBT or the Company, as applicable or (b) such Intervening Event still constitutes an Intervening Event, and whether the failure to take action to effect a Change in Recommendation would still reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the JBT Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Delaware, or the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland, as applicable, in each case, notwithstanding such proposed modifications; provided, however, that with respect to a Superior Proposal, in the event of a subsequent modification to the material terms of such Superior Proposal during such negotiation period, JBT or Marel, as applicable, shall provide the other party with a new Change in Recommendation Notice, except that such new negotiation period shall be at least three (3) Business Days prior to the JBT Board or Marel Board, as applicable, effecting a Change in Recommendation (rather than the five (5) Business Days otherwise contemplated by the foregoing).

 

4.6

Marel Interim Operations

Until the earlier of the Offer Closing Time (or, if later, the closing of the Squeeze Out) and the valid termination of the Transaction Agreement as summarized in Section 4.11 (Termination) below, except (i) with the prior written consent of JBT (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) as required by applicable Law (including (x) paragraph 2 of Article 104 of the Icelandic Takeover Act and (y) that the Marel Board may convene a Shareholders meeting to decide on any action otherwise prohibited by Section 6.1 of the Transaction Agreement (as described in this Section 4.6 (Marel Interim Operations) if the Marel Board reasonably determines in good faith (after consultation with the Company’s outside legal counsel) that failure to submit such proposal to a vote of the Shareholders would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Marel Board’s fiduciary duties under the applicable Laws of Iceland), (iii) as set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter or (iv) as expressly contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or this Offer Document or (v) as mandated by the Shareholders pursuant to a validly passed shareholder resolution (such mandated action by the Company or its Subsidiaries that, disregarding the preceding clause (ii) solely with respect to clauses (x) and (y) thereof, would otherwise have been prohibited by Section 6.1 of the Transaction Agreement (as described in this Section 4.6 (Marel Interim Operations), “Mandated Marel Shareholder Action”), (provided, however, that (w) subject to the preceding clause (ii), neither the Marel Board nor the Company shall knowingly encourage any Shareholder to submit to the Company any shareholder resolutions requiring the Marel Group to take any action otherwise prohibited by Section 6.1 of the Transaction Agreement (as summarized in this Section 4.6 (Marel Interim Operations)), (x) the Company shall notify JBT promptly after (and in any event within two (2) Business Days after) a notice to shareholders meeting has been sent containing a Shareholder proposal to approve any action otherwise prohibited by Section 6.1 of the Transaction Agreement, (y) subject to the determination in the preceding clause (x), the Company and its Representatives shall be entitled to take such steps as are reasonably necessary to hold a Shareholder vote on, and otherwise effect if approved by such vote, a Mandated Marel Shareholder Action, and (z) JBT shall have the right to attend any meeting of the Shareholders whereupon a vote upon any action otherwise prohibited by Section 6.1 of the Transaction Agreement is to be taken and to address the Shareholders prior to such vote otherwise in accordance with the applicable rules for such meeting, (1) the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to (x) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (y) preserve intact the material components of its current business organizations and relationships and goodwill with material suppliers, material customers, Governmental Authorities and other material business relations and (z) keep available the services of its present executive officers, and (2) the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

 

  (a)

amend its or its Subsidiaries’ organizational documents other than, with respect to each Subsidiary of the Company, amendments to organizational documents that would not prohibit or hinder, impede or delay in any material respect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (including the Transaction);

 

  (b)

(i) split, combine, subdivide, or reclassify any shares of its capital stock (other than transactions (A) solely among the Company and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries), (ii) amend any term or alter any rights of any of its outstanding Equity Securities, (iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution

 

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  (whether in cash, stock, property or any combination thereof) in respect of any Equity Securities, other than (A) the declaration and payment by the Company of an annual cash dividend on the outstanding Shares in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed the lesser of (1) EUR 10 million and (2) 20% of the Marel Group’s “net result” (as calculated consistent with the Company’s annual report for the operational year 2023) for such fiscal year, with the timing of the declaration, record and payment dates in any given fiscal year to be materially consistent with the timing of the declaration, record or payment dates (as applicable) for the Company’s 2023 fiscal year and (B) dividends or distributions by a Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company, or (iv) redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire or offer to redeem, repurchase, or otherwise acquire any of its Equity Securities, other than (A) repurchases of Shares in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of Marel Stock Options (including in satisfaction of any amounts required to be deducted or withheld under applicable Law) in accordance with the terms of such Marel Stock Options (1) outstanding as of the date of the Transaction Agreement (in accordance with their existing terms) or (2) granted after the date of the Transaction Agreement (to the extent expressly permitted by the Company Disclosure Letter) and (B) transactions among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

  (c)

issue, sell, pledge or encumber or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any Equity Securities, other than (i) the issuance of any Shares upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of the Marel Stock Options, or the withholding of Shares to satisfy tax obligations pertaining to the exercise, vesting or settlement of Marel Stock Options that, in each case, are (A) outstanding as of the date of the Transaction Agreement (in accordance with their existing terms as of the date of the Transaction Agreement), or (B) granted after the date of the Transaction Agreement (to the extent expressly permitted by the Company Disclosure Letter), or (ii) in connection with transactions (A) solely among the Company and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

  (d)

sell, lease, license, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Subsidiary of the Company or any assets, securities or properties of the Marel Group, other than (i) sales or dispositions of inventory, goods, services, tangible personal property (including equipment) or other immaterial assets, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) transactions (A) solely among the Company and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries, (iii) any non-exclusive license of intellectual property entered into by the Company or by any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (iv) any such sales, leases, licenses, transfers and dispositions for which the aggregate consideration for all such sales, leases, licenses, transfers and dispositions does not exceed $25,000,000;

 

  (e)

(i) acquire, lease or sublease any assets or properties (including any real property), (ii) acquire any equity interest or business of any Person or (iii) acquire another business or merge with or consolidate with any other Person or enter into any binding share exchange, business combination or similar transaction with another Person or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate; in each case of (i), (ii) and (iii), for aggregate consideration (across all transactions contemplated in (i), (ii) and (iii) collectively) in excess of $30,000,000 per calendar year, provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph (e) shall restrict any acquisitions, leases or subleases of inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

  (f)

(i) make any material loans, advances or capital contributions to any other Person, other than (A) loans, advances or capital contributions by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to or in, as applicable, the Company or one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries, or (B) capital contributions required under the terms of contracts in effect as of the date of the Transaction Agreement, or (ii) incur, assume, guarantee or repurchase or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue or sell any debt securities or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire debt securities, other than (A) borrowings under the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities (as in effect as of the date of the Transaction Agreement); provided, however, that such borrowings shall be in

 

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  compliance with the terms and conditions of such existing credit facilities, including any financial covenants or ratios, or (B) intercompany indebtedness among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among the Company’s wholly owned Subsidiaries or (C) guarantees of third party indebtedness of the Company or its wholly owned Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of the Transaction Agreement;

 

  (g)

make any material change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting principles or practices, except for any such change required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of the Company, advisable under) a change in IFRS or applicable Law;

 

  (h)

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (ii) change the annual Tax accounting period of any material Subsidiary, (iii) adopt or change any material method of Tax accounting, (iv) enter into any material closing agreement with respect to Taxes or (v) settle or surrender any material Tax claim, audit or assessment for an amount in excess of reserves therefor on the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries; except for any such action being required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of the Company, advisable under) a change in applicable Law, provided that no term of such settlement or surrender would be reasonably expected to materially increase the Tax liability of JBT, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries following the Closing; or

 

  (i)

take any action that would be reasonably likely to cause JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to be in violation of applicable Trade Sanctions as of and following the Offer Closing Time.

 

4.7

JBT Interim Operations

From the date of the Transaction Agreement until the earlier of the Offer Closing Time and the valid termination of the Transaction Agreement as described in Section 4.11 (Termination) below, except (i) with the prior written consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) as required by applicable Law, (iii) as set forth in the JBT Disclosure Letter, or (iv) as expressly contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or this Offer Document, (1) JBT shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to (x) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (y) preserve intact the material components of its current business organizations and relationships and goodwill with material suppliers, material customers, Governmental Authorities and other material business relations and (z) keep available the services of its present executive officers, and (2) JBT shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

 

  (a)

amend JBT’s, the Offeror’s or any of their respective Subsidiaries’ organizational documents in any manner that would prohibit or hinder, impede or delay in any material respect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (including the Transaction); provided that any amendment to JBT’s certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of the common stock of JBT to issue JBT Offer Shares shall in no way be restricted by the foregoing;

 

  (b)

(i) split, combine, subdivide, or reclassify any shares of its capital stock (other than transactions (A) solely among JBT and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries), (ii) amend any term or alter any rights of any of its outstanding Equity Securities, or (iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution payable in cash, stock, property or any combination thereof in respect of any Equity Securities, other than (A) the declaration and payment by JBT of quarterly cash dividends on the outstanding JBT Shares in an amount per quarter not to exceed $0.10 per outstanding JBT Share with the timing of the declaration, record and payment dates in any given quarter materially consistent with the timing of the declaration, record and payment dates for the comparable quarter in the prior fiscal year and (B) dividends or distributions by a Subsidiary of JBT to JBT or another Subsidiary of JBT;

 

  (c)

issue, sell, pledge or encumber or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any Equity Securities, other than (i) the issuance of any JBT Shares upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of any JBT Equity Awards, or the withholding of JBT Shares to satisfy tax obligations pertaining to the

 

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  exercise, vesting or settlement of JBT Equity Awards that, in each case, are (A) outstanding as of the date of the Transaction Agreement (in accordance with their existing terms as of the date of the Transaction Agreement), or (B) granted after the date of the Transaction Agreement (to the extent expressly permitted by the JBT Disclosure Letter), or (ii) in connection with transactions (A) solely among JBT and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among the JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

  (d)

sell, lease, license, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Subsidiary of JBT or any assets, securities or properties of the JBT Group, other than (i) sales or dispositions of inventory, goods, services, tangible personal property (including equipment) or other immaterial assets, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) transactions (A) solely among JBT and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or (B) solely among JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries, (iii) any non-exclusive license of intellectual property entered into by JBT or by any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (iv) any such sales, leases, licenses, transfers and dispositions for which the aggregate consideration does not exceed $25,000,000;

 

  (e)

(i) acquire, lease or sublease any assets or properties (including any real property), (ii) acquire any equity interest or business of any Person or (iii) acquire another business or merge with or consolidate with any other Person or enter into any binding share exchange, business combination or similar transaction with another Person or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate; in each case of (i), (ii) and (iii), for aggregate consideration (across all transactions contemplated in (i), (ii) and (iii) collectively) in excess of $30,000,000 per calendar year; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph (e) shall restrict any acquisitions, leases or subleases of inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

  (f)

(i) make any material loans, advances or capital contributions to any other Person, other than (A) loans, advances or capital contributions by JBT or any Subsidiary of JBT to or in, as applicable, JBT or one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries, or (B) capital contributions required under the terms of contracts in effect as of the date of the Transaction Agreement, or (ii) incur, assume, guarantee or repurchase or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue or sell any debt securities or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire debt securities, other than (A) borrowings under JBT’s or its Subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities (as in effect as of the date of the Transaction Agreement); provided, however, that such borrowings shall be in compliance with the terms and conditions of such existing credit facilities, including any financial covenants or ratios, or the Debt Financing, (B) intercompany indebtedness among JBT and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among the JBT’s wholly owned Subsidiaries or (C) guarantees of third party indebtedness of JBT or its wholly owned Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of the Transaction Agreement;

 

  (g)

make any material change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting principles or practices, except for any such change required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of JBT, advisable under) a change in GAAP or applicable Law;

 

  (h)

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (ii) change the annual Tax accounting period of any material Subsidiary, (iii) adopt or change any material method of Tax accounting, (iv) enter into any material closing agreement with respect to Taxes or (v) settle or surrender any material Tax claim, audit or assessment for an amount in excess of reserves therefor on the financial statements of JBT and its Subsidiaries; except for any such action being required by reason of (or, in the reasonable good-faith judgment of JBT, advisable under) a change in applicable Law, provided that no term of such settlement or surrender would be reasonably expected to materially increase the Tax liability of JBT, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries following the Closing; or

 

  (i)

take any action that would be reasonably likely to cause JBT or any of its Subsidiaries to be in violation of applicable Trade Sanctions as of and following the Offer Closing Time.

 

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4.8

Representations, Warranties and General Undertakings

In the Transaction Agreement, each of Company and JBT has provided to the other party certain representations and warranties, including in relation to its organization and good standing, capitalization, corporate authority, no conflicts, required approvals, financial statements and undisclosed liabilities, absence of changes, litigation and proceedings, brokers, compliance with laws and, in respect of JBT only, representations and warranties on the Debt Financing.

Each Party has given certain general undertakings in the Transaction Agreement, including in relation to, among other things, (a) using its reasonable best efforts to take any necessary and advisable actions and cooperate with each other Party in doing all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the Transaction, (b) any consultation procedure required pursuant to article 25, paragraph 1, of the Dutch Works Councils Act (Wet op de ondernemingsraden) (the “Dutch Consultation”) with the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, as the case may be, and (c) co-operating with each other Party in connection with the preparation, submission and finalization of the Disclosure Documents and Listing Applications.

 

4.9

Closing Conditions

The Transaction Agreement provides that the Offeror’s right and obligation to accept for exchange, and to exchange, any Share validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date will be subject to the satisfaction or waiver (as applicable) of the Closing Conditions. Other than a Required Amendment, the Offeror shall not (a) change the Consideration (other than pursuant to the proration process as further described in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration)) or (b) add conditions to this Offer Document or the Offer without the consent of each of JBT and the Company. The Closing Conditions are detailed in Section 3.4 (Closing Conditions).

 

4.10

Regulatory Approvals

In accordance with the Transaction Agreement, the Parties must make filings and obtain authorizations, approvals or consents in the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions (the “Regulatory Approvals”).

The Parties have agreed, among other things, to file (in draft form where customary) as promptly as practicable any required filings and/or notifications required under the applicable Antitrust Laws or applicable Foreign Investment Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions with respect to the Transaction, and use reasonable best efforts to avoid or eliminate any impediment and obtain all consents under the Laws of the Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions so as to enable the Parties to consummate the Transaction prior to the Drop Dead Date. The Transaction Agreement provides that JBT will control the strategy for obtaining Regulatory Approvals and also that neither JBT nor its Affiliates is required to (and the Company shall not and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, without JBT’s written consent) take or agree to any remedies, restrictions or any other action or inaction (including any divestitures or restrictions on ongoing or future business conduct) in order to obtain any required Regulatory Approval.

JBT is responsible for any filing fees associated with submitting any filing under the HSR Act and any other filings under any other Antitrust Laws or the Foreign Investment Laws.

 

4.11

Termination

The Transaction Agreement may be terminated:

 

  (a)

by mutual written consent of JBT and the Company at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time:

 

  (b)

in full by either JBT or the Company at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time, if:

 

  (i)

at the Expiration Date, any Closing Condition (other than the JBT Stockholder Approval Condition or the Minimum Acceptance Condition) has not been satisfied or waived, provided,

 

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  however, that the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement described in this paragraph (b)(i) shall not be available to any Party whose material breach of any provision of the Transaction Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of any Closing Condition otherwise giving rise to such termination right;

 

  (ii)

the Offer Closing Time shall not have occurred by the Drop Dead Date, provided that if on the Initial Drop Dead Date (A) the Registration Statement Condition and the JBT Stockholder Approval Condition have each been satisfied and (B) at least one of the Regulatory Approvals Condition or the No Legal Prohibition Condition (with respect to the No Legal Prohibition Condition, solely to the extent the failure of such condition to be satisfied arises as a result of any Law or Order under (1) any Antitrust Law of the United States or a Specified Antitrust Jurisdiction or (2) any Foreign Investment Law of any Specified FDI Jurisdiction) shall not have been satisfied or validly waived, then JBT may, at its option, extend the Initial Drop Dead Date to the Extended Drop Dead Date by delivery of a written notice to the Company on or prior to the Initial Drop Dead Date; provided, further however, that the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement under this paragraph (b)(ii) shall not be available to any Party whose material breach of any provision of the Transaction Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of the Offer Closing Time to occur on or before the Drop Dead Date;

 

  (iii)

the JBT Stockholder Approval shall not have been obtained after a vote of the JBT shareholders (with respect to the approval of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement) has been taken and completed at the JBT Stockholders Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof in accordance with the terms summarized in Section 4.3 (JBT Recommendation) above;

 

  (iv)

at the Expiration Date, the Minimum Acceptance Condition shall have been neither satisfied nor waived; or

 

  (v)

any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any Order, or any Law shall be in effect that was enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the Transaction by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction, in each case, permanently restraining, enjoining, preventing or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal prior to the Offer Closing Time, the consummation of the Transaction, and such Order or Law shall have become final and nonappealable.

 

  (c)

in full by the Company at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time, if:

 

  (i)

(A) the Offeror fails to commence the Offer in violation of the terms of the Transaction Agreement or otherwise by June 30, 2024 (the “Required Commencement Date”); provided, however, that (1) the right to terminate the Transaction Agreement as described in this paragraph 4.11(c)(i)(A) shall not be available to the Company to the extent that the Company’s breach of any provision of the Transaction Agreement has been the primary cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of the Offeror to commence the Offer by the Required Commencement Date and (2) if the Company or its Representatives fail to deliver the information concerning the Marel Group necessary to enable JBT to prepare required pro forma financial statements and related footnotes as required pursuant to Section 2.4(b) of the Transaction Agreement and the historical financial statements and related footnotes required in connection with the Registration Statement at the time of the initial filing of the Registration Statement (collectively, the “Required Company Information”) by April 30, 2024, then the Required Commencement Date shall be automatically extended, without any action required by either Party, by the number of Business Days equivalent to the number of Business Days in the period of time starting on April 30, 2024 and ending on the date of delivery of the Required Company Information by the Company or its Representatives to JBT, or (B) (1) the Closing Conditions have been satisfied or waived at or prior to the Expiration Date (other than those Closing Conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Expiration Date, but subject to such conditions being able to be satisfied at the Expiration Date or being

 

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  waived at the Expiration Date), (2) the Offeror, in violation of the terms of the Transaction Agreement, fails to accept for purchase Shares validly tendered (and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer prior to the expiration of the Failure Notice Period (as defined below) and (3) the Company has delivered written notice (the “Company’s Notice”) to the Offeror of the Company’s intention to terminate the Transaction Agreement as described in this paragraph 4.11(c)(i)(B) if the Offeror fails to accept for purchase Shares validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer by 11:59 p.m. (New York City time) on the second (2nd) Business Day following the date of the Company’s delivery of the Company’s Notice (or such shorter period of time as remains prior to 11:59 p.m. (New York City time) on the Drop Dead Date, the shorter of such periods, the “Failure Notice Period”);

 

  (ii)

(A) the Company is not in breach of the Transaction Agreement such that JBT has the right (or would have the right following notice and an opportunity to cure, if applicable) to terminate the Transaction Agreement as described in paragraph 4.11(d)(i) below, (B) JBT and/or the Offeror shall have breached or otherwise failed to perform any of their respective covenants or agreements under the Transaction Agreement that would give rise to the failure of the condition summarized in Section 3.4(c)(ii) (Performance of Obligations of JBT and the Offeror) above or any of the representations and warranties of JBT or the Offeror set forth in the Transaction Agreement shall have become or been inaccurate, such that the condition summarized in Section 3.4(c)(i) (JBT Representations and Warranties) above is not capable of being satisfied if the Offer Closing Time were the date of termination pursuant to this paragraph 4.11(c)(ii) and (C) such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy of JBT and/or the Offeror is not capable of being cured within twenty (20) Business Days following the Company’s delivery of written notice to JBT of such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy (or, if earlier, the Drop Dead Date);

 

  (iii)

the Marel Board (or a committee thereof) effects a Change in Marel Recommendation (in compliance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement, as described above) and, substantially concurrently with such Change in Marel Recommendation, enters into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company Superior Proposal;

 

  (iv)

a Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the JBT Group; or

 

  (v)

at any time prior to the Expiration Date, a Change in JBT Recommendation shall have occurred;

 

  (d)

in full by JBT at any time prior to the Offer Closing Time, if:

 

  (i)

(A) neither JBT nor the Offeror is in breach of the Transaction Agreement such that the Company has the right (or would have the right following notice and an opportunity to cure, if applicable) to terminate the Transaction Agreement as described in paragraphs 4.11(c)(i) or 4.11(c)(ii) above, (B) the Company shall have breached or otherwise failed to perform any of its covenants or agreements under the Transaction Agreement that would give rise to the failure of the condition summarized in Section 3.4(b)(ii) (Performance of Obligations of the Company) above or any of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in the Transaction Agreement shall have become or been inaccurate, such that the condition summarized in Section 3.4(b)(i) (Company Representations and Warranties) above is not capable of being satisfied if the Offer Closing Time were the date of termination pursuant to this paragraph 4.11(d)(i) and (C) such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy of the Company is not capable of being cured within twenty (20) Business Days following JBT’s delivery of written notice to the Company of such breach, failure to perform or inaccuracy (or, if earlier, the Drop Dead Date);

 

  (ii)

a Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Marel Group;

 

  (iii)

at any time prior to the Expiration Date, if a Change in Marel Recommendation shall have occurred;

 

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  (iv)

the JBT Board effects a Change in JBT Recommendation in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement and, substantially concurrently with such Change in JBT Recommendation, enters into a definitive agreement with respect to a JBT Superior Proposal; or

 

  (v)

the Shareholders validly pass a shareholder resolution requiring the Marel Group to take a Mandated Marel Shareholder Action.

 

4.12

Termination Fees

In the event that the Transaction Agreement is terminated by JBT or the Company in circumstances described in Sections 4.11(b)(i), 4.11(b)(ii) or 4.11(b)(v) herein) ((with respect to Section 4.11(b)(v), if an applicable Law or Order arises under any Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law) and, at the time of such termination, (i) the Regulatory Approvals Condition or the No Legal Prohibition Condition (with respect to the No Legal Prohibition Condition solely to the extent the failure of such condition to be satisfied arises as a result of any Law or Order under (x) any Antitrust Law of the United States or a Specified Antitrust Jurisdiction or (y) any Foreign Investment Law of any Specified FDI Jurisdiction) shall not have been satisfied or validly waived and (ii) all of the Closing Conditions (other than the Minimum Acceptance Condition, and, solely to the extent that JBT has not yet submitted the NYSE Supplemental Listing Application to the NYSE at the time of such termination, the NYSE Listing Condition) have been satisfied or validly waived (except for those other conditions that by their terms may only be satisfied at the Offer Closing Time, provided that such other conditions would have been satisfied if the Offer Closing Time would have occurred on the date of termination (or would have been validly waived as of such time)), then JBT would be required to pay to the Company a reverse termination fee of (A) EUR 85 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Initial Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination or (B) EUR 110 million if the Drop Dead Date is the Extended Drop Dead Date at the time of such termination (any such payment under the preceding (A) or (B), the “Reverse Termination Fee”) within three (3) Business Days after such termination. The Reverse Termination Fee shall not be payable if (i) the Icelandic FSA fails to approve any extension to the Offer Period requested by the Offeror and such requested extension was to a date prior to the Drop Dead Date and (ii) the Transaction Agreement is terminated in circumstances described in Section 4.11(b)(i)).

The Company agrees to pay to JBT an amount equal to up to an aggregate (a) EUR 35 million if a JBT Superior Proposal Termination occurs or (b) EUR 15 million if a JBT Intervening Event Termination occurs, for out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred, directly or indirectly, by JBT or its Subsidiaries, or on their behalf, for the purposes of, in preparation for, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (including the Transaction) as further described in the Transaction Agreement (the “Company Expense Reimbursement Payment”).

JBT agrees to pay to the Company an amount equal to up to an aggregate (i) EUR 35 million if a Company Superior Proposal Termination occurs or (ii) EUR 15 million if a Company Reimbursement Termination occurs, for out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred, directly or indirectly, by Marel or its Subsidiaries, or on their behalf, for the purposes of, in preparation for, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (including the Transaction) as further described in the Transaction Agreement (the “JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment”).

For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall (a) JBT or the Company be required to make more than one (1) payment related to the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment or the Company Expense Reimbursement Payment, as applicable, and (b) JBT be required to pay both the JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment and the Reverse Termination Fee.

 

4.13

Offering Prospectus and Registration Statement

As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of the Transaction Agreement:

 

  (a)

the Offeror shall finalize a prospectus under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, and Act no. 14/2020 (the “Offering Prospectus”) and,

 

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  submit the Offering Prospectus to the Icelandic FSA for approval. The Offeror shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any comments of the Icelandic FSA relating to the Offering Prospectus and have it approved by the Icelandic FSA as promptly as practicable following submission; and

 

  (b)

JBT shall prepare, with certain assistance from Marel (subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement), and shall cause the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC to (a) be used as an exchange offer prospectus sent to U.S. holders of Shares, (b) register with the SEC the offer and sale of the JBT Offer Shares, and (c) be used to solicit proxies in connection with the JBT Stockholder Meeting to vote on the issuance of JBT Offer Shares as required pursuant to the rules of the NYSE. JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as promptly as reasonably practicable and in any event prior to the Offer Closing Time.

 

4.14

Secondary Listing

The Transaction Agreement provides that, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of the Transaction Agreement, JBT will prepare and submit to the Icelandic FSA and, to the extent applicable, the appropriate authorities at Nasdaq Iceland, for the purpose of admission on the regulated market of Nasdaq Iceland (by way of secondary listing) of at least those JBT Offer Shares where Shareholders have elected to receive their JBT Offer Shares as listed on Nasdaq Iceland, as opposed to the NYSE (the “Secondary Listing”) (a) to the extent not included as part of the Offering Prospectus, a listing prospectus (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including exhibits thereto, the “Admission Prospectus”, and together with this Offer Document, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Offering Prospectus and any other disclosure documents (including any amendments, supplements, exhibits or annexes thereto) that may reasonably be required in connection with the Transaction, the “Disclosure Documents”) in accordance with the applicable Laws of Iceland, and (b) an application for admission to Nasdaq Iceland, together with any other documents required in connection with the Secondary Listing, and any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Iceland Listing Application”). Following the JBT Stockholder Approval, JBT will also, prior to the Offer Closing Time, submit to NYSE a supplemental listing application, for the purpose of listing at least those JBT Offer Shares where Shareholders have elected to receive their JBT Offer Shares as listed on NYSE, as opposed to Nasdaq Iceland (including any amendments or supplements thereto, the “NYSE Supplemental Listing Application,” and, together with the Iceland Listing Application, the “Listing Applications”). JBT shall use its reasonable best efforts to (a) obtain all required approvals for the Secondary Listing prior to the Offer Closing Time, (b) have the NYSE Supplemental Listing Application approved prior to the Offer Closing Time and (c) maintain the Secondary Listing until at least three (3) years after the Closing and thereafter so long as the JBT Marel Board deems it appropriate when considering the position of Icelandic stockholders of the Combined Group.

 

4.15

Squeeze Out

Provided that the Minimum Acceptance Condition has been satisfied and to the extent permitted under applicable Law, within three (3) months of the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror (or a permitted assignee of the Offeror) shall launch a squeeze out process in accordance with Article 110 of the Icelandic Takeover Act for any remaining Shares that were not acquired in the Offer (the “Squeeze Out”). The Parties have agreed in the Transaction Agreement to fully co-operate in the Squeeze Out from and after the Offer Closing Time, including approving the Squeeze Out and sending and issuing notifications to the remaining Shareholders through the Company´s public news system and facilitating any payments.

 

4.16

Merger

If immediately following the Offer Closing Time, the Offeror owns less than 90% of the outstanding Shares, the Offeror may initiate a merger process (the “Merger”) between the Offeror (or a wholly-owned Subsidiary

 

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thereof) and the Company in accordance with Section XIV of the Icelandic Act on Public Limited Liability Companies, No 2/1995 or other applicable Law or take other corporate actions to acquire all of the outstanding Shares. If such merger process or other corporate action is initiated, the Company shall co-operate with the Offeror in order to implement the Merger (or other corporate action) as promptly as reasonably practicable, including approving the applicable merger plan or other plan of corporate action, calling shareholders’ meetings and issuing notifications to the Shareholders through the Company’s public news system and facilitating any payments, provided, that the remaining owners of Shares that were not acquired in the Offer are entitled to receive substantially the same consideration for their Shares as was offered in the Offer.

 

4.17

Euronext Amsterdam delisting

Prior to the Expiration Date, the Parties shall cooperate to enable the delisting of Shares from Euronext Amsterdam; provided that such delisting shall not be effective until immediately after the Offer Closing Time.

 

4.18

Financing Cooperation

Although the Offer is not subject to any financing condition, the Company agrees that it will, and will cause its subsidiaries to, use their respective reasonable best efforts to provide to JBT and the Offeror such customary cooperation reasonably requested by JBT and the Offeror in connection with the Debt Financing, provided that such requests will be timely so as not to delay the closing of the Offer beyond the date that it would otherwise occur. The financing cooperation covenant is subject to customary exceptions, including that any required cooperation shall not reasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Company, its affiliates or their respective representatives.

 

4.19

Treatment of Marel Equity Awards

At the Closing, each Marel Stock Option that was granted prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement and remains outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing with an exercise price per share less than the volume-weighted average trading price of a Share on the last trading day immediately prior to the Closing (the “Marel Closing Price”), whether vested or unvested, will automatically be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes) equal to the product of (a) the number of Shares subject to such Marel Stock Option as of immediately prior to the Closing and (b) the excess, if any, of the Marel Closing Price over the exercise price per share of such Marel Stock Option. Each Marel Stock Option with an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the Marel Closing Price will be cancelled without any cash payment being made in respect thereof.

Any Marel Stock Option that is granted from and after April 4, 2024, or any other equity or equity-based compensation award granted by the Company from or after such date (together, the “Marel Interim Period Awards”), will not vest by virtue of the occurrence of the Closing. Upon the Closing, each Marel Interim Period Award will cease to represent an award with respect to Shares and be automatically converted into an award with respect to JBT Shares of comparable value and in such form as determined by JBT in good faith consultation with the Company. Immediately following the Closing, each such converted award will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions regarding vesting and forfeiture as were applicable to the corresponding Marel Interim Period Award immediately prior to the Closing.

 

4.20

Governance and Social Matters

The Parties agreed upon certain governance and social matters in the Transaction Agreement, and a summary of such matters is set out in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

 

4.21

Assignment

No Party may assign (by operation of law or otherwise) the Transaction Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations thereunder without the prior written approval of the other Parties; provided, however, that the

 

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Offeror may assign any or all of its rights and interest under the Transaction Agreement to an Affiliate of the Offeror or JBT without any required consent from any other Party; provided, further, that no such assignment by the Offeror shall relieve the Offeror of its obligations under the Transaction Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, the Transaction Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any purported assignment in violation of the Transaction Agreement will be void ab initio.

 

4.22

Amendment and Waiver

To the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Transaction Agreement may be amended by the Parties only by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each Party, at any time before or after the JBT Stockholder Approval is obtained. 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 the Transaction Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, (c) waive compliance with any covenants and agreements contained in the Transaction Agreement or (d) waive the satisfaction of any of the conditions contained in the Transaction Agreement as provided therein. Subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, no extension or waiver, or termination of the Transaction Agreement, by a Party shall require the approval of JBT’s stockholders or the Shareholders unless such approval is required by Law. 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 the Party to be bound thereby. No failure or delay of any Party to assert any of its rights under the Transaction Agreement or otherwise shall constitute a waiver of such rights.

 

4.23

Required Amendments

The Parties agree and undertake to implement any amendment, waiver or otherwise impose such additional term or condition of the Offer or the Transaction Agreement, as the case may be, required by the Icelandic FSA, Nasdaq Iceland or the SEC and necessary to consummate the Transaction to the extent such amendment, waiver or additional term or condition is not adverse in any material respect to either the JBT Group or the JBT stockholders, on the one hand, with respect to any amendment, waiver or other implementation of an additional term or condition to be agreed, undertaken or implemented by JBT or the Offeror, or the Marel Group or the Shareholders, on the other hand, with respect to any amendment, waiver or other implementation of an additional term or condition to be agreed, undertaken or implemented by the Company (it being agreed that (a) any change as to the form (other than de minimis changes to the extent required under the applicable Laws of Iceland) or any increase in the aggregate amount (other than de minimis changes relating to the treatment of fractional shares) of the Consideration payable pursuant to the Transaction Agreement or the addition or removal of, or any change to, any closing condition, in each case, that is adverse to JBT shall be deemed to be so adverse to the JBT Group and the JBT stockholders, (b) any change any change as to the form (other than de minimis changes to the extent required under the applicable Laws of Iceland) or any decrease in the aggregate amount (other than de minimis changes relating to the treatment of fractional shares) of the Consideration payable pursuant to the Transaction Agreement or the addition or removal of, or any change to, any closing condition, in each case, that is adverse to the Company shall be deemed to be so adverse to the Marel Group and the Shareholders, and (c) no Required Amendment to be agreed, undertaken or implemented by JBT or the Offeror as a result of the mandatory application of the Laws of Iceland, the Exchange Act or the Securities Act and arising from a purchase of Shares by the Offeror or any of its Affiliates outside the Offer shall be deemed to be so adverse to the JBT Group or the JBT stockholders) (such amendment, waiver or additional term or condition that is required to be implemented by JBT, the Offeror or the Company pursuant to Section 3.14 of the Transaction Agreement and summarized in this paragraph, a “Required Amendment”).

 

4.24

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

The Transaction Agreement and all Actions based upon, arising out of or related to the Transaction Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby are governed by, and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of

 

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Delaware; provided, however, that the Offer and matters related thereto shall, to the extent required by the Laws of Iceland, and the interpretation of the duties of directors of the Company shall, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Iceland.

The state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware, and any appellate courts therefrom, have the exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Action based upon, arising out of or related to the Transaction Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby and any Action based upon, arising out of or related to the Transaction Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby shall therefore be brought in the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware, and any appellate courts therefrom. Notwithstanding the forgoing, any Action to the extent directly applicable to the Icelandic Law requirements of the Offer and matters related thereto, or to the duties of the directors of the Company, shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the District Court of Reykjavík and any appellate courts therefrom.

 

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5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

 

5.1

Overall description

The Company is a leading global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the poultry, meat and fish industries, with a presence in over 30 countries and six continents and around 7,300 employees. The Company designs, manufactures, sells and services technologically advanced processing solutions ranging from standard equipment to full-line processing systems, with sophisticated software capabilities and aftermarket services.

The Shares have been admitted to trading on Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam under the ticker MAREL.

Further information about the Company can be found on its website (www.marel.com). The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated by reference herein.

 

5.2

Business overview

The Company markets its solutions to multinational, regional and local processors covering equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing (such as live animal handling, stunning, killing, cleaning and chilling), secondary processing (such as cut-up and deboning, filleting and trimming) and further processing (such as forming, marinating, coating and frying). Together, these cover processes across the food processing value chain, from farm gate to dispatch. The main distribution channels to consumers are retail, food service and restaurants.

The Company organizes its business across the following four business segments:

 

   

Poultry – Marel Poultry is a leading global full-line provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to processors of broilers, turkeys and ducks. Marel Poultry solutions cover equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing, secondary processing and further processing. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Poultry contributed EUR 218.0 million in revenues, or 52.8% of the Company’s total revenues for the period.

 

   

Meat – Marel Meat is a leading global full-line provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services for the red meat industry. Its solutions cover equipment, systems, software and services for primary processing, secondary processing and further processing. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Meat contributed EUR 102.0 million in revenues, or 24.7% of the Company’s total revenues for the period.

 

   

Fish – Marel Fish is a global provider of advanced processing equipment, systems, software and services to the fish industry. It provides solutions for processing whitefish and salmon, both farmed and wild, on-board and on-shore. These include primary processing, secondary processing and further processing solutions, while ensuring that production conforms to quality and food safety standards. Marel Fish is not yet a full-line provider, with opportunities to expand its offerings further in the primary processing sector. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Fish contributed EUR 39.7 million in revenues, or 9.6% of the Company’s total revenues for the period.

 

   

Plant, Pet and Feed – Marel Plant, Pet and Feed provides solutions and services to the pet food, plant-based protein and aqua feed markets. This new segment reflects the Company’s acquisition of Wenger in June 2022. Wenger’s extrusion and dryer technologies form the anchor point in this segment, in addition to revenues that were historically reported under the “Other” segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Marel Plant, Pet and Feed contributed EUR 45.4 million in revenues, or 11.0% of the Company’s total revenues for the period.

Annually, the Company aims to invests approximately 6% of revenues in research and development, which translated to EUR 102.2 million in 2023.

 

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The consolidated revenues for the Company for the full year 2023 were EUR 1,721.4 million (2022: EUR 1,708.7 million). The adjusted result from operations for the same period was EUR 153.1 million or 8.9% of revenues1 (2022: EUR 163.4 million or 9.6% of revenues).

 

5.3

Key financial figures

The key financial figures set forth in the table below are an extract from the Company’s financial statements for the full year 2023. Further details on the Company’s financials are available in the Company’s annual report for 2023 as well as in the Company’s quarterly statements. The Company’s annual reports and quarterly statements are available on the Company’s website (www.marel.com). The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated by reference herein.

Key Financial Figures (EUR millions)

 

         2023      2022      2021      2020  

Income Statement

             

Revenues

       1,721.4        1,708.7        1,360.8        1,237.8  

Cost of Sales

       (1,125.0      (1,130.4      (867.0      (778.4

Gross Profit

       596.4        578.3        493.8        459.4  

Result from operations

       93.6        97.0        130.3        149.7  

Net result

       31.0        58.7        96.2        102.6  

Total Comprehensive Income

       20.0        47.1        100.8        86.0  

Balance sheet

             

Total assets

       2,599.8        2,696.4        2,005.0        1,814.9  

Equity

       1,041.6        1,028.1        1,023.1        958.7  

Total Liabilities

       1,558.2        1,668.3        981.9        856.2  

Cash flow

             

Net cash generated from operating activities

       138.1        51.4        176.2        182.6  

Cash flows from investing activities

       (95.9      (567.2      (121.4      (161.6

Cash flows from financing activities

       (45.1      505.9        (64.3      (235.6

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

       (2.9      (9.9      (9.5      (214.6

Cash and cash equivalents

       69.9        75.7        77.1        78.6  

Key figures

             

Orders received

       1,626.3        1,734.0        1,502.0        1,234.1  

Order book

       580.1        675.2        569.0        415.7  

Adjusted EBITDA

  %      12.6        13.0        15.1        17.6  

Adjusted EBIT

  %      8.9        9.6        11.3        13.5  

Earnings per share

  Euro Cent      4.11        7.78        12.85        13.62  

Leverage2

       3.45        3.42        0.83        0.75  

Market cap

       2.4        2.5        4.6        3.9  

Average number of employees FTEs

  %      7,789        8,018        7,140        6,464  

 

1 

Result from operations adjusted for PPA related costs, including depreciation and amortization, acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs. In Q4 2023, result from operations is also adjusted for a one-time write-off related to product portfolio rationalization.

2 

Net debt (excluding lease liabilites) / Pro forma LTM adjusted EBITDA (including recent acquisitions) excluding non-cash and one-off costs per the Company’s credit agreement.

 

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6.

THE COMPANYS SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

6.1

Share Capital

As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s authorized share capital was ISK 771,007,916, represented by 771,007,916 shares issued, each assigned one vote with a par value of ISK 1.00, and 753,950,271 shares outstanding with 17,057,645 shares held by the Company as treasury shares, or 2.21% of issued shares (the “Treasury Shares”).

Stock options are granted to management and selected employees. Granted and unexercised stock options totaled 23.5 million shares at the end of 2023 (2022: 23.1 million shares), of which 4.6 million are exercisable at the end of 2023 (2022: 6.2 million) and the remainder will vest in the years 2024 to 2026. At the close of business on April 3, 2024, the Company has issued 20,113,322 stock options as part of several stock option plans (collectively, the “Marel Stock Option Plan”).

 

6.2

Shareholders

The following Shareholders have announced holdings above 5% to the Company:

 

Eyrir Invest hf.    Investment company    Iceland    Over 20%
Gildi - lífeyrissjóður    Pension Fund    Iceland    Over 5%
Lífeyrissjóður verslunarmanna    Pension Fund    Iceland    Over 5%
Lífeyrissjóður starfsmanna ríkisins    Pension Fund    Iceland    Over 5%

The Shares listed on Euronext Amsterdam, including Shares transferred from Nasdaq Iceland to Euronext Amsterdam, are held in custody on behalf of Euroclear. Shareholders who hold Shares on Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam have identical voting rights and the same rights to dividends.

 

6.3

Marel Board and Marel Executive Management

Below is information on the number of Shares and share options of the Marel Board and the Marel Executive Management (including their financially linked parties), as applicable.

 

Name

   Shares      Share options  

Board of Directors

     

Arnar Þór Másson, Chairman

     250,000        0  

Ólafur S. Guðmundsson, Vice Chairman

     1,705,427        0  

Svafa Grönfeldt

     0        0  

Ástvaldur Jóhannsson

     4,900        0  

Ton van der Laan

     0        0  

Ann Savage

     0        0  

Lillie Li Valeur

     0        0  

Executive Management

     

Árni Sigurðsson, CEO

     650,834        1,109,000  

Sebastiaan Boelen, CFO

     0        0  

Davíð Freyr Oddsson, CHRO

     425,898        417,000  

The remuneration for the Marel Board and the Marel Executive Management is determined in accordance with the Company’s remuneration policy, which was approved at the Company’s annual general meeting on March 20, 2024. Members of the Marel Board only receive a fixed remuneration and do not participate in incentive schemes. The Marel Executive Management may receive bonuses for short-term performance and share options for long-term performance in addition to fixed salaries.

The Offeror has not and will not grant members of the Marel Board or the Marel Executive Management any fringe benefits, payments or compensation that has not been offered to other Shareholders pursuant to the Offer.

 

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It should be noted that members of the Marel Executive Management have in place remuneration agreements that were negotiated prior to the launch of the Offer. The Marel Executive Management’s remuneration will, as before, be determined in accordance with the Company’s remuneration policy, subject to any restrictions in the Transaction Agreement. Certain members of the Marel Executive Management and other employees of the Company are, subject to certain conditions, eligible to receive a cash bonus to be paid in a single lump sum following the Closing (the “Transaction Bonus”). Subject to applicable Law, the right to the Transaction Bonus will lapse in the event of an eligible employee’s resignation or dismissal with fault prior to the time of payment of the Transaction Bonus. Certain members of the Marel Executive Management and other employees of the Company are also eligible for a retention bonus subject to remaining employed with the Company for the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 (the “Retention Bonus”). Subject to applicable Law, the right to the Retention Bonus will lapse in the event of an eligible employee’s resignation or dismissal with fault prior to the time of payment of the Retention Bonus. In the event of a redundancy within the first 12 months after the grant of a Retention Bonus, such Retention Bonus will be pro-rated. The Retention Bonus will be paid in full in the event of redundancy after 12 month of the grant date.

The Company’s remuneration policy and further details on the remuneration of the Marel Board and the Marel Executive Management can be found on the Company’s website (www.marel.com). The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated by reference herein.

 

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7.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE DECEMBER 31, 2022 FOR THE COMPANY

The Company has published the following stock exchange releases since financial year end 31 December 2022:

 

Date

  

Issue

January 25, 2023

   2022 results published on 8 February, investor meeting on 9 February 2023

February 8, 2023

   Ramp up of revenues and improved EBIT of 12.4%

February 9, 2023

   2022 Investor Meeting Presentation

February 15, 2023

   Managers’ transactions

February 16, 2023

   Annual General Meeting 2023

February 16, 2023

   Granting of stock options

March 8, 2023

   Director candidates, final agenda and proposals to the Annual General Meeting 2023

March 22, 2023

   2022 Annual Report

March 22, 2023

   Results of the AGM 22 March 2023

April 26, 2023

   Q1 2023 results published on 3 May, investor meeting on 4 May 2023

May 3, 2023

   Revenues up 20.4%, firm commitment to 14-16% EBIT in 4Q23

May 4, 2023

   Q1 2023 Investor Meeting Presentation

July 17, 2023

   Extension to EUR 700 million financing secured and a new EUR 150 million term loan signed

July 19, 2023

   Q2 2023 results published on 26 July, virtual investor meeting on 27 July 2023

July 26, 2023

   Orders received of EUR 407 million, market outlook improving

July 27, 2023

   Q2 2023 Investor Meeting Presentation

October 16, 2023

   Q3 2023 results published on 23 October, virtual investor meeting on 24 October 2023

October 23, 2023

   Strong cash generation and price/cost improving, EBIT of 9%

October 24, 2023

   Q3 2023 Investor Meeting Presentation

November 7, 2023

   Arni Sigurdsson appointed Interim CEO of Marel

November 7, 2023

   Manager’s transaction

November 24, 2023

   Unsolicited non-binding initial proposal regarding a potential offer for all shares in the company

November 24, 2023

   Further information to release published 24 November 2023 at 03:00 am GMT

November 28, 2023

   Board of Directors of Marel rejects non-binding proposal from JBT Corporation

November 29, 2023

   Response to shareholder letter

December 11, 2023

   Arni Sigurdsson appointed Chief Executive Officer

December 12, 2023

   Second approach from John Bean Technologies Corporation regarding a potential offer for all shares in the company

December 19, 2023

   Marel: Financial calendar 2024

January 5, 2024

   Icelandic FSA grants extension to JBT to announce its decision no later than 19 January 2024 concerning a potential takeover bid for Marel

January 19, 2024

   Third proposal from JBT and intention to make a voluntary takeover offer in 1Q24

January 24, 2024

   2023 results published on 7 February, investor meeting on 8 February 2024

February 7, 2024

   Fourth quarter and full year 2023 results

February 7, 2024

   2023 Annual Report

February 8, 2024

   Q4 2023 Investor Meeting Presentation

February 16, 2024

   Annual General Meeting 2024

March 4, 2024

   Sebastiaan Boelen appointed as Chief Financial Officer

March 6, 2024

   Director candidates, final agenda and proposals to the Annual General Meeting 2024

March 14, 2024

   Registration for the Annual General Meeting closes Monday, 18 March 2024, at 23:59 (GMT)

March 20, 2024

   Results of the AGM 20 March 2024

April 5, 2024

   Signing of transaction agreement, JBT intention to launch offer in May 2024

April 30, 2024

   Q1 2024 results published on 7 May, virtual investor meeting

May 7, 2024

  

Marel: Results for Q1 2024

 

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Information on the Company is published through Nasdaq Iceland and Euronext Amsterdam and on the Company’s website and Shareholders are advised to pay attention to them (including any potential news that may be released during the Offer Period). The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated by reference herein.

 

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8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFEROR

John Bean Technologies Europe B.V. is a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, with its seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, address at Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Trade Register under no. 63675013. The Offeror is a wholly owned Subsidiary of JBT.

At the close of business on [●], 2024, the share capital of the Offeror consists of a total of 10,000 shares, with a nominal value of USD 1.00 each.

The Offeror’s board of management consists of:

 

   

Sherri Nicole Speaks (Managing Director);

 

   

Noah Nathaniel Popp (Managing Director);

 

   

Olaf Sijrier (Managing Director); and

 

   

Bram Jasper Bergsma (Managing Director).

The mailing address of the Offeror’s principal executive office is Deccaweg 32, 1042 AD Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its telephone number is +31(0)206348486.

 

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9.

DESCRIPTION OF JBT

 

9.1

Overall description and business overview

John Bean Technologies Corporation is a Delaware corporation, and its principal executive office is at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 4400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, the United States.

JBT is a leading global technology solutions and provider to high-value segments of the food & beverage industry. JBT designs, produces, and services sophisticated products and systems for a broad range of end markets, generating roughly one-half of its annual revenue from recurring parts, service, rebuilds, and leasing operations. JBT employs approximately 5,100 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing, and sourcing operations in more than 25 countries.

At the close of business on March 13, 2024, JBT has a total of 31,827,101 shares of common stock outstanding (all shares of common stock issued by JBT from time to time, the “JBT Shares”). The JBT Shares are listed on NYSE under the ticker symbol “JBT”.

 

9.2

Key financial figures

The key financial figures set forth in the table below are an extract from JBT’s financial statements for the annual periods ending December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Further details on JBT’s financials are available in JBT’s annual report for 2023 and quarterly statements, which are available on JBT’s website, www.jbtc.com. The information contained on or accessible through JBT’s website does not constitute a part of this Offer Document and is not incorporated by reference herein.

Consolidated results of operations

 

(USD million)

   2023      2022      2021  

Gross Profit

     585.7        529.4        482.1  

Operating Income

     164.7        132.6        125.6  

Net income before income taxes

     153.1        120.0        119.5  

Income from continuing operations

     129.3        103.8        92.5  

Net income

     582.6        137.4        119.1  

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

     273.1        227.7        212.2  

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

JBT provides non-GAAP financial measures in order to increase transparency in its operating results and trends. These non-GAAP measures eliminate certain costs or benefits from, or change the calculation of, a measure as calculated under U.S. GAAP. By eliminating these items, JBT provides a more meaningful comparison of its ongoing operating results, consistent with how management evaluates performance. JBT’s management uses these non-GAAP measures in financial and operational evaluation, planning and forecasting.

These calculations may differ from similarly-titled measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed are not intended to be used as a substitute for, nor should they be considered in isolation of, financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of JBT’s reported Income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(USD million)

   2023      2022      2021  

Income from continuing operations

     129.3        103.8        92.5  

Income tax provision

     23.5        16.2        27.0  

Interest expense, net

     10.9        12.6        7.4  

Depreciation and amortization

     91.3        76.2        72.1  

EBITDA from continuing operations

     255.0        208.8        199.0  

Restructuring Related Costs(1)

     11.4        7.3        5.3  

Pension expense (income), other than service costs (2)

     0.7           (1.3

M&A related costs (3)

     6.0        11.6        9.2  

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

     273.1        227.1        212.2  

 

(1)

Costs incurred as a direct result of the restructuring program are excluded because they are not part of the ongoing operations of our underlying business.

(2)

Pension expense (income), other than service costs is excluded as it represents all non service-related pension expense, which consists of non-cash interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and losses.

(3)

M&A related costs include integration costs, amortization of inventory step-up from business combinations, advisory and transaction costs for both potential and completed M&A transactions and strategy. M&A related costs are excluded as they are not part of the ongoing operations of our underlying business.

The above table reports EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Given JBT’s focus on growth through acquisitions, JBT’s management believes EBITDA facilitates an evaluation of business performance while excluding the impact of amortization due to the step up in value of intangible assets, and the depreciation of fixed assets. JBT uses Adjusted EBITDA internally to make operating decisions and believes that adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors as a measure of JBT’s operational performance and a way to evaluate and compare operating performance against peers in JBT’s industry.

Consolidated balance sheets

 

(USD million)

   2023      2022      2021  

Total Assets

     2,710.4        2,641.0        2,141.4  

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     2,710.4        2,641.0        2,141.4  

Consolidated statements of cash flows

 

(USD million)

   2023      2022      2021  

Cash provided by continuing operating activities

     74.2        135.2        174.9  

Cash provided (required) by continuing investing activities

     729.3        (413.2      (270.5

Cash (required) provided by continuing financing activities

     (354.1      270.6        80.8  

Net increase (decrease) in cash from continuing operations

     449.4        (7.4      (14.8

Net cash (required) provided by discontinued operations

     (38.0      4.2        48.4  

Cash and cash equivalents from continuing of operations, beginning of period

     71.9        76.9        44.3  

Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations, end of period

     483.3        71.7        76.9  

 

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10.

DEFINITIONS

As used in this Offer Document, the following terms shall have the following meaning:

Acceptance” means, as applicable, the Dutch Acceptance or the Icelandic Acceptance Forms.

Accepting Shareholders” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Acquisition Proposal” means, (i) in respect of JBT, a JBT Acquisition Proposal, or (ii) in respect of Marel, a Marel Acquisition Proposal, as applicable.

Action” means any (i) civil, criminal or administrative actions or (ii) litigations, arbitrations or other proceedings, in each of (i) and (ii), before any Governmental Authority.

Admission Prospectus” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.14 (Secondary Listing).

Admitted Institution” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.9 (Acceptance Procedure).

Affiliates” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, the term “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

All-Cash Offer Consideration” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

All-Stock Offer Consideration has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Antitrust Laws” means the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended, the Clayton Act of 1914, as amended, the HSR Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, any non-U.S. antitrust Laws, as amended, and all other Laws that are designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or significant impediments or lessening of competition or the creation or strengthening of a dominant position through merger or acquisition, in any case that are applicable to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement.

Available Cash Election Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Consideration).

Available Stock Election Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Consideration).

Baker” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

BBA” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Board Succession Period” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in Reykjavik, Iceland, or New York, New York, are generally closed.

 

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Cash Electing Shares” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Cash Election Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Consideration).

Change in JBT Recommendation” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.3 (JBT Recommendation).

Change in Marel Recommendation” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.2 (Marel Recommendation).

Change in Recommendation” means (i) in respect of JBT, a Change in JBT Recommendation, or (ii) in respect of Marel, a Change in Marel Recommendation, as applicable.

Change in Recommendation Notice” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.5 (Change in Recommendation).

Closing” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.15 (Settlement).

Closing Conditions” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4 (Closing Conditions).

Combined Group” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

Commencement Date” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Company” or “Marel” means Marel hf., company registration no. 620483-0369, a public limited liability company incorporated under the Laws of Iceland with its registered office at Austurhraun 9, 210 Garðabær, Iceland.

Company Acquisition Proposal” means (A) any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest relating to a merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or (B) any acquisition by any Person or group resulting in, or any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest that if consummated would result in, any Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of the Company or 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (it being understood that assets include equity securities of Subsidiaries) of the Company, in each case other than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or involving JBT, the Offeror and their respective Affiliates.

Company Capitalization Representations” means certain representations and warranties related to its capitalization provided by Marel to JBT in the Transaction Agreement.

Company Disclosure Letter” means the letter delivered by the Company to JBT on April 4, 2024.

Company Dutch WC” means the central works council of Marel Holding B.V.

Company Expense Reimbursement Payment” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.12 (Termination Fees).

Company Fundamental Representations” means certain representations and warranties related to its organization and good standing, subsidiaries, corporate authority and no brokers, provided by Marel to JBT in the Transaction Agreement.

 

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Company Intervening Event” means any material effect, change, event, development or occurrence with respect to the Marel Group that was not known or reasonably foreseeable to the Marel Board on the date of the Transaction Agreement, which effect, change, event, development or occurrence, becomes known to the Marel Board prior to the Offer Closing Time; provided, however, that no effect, change, event, development or occurrence relating to any of the following shall constitute a Company Intervening Event: (1) receipt, existence or terms of a Company Acquisition Proposal, or the consequences thereof; (2) the fact, in and of itself, that the Company meets or exceeds any internal or published projections, budgets, forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenue, earnings or other financial or operating metrics, or any changes after the date of the Transaction Agreement in the price or trading volume of the Shares (it being understood that any effect, change, event, development or occurrence underlying any of the foregoing in this clause (2) may be taken into consideration, unless otherwise excluded by the exceptions to this definition); and (3) changes in general economic or geopolitical conditions, or changes in conditions in the economy generally.

Company Notice” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.11(c)(i).

Company Reimbursement Termination” means a termination of the Transaction Agreement by the Company, other than a Company Superior Proposal Termination, in circumstances described in (i) Section 4.11(c)(i)(A)), (ii) Section 4.11(c)(ii)) in connection with a breach by JBT or the Offeror of its obligations related to an FSA Extension Approval pursuant to Section 3.2(d)(i) of the Transaction Agreement or (iii) Section 4.11(c)(v).

Company Superior Proposal” means a bona fide written Company Acquisition Proposal made after the date of the Transaction Agreement that would result in a Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Company, or more than 50% of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (including equity securities of its Subsidiaries), of the Company that the Marel Board has determined in good faith, after consultation, as applicable, with the Company’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor, taking into account all legal, financial, financing and regulatory aspects of the Company Acquisition Proposal, the identity of the Person(s) making the proposal and the likelihood of the Company Acquisition Proposal being consummated in accordance with its terms, that, if consummated, would result in a transaction (after taking into account any revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement proposed by JBT pursuant to Section 5.1(d) of the Transaction Agreement) (i) more favorable to the Shareholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, and (ii) that is reasonably likely to be completed, taking into account any regulatory, financing or approval requirements and any other aspects considered relevant by the Marel Board.

Company Superior Proposal Termination” means a termination of the Transaction Agreement (i) by the Company in circumstances described in Section 4.11(c)(v) for a Change in JBT Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(2)(i) of the Transaction Agreement or otherwise in connection with a JBT Superior Proposal, or (ii) by JBT in circumstances described in Section 4.11(d)(iv).

Consideration” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3(c) (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Debt Financing” shall mean the debt financing incurred, or anticipated to be incurred, including the public offering or private placement of debt securities, borrowing under revolving, long-term or bridge loans, in each case by JBT or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (as further described therein).

Disclosure Documents” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.14 (Secondary Listing).

Drop Dead Date has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.13 (Drop Dead Date).

Dutch Acceptance” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.9 (Acceptance Procedure).

Dutch Settlement Agent” means ABN Amro Bank N.V.

 

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Dutch WC Completion Event” means, with respect to the Company Dutch WC and the JBT Dutch WC, as applicable, any of the following: (a) the relevant Dutch works council irrevocably and unconditionally waives its right in writing to render advice on the Transaction; (b) the relevant Dutch works council renders in writing an unconditional positive advice or neutral advice on the Transaction in line with the proposed resolution (voorgenomen besluit) for which advice was requested and permitting the Parties to implement the Transaction; (c) the relevant Dutch works council renders an advice on the Transaction subject to conditions, which conditions are unconditionally and irrevocably accepted by the Parties, including by the Parties agreeing to amendments to the Transaction Agreement or further commitments pursuant to Section 6.3 of the Transaction Agreement; or (d) the Company having informed the Company Dutch WC or JBT having informed the JBT Dutch WC, as applicable, of the decision to proceed with the proposed resolution in accordance with the Transaction Agreement and the specified events described therein having occurred, with respect to the relevant Dutch works council(s).

ELT” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any shares of capital or capital stock (including any ordinary shares) or other voting securities of, or other ownership interest in, such Person, (ii) any securities of such Person convertible into or exchangeable for cash or shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from such Person, or other obligations of such Person to issue, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any restricted shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted units, performance units, contingent value rights, “phantom” stock or similar securities or rights issued by or with the approval of such Person that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, other ownership interests in, or any business, products or assets of, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries.

Euronext Amsterdam” means Euronext Amsterdam N.V.

Euronext Amsterdam Shares” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Excess Offer Shares has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Expiration Date” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Extended Drop Dead Date” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.11 (Drop Dead Date).

Eyrir” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Eyrir Undertaking” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Failure Notice Period” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.11(c)(i).

Foreign Investment Laws” means any Laws that (i) enable a Governmental Authority to monitor, regulate, restrict, prohibit or otherwise review investments by investors, entities, or other persons in domestic businesses from a national security perspective or (ii) that address foreign subsidies, including the European Union’s rules and regulations that address foreign subsidies.

FSA Extension Approval” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.5 (Offer Period).

 

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Governmental Authority” means (i) any government, (ii) any governmental or regulatory entity, body, department, commission, subdivision, board, administrative agency or instrumentality, (iii) any court, tribunal, judicial body, or an arbitrator or arbitration panel or (iv) any non-governmental self-regulatory agency, securities exchange, commission or authority, in each of (i) through (iv) whether supranational, national, federal, state, county, municipal, provincial, and whether local, domestic or foreign.

HSR Act means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any successor statute, rules and regulations thereto.

Iceland Listing Application” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.14 (Secondary Listing).

Icelandic Acceptance Forms” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.9 (Acceptance Procedure).

Icelandic Electronic Acceptance Form” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.9 (Acceptance Procedure).

Icelandic FSA” means the Icelandic Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland (in Icelandic: “Fjármálaeftirlit Seðlabanka Íslands (FME)”).

Icelandic Settlement Agent” means Arion banki hf.

Icelandic Takeover Act” means Icelandic Takeover Act no. 108/2007, as amended.

Initial Drop Dead Date has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.13 (Drop Dead Date).

Initial Proposal” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Intervening Event” means (i) in respect of JBT, a JBT Intervening Event, or (ii) in respect of Marel, a Marel Intervening Event, as applicable.

ISK” means Icelandic Krona.

JBT” means John Bean Technologies Corporation.

JBT Acquisition Proposal” means (a) any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest relating to a merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving JBT or (b) any acquisition by any Person or group resulting in, or any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest that if consummated would result in, any Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of JBT or 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (it being understood that assets include equity securities of Subsidiaries) of JBT, in each case other than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement or involving the Company and its Affiliates.

JBT Board” means the board of directors of JBT.

JBT Board Recommendation has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.3 (JBT Board Recommendation).

JBT Capitalization Representations” means certain representations and warranties related to its capitalization provided by JBT to Marel in the Transaction Agreement.

 

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JBT CEO” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

JBT Disclosure Letter” means the letter delivered by JBT to the Company on April 4, 2024.

JBT Dutch WC” means any competent Dutch works council within the JBT Group.

JBT Expense Reimbursement Payment” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.12 (Termination Fees).

JBT Fundamental Representations” means certain representations and warranties related to its organization and good standing, subsidiaries, corporate authority and no brokers, provided by JBT to Marel in the Transaction Agreement.

JBT Group” means, collectively, JBT and its Subsidiaries.

JBT Intervening Event” means any material effect, change, event, development or occurrence with respect to the JBT Group that was not known or reasonably foreseeable to the JBT Board on the date of the Transaction Agreement, which effect, change, event, development or occurrence, becomes known to the JBT Board prior to obtaining the JBT Stockholder Approval; provided, however, that no effect, change, event, development or occurrence relating to any of the following shall constitute a JBT Intervening Event: (1) receipt, existence or terms of a JBT Acquisition Proposal, or the consequences thereof; (2) the fact, in and of itself, that JBT meets or exceeds any internal or published projections, budgets, forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenue, earnings, or any changes after the date of the Transaction Agreement in the price or trading volume of the JBT Shares (it being understood that the event or circumstance underlying any of the foregoing in this clause (2) may be taken into consideration, unless otherwise excluded by the exceptions to this definition); and (3) changes in general economic or geopolitical conditions, or changes in conditions in the economy generally.

JBT Intervening Event Termination” means a termination of the Transaction Agreement by JBT, other than a JBT Superior Proposal Termination, in circumstances described in Section 4.11(d)(iii) for a Change in Marel Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(2)(ii) of the Transaction Agreement or otherwise but not for a Change in Marel Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(4) of the Transaction Agreement.

JBT Management” means the management of JBT.

JBT Marel Board” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

JBT Offer Shares” means the JBT Shares to be issued in the Offer as Consideration.

JBT Shares” has the meaning given to that term in Section 9 (Description of JBT).

JBT Stockholder Approval” means the approval of the issuance of the JBT Offer Shares by the affirmative votes cast by holders of JBT Shares present and entitled to vote in accordance with, and as required for such issuance by, the rules and regulations of NYSE and the organizational documents of JBT.

JBT Stockholder Approval Condition” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(iv) (JBT Stockholder Approval).

JBT Stockholders Meeting has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.3 (JBT Board Recommendation).

JBT Subcommittee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

 

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JBT Superior Proposal” means a bona fide written JBT Acquisition Proposal made after the date of the Transaction Agreement that would result in a Person or group becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity securities of JBT, or more than 50% of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (including equity securities of its Subsidiaries), of JBT that the JBT Board has determined in good faith, after consultation, as applicable, with JBT’s outside legal counsel and financial advisor, taking into account all legal, financial, financing and regulatory aspects of the JBT Acquisition Proposal, the identity of the Person(s) making the proposal and the likelihood of the JBT Acquisition Proposal being consummated in accordance with its terms, that, if consummated, would result in a transaction (after taking into account any revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement proposed by the Company pursuant to Section 5.2(d) of the Transaction Agreement) (i) more favorable to the shareholders of JBT from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, and (ii) that is reasonably likely to be completed, taking into account any regulatory, financing or approval requirements and any other aspects considered relevant by the JBT Board.

JBT Superior Proposal Termination” means a termination of the Transaction Agreement (i) by JBT in circumstances described in Section 4.11(d)(iii) for a Change in Marel Recommendation pursuant to Section 5.1(c)(2)(i) of the Transaction Agreement or otherwise in connection with a Company Superior Proposal or (ii) by the Company in circumstances described in Section 4.11(c)(iii).

Kirkland” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Law” means any and all federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, ruling or other legal requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.

Listing Applications” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.14 (Secondary Listing).

Management Integration Committee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

Mandated Marel Shareholder Action” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.6 (Marel Interim Operations).

Marel Board” means the board of directors of the Company.

Marel Closing Price” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.19 (Treatment of Marel Equity Awards).

Marel Executive Management” means the executive management of the Company.

Marel Group” means, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Marel Group Company” means any member of the Marel Group.

Marel Interim Period Awards” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.19 (Treatment of Marel Equity Awards).

Marel Recommendation has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.2 (Marel Recommendation).

Marel Stock Option Plan” has the meaning given to that term in Section 6.1 (Share Capital).

Marel Stock Options” means each stock option with respect to the Shares (whether granted pursuant to the Marel Stock Option Plan or otherwise).

 

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Marel Subcommittee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Marel Treasury Shares” has the meaning given to that term in Section 6.1 (Share Capital).

Material Adverse Effect” means any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, (i) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the businesses, results of operations, assets or financial conditions of the JBT Group or the Marel Group (as applicable), each taken separately as a whole; provided, however, that none of the following, either alone or in combination, shall constitute or be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur pursuant to this clause (i): (A) any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence to the extent resulting from (1) general conditions (or changes therein) in the industry in which the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable) operates, (2) business, economic or political conditions (or changes therein) in the United States, Iceland or elsewhere in the world or (3) general conditions (or changes therein) in the credit, financial, banking, currency or capital markets, in the United States, Iceland or elsewhere in the world, including changes in interest or exchange rates; (B) any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence to the extent resulting from (1) changes in Law or in GAAP or IFRS after the date of the Transaction Agreement, (2) acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or (3) volcanoes, tsunamis, pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados or other natural disasters; (C) (1) any decline in the market price, or change in trading volume, of the capital stock of JBT or the Company (as applicable) or (2) any failure to meet any internal or public projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates, milestones, budgets or internal or published financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position (it being understood that the exceptions in clauses (C) (1) and (2) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that the underlying cause of any such change, decline or failure referred to therein is, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect); (D) any action taken by the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable) at the Company’s or JBT’s (respectively) written request; or (E) the negotiation, execution, public announcement, pendency or consummation of the Transaction (it being understood that this clause (E) shall not apply to any representation or warranty to the extent the purpose of such representation or warranty is to address the consequences resulting from the execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreement or the consummation of the Transaction); provided further, however, that any effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence referred to in clause (A) or clause (B) may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect to the extent such effect, change, event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence has a disproportionate adverse effect on the businesses, results of operations, assets or financial condition of the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable), taken as a whole, as compared to other similarly situated companies in the industry in which the JBT Group or Marel Group (as applicable) operate; or (ii) would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede, interfere with, hinder or delay the consummation by JBT or the Company (as applicable) of the Transaction or the performance by JBT or the Company (as applicable) in all material respects of its obligations under the Transaction Agreement.

Merger” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.16 (Merger).

Minimum Acceptance Condition” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(vi).

Mixed Election Shares” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Mixed Offer Consideration” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Nasdaq Iceland” means Nasdaq Iceland hf., company registration no. 681298-2829.

Nasdaq Iceland Shares” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

 

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No Legal Prohibition Condition” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4 (a)(ii) (No Legal Prohibition).

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

NYSE Listing Condition” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(v).

NYSE Supplemental Listing Application” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.14 (Secondary Listing).

Offer” means this voluntary public takeover offer described in this Offer Document.

Offer Closing Time” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.14. (Settlement).

Offer Document” means this document on the Offer submitted by the Offeror to the Shareholders.

Offer Period” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.5 (Offer Period).

Offer Price” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Offering Prospectus” means the prospectus under Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, and Act no 14/2020.

Offeror” means John Bean Technologies Europe B.V.

Parties” means the Company, JBT and the Offeror, and each a “Party.

Person” means shall mean any individual, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, company (including any limited liability company or joint stock company), firm or other enterprise, association, organization, entity or Governmental Authority.

Reasoned Statement has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.2 (Marel Recommendation).

Recommendation Requirement has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.2 (Marel Recommendation).

Registration Statement” means the registration statement, including a proxy statement/prospectus (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including any exhibits or annexes thereto, the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), on Form S-4 in connection with the solicitation of proxies from JBT’s stockholders and issuance by JBT of the JBT Offer Shares (together with any amendments or supplements thereto and including any exhibits or annexes thereto).

Registration Statement Condition” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(iii) (Registration Statement).

Regulatory Approvals” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.10 (Regulatory Approvals).

Regulatory Approvals Condition” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(i) (Regulatory Approvals).

Representatives” means the directors, officers, employees, counsel, accountants, consultants, investment bankers and other authorized representatives of the relevant Party.

 

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Required Amendment” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.23 (Required Amendments).

Required Commencement Date” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.11(c)(i).

Required Company Information” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.11(c)(i).

Retention Bonus” has the meaning given to that term in Section 6.3 (Marel Board and Marel Executive Management).

Reverse Termination Fee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.12 (Termination Fees).

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Second Proposal” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Secondary Listing” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.14 (Secondary Listing).

Settlement Agents” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Settlement Date has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.14 (Settlement).

Shareholder” means a shareholder of the Company at any given time (other than the Company itself).

Shares” means shares issued by the Company, in total equal to 771,007,916 shares of nominally ISK 1 each (ISIN securities code IS0000000388) (each a “Share”).

Special Nominating Committee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2 (Rationale for the Transaction and Prospects for the Company).

Specified Antitrust Jurisdictions” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(i) (Mutual Conditions).

Specified FDI Jurisdictions” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(i) (Mutual Conditions).

Specified Regulatory Jurisdictions” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.4(a)(i) (Mutual Conditions).

Squeeze Out” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.15 (Squeeze Out).

Stock Electing Shares has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Stock Election Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration).

Subsidiary” of any Person means (i) a corporation more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, (ii) a partnership of which such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, is the general partner and has the power to direct the policies, management and affairs of such partnership, (iii) a limited liability company of which such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, is the managing member and has the power to direct the policies, management and affairs of such

 

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company or (iv) any other Person (other than a corporation, partnership or limited liability company) in which such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, has at least a majority ownership and power to direct the policies, management and affairs thereof.

Superior Proposal” means, (i) in respect of JBT, a JBT Superior Proposal, or (ii) in respect of Marel, a Marel Superior Proposal, as applicable.

Tax” shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, ad valorem, value added, alternative or add-on minimum or estimated tax or other tax of any kind or any charge of any kind in the nature of taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, penalty or addition to tax imposed by such Governmental Authority.

Third Proposal” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Transaction means the Offer made by Offeror to the Shareholders for all Shares (other than the Treasury Shares).

Transaction Agreement” has the meaning given to that term in Section 1.1 (Introduction).

Transaction Agreement Committee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1 (Background to the Transaction).

Transaction Bonus” has the meaning given to that term in Section 6.3 (Marel Board and Marel Executive Management).

 

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APPENDIX 1

ICELANDIC ACCEPTANCE FORM

Acceptance of the sale of shares in Marel hf.

This acceptance form (the “Acceptance Form”) shall be used for accepting the voluntary conditional public tender offer by John Bean Technologies Europe B.V. (the “Offeror”) described in the offer document dated [●] 2024 (the “Offer Document”) to the shareholders of Marel hf., a public company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of Iceland registered with registration number 620483-0369 (“Marel” or the “Company”) to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Marel (other than any Treasury Shares) on the terms and conditions set out in the Offer Document. Capitalized terms used in this Acceptance Form shall have the same meaning as set out in, and be deemed to be construed in accordance with, the Offer Document.

Under the Offer and subject to legal restrictions, eligible shareholders of Marel are, for each of their shares in the Company (the “Shares”), offered to choose consideration in the form of either (i) EUR 3.60 per Share paid in cash (the “All-Cash Offer Consideration”), (ii) 0.0407 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of John Bean Technologies Corporation (each a “JBT Offer Share”) (the “All-Stock Offer Consideration”) or (iii) a combination of 0.0265 newly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable JBT Offer Shares and EUR 1.26 in cash (the “Mixed Offer Consideration”). Shareholders who elect to receive the All-Stock Offer Consideration or the Mixed Offer Consideration can choose JBT Offer Shares listed on (i) NYSE or (ii) the main market of Nasdaq Iceland, subject to the approval of the Secondary Listing.

 

SHAREHOLDER:    Correctly completed and signed Acceptance Forms must be sent by email, delivered by hand or sent by postal mail to the Settlement Agent at the following address:
  

If by email:

 

Marel2024@arionbanki.is

  

If by mail:

 

Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

  

If by hand:

 

Borgartún 19, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

The shareholders’ registry of Marel hf. as of the date of the Offer Document shows:
Securities account    Bank account number for any cash consideration    No. of JBT Offer Shares:    Third-party rights registered:

Shareholders in Marel whose holdings are registered in the name of a nominee, i.e. bank or other, shall not use this Acceptance Form. Acceptance must instead be made in accordance with instructions from the nominee.

ACCEPTANCE DEADLINE:

This Acceptance Form must be received by the Arion Banki hf. (the ”Settlement Agent”) per mail, e-mail, or physical delivery by 5.00p.m. (Icelandic time) on [●] 2024 (subject to extension as described in the Offer Document). The Offeror reserves the right to reject any or all incorrect or illegally undertaken acceptances. Shareholders accepting the Offer, who are not registered as existing customers of the Settlement Agent, must verify their identity to the Settlement Agent in accordance with requirements of the applicable anti-money laundering legislation, unless an exemption is available. Shareholders who have designated an existing Icelandic bank account and an existing securities account on the Acceptance Form are exempted, unless verification of identity is requested by the Settlement Agent. The Offeror reserves the right to reject any Acceptance Form that is not correctly or lawfully completed or that is received after the expiration of the Offer Period. The Offeror reserves the right to approve acceptances being received after the expiration of the Offer Period or not being correctly completed within the limits of the requirements in paragraph 1 of Article 103 of the Icelandic Takeover Act regarding the principle of equal treatment of shareholders.

 

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ACCEPTANCE GUIDANCE:

 

1.

I/We confirm that I/we have received and reviewed the Offer Document and hereby accept the Offer in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer Document for the number of Shares specified below (select your choice by checking one box only and, in respect of the second box, including the number of Shares), and accept that I/we will accept the Offer as specified in the first box (i.e. all my/our Shares) if no explicit selection is made:

 

     I/We confirm that I/we hereby accept the Offer for all my/our Shares.
  I/We confirm that I/we hereby accept the Offer in respect of       of my/our Shares.

 

2.

I/We accept the Offer for the Offer Price of EUR 3.60 per Share tendered by me/us and want the Offer Price delivered as specified below (select your choice by checking one box only), and accept that I/we will receive consideration for the Shares as specified in the third box (i.e. a combination of 0.0265 JBT Offer Shares and EUR 1.26 in cash) if no explicit selection is made:

 

     I/We want to receive the 100% of the consideration for my/our Shares in the form of All-Cash Offer Consideration, i.e. EUR 3.60 in cash per Share.
  I/We want to receive 100% of the consideration for my/our Shares in the form of All-Stock Offer Consideration, i.e. 0.0407 JBT Offer Shares per Share.
  I/We want to receive 100% of the consideration for my/our Shares in the form of Mixed Offer Consideration, i.e. a combination of 0.0265 JBT Offer Shares and EUR 1.26 in cash per Share.

 

3.

I/We accept that I/we will receive, subject to not having elected the All-Cash Offer Consideration in paragraph 2 above, JBT Offer Shares as specified below (select your choice by checking one box only), and accept that I/we will receive JBT Offer Shares as specified in the first box (i.e. JBT Offer Shares listed on NYSE) if no explicit selection is made. Note the Secondary Listing is subject to the approval of JBT’s application to list the JBT Offer Shares on Nasdaq Iceland:

 

     I/We want to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on NYSE.
  I/We want to receive JBT Offer Shares listed on the main market of Nasdaq Iceland

 

4.

I/We accept that the terms and limitations set forth in Section 3.3 (Offer Price and Offer Consideration) in the Offer Document, regardless of the specifications made by me/us in paragraph 2 above.

 

5.

I/we accept that, unless I/we exercise our withdrawal rights as provided for in the Offer Document, I/we may not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of the Shares tendered hereunder. The Settlement Agent is irrevocably authorised to block the Shares tendered hereunder on the above-mentioned securities account in favour of the Receiving Agent on behalf of the Offeror, and to debit my/our securities account, and to transfer the Shares tendered hereunder to the Offeror against payment of the Offer Price.

 

6.

I/We accept that, subject to the specifications made by me/us in paragraph 2 above, any cash consideration will be made by transfer of euros (EUR) to the bank account designated for dividend payments or the bank account stated below. If there is no record of such account and no bank account has been stated below, the Settlement Agent will deposit the amounts for collection at a later stage, which shall be deemed as final settlement of the cash portion of the consideration selected in paragraph 2 above, as applicable, for the relevant Shares and entitle the Settlement Agent to transfer the relevant Shares to the Offeror. For Accepting Shareholders who do not hold a bank account with an Icelandic bank, payment details for offshore payments must be included in addition to the bank account number, such as name of the bank, SWIFT/BIC, IBAN, or similar payment codes depending on the jurisdiction where the bank account is located.

Fill in here (if relevant)

 

 

      

 

      

 

Bank     SWIFT/BIC code     IBAN number

 

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7.

Any third party with registered encumbrances or other third-party rights over the Shares and/or the securities account(s) must sign the Acceptance Form and thereby waive their rights therein and approve the transfer of the Shares to the Offeror free of any encumbrances and any other third party right whatsoever. This Acceptance Form may only be regarded to be valid if any rights holder (marked with a “Yes” under “Third-party rights registered” in the right-hand box above) has consented to the sale and transfer of the Shares, free of any encumbrances and any other third party right whatsoever, by signing this Acceptance Form under “third-party rights” below.

 

8.

I/We irrevocably authorise the Settlement Agent to transfer the cash portion of the consideration selected in paragraph 2 above, as applicable, to my/our account or subscribe for my/our account for (and in any other way execute all formalities necessary to deliver) the JBT Offer Shares, or a combination there of, depending on the specifications made by me/us in paragraph 2 above, to me/us in settlement of the Offer and to take and effect such

 

9.

I/We represent that I/we am/are permitted by all applicable law to accept the Offer and have complied with all applicable legal requirements so that the Offer may be made to, and accepted by, me/us under the laws of all relevant jurisdictions.

 

10.

In accordance with Icelandic laws, the Settlement Agent must categorise all new customers in one of three customer categories. All shareholders delivering this Acceptance Form, and which are not existing clients of the Settlement Agent will be categorised as non-professional clients. For further information about the categorisation, the shareholder may contact the Settlement Agent. The Settlement Agent will treat the delivery of this Acceptance Form as an execution only instruction from the shareholder to sell his/her Shares under the Offer, since the Settlement Agent is not in the position to determine whether the acceptance of the Offer and selling of Shares is suitable or not for the shareholder.

 

11.

Shareholders who own Shares registered in the name of their custodian, bank or stockbroker must contact such persons to accept the Offer. Acceptance of the Offer for Shares registered in the name of an investment manager must be done by the manager on behalf of the shareholder.

 

12.

The Offer and this Acceptance Form are governed by and will be interpreted in accordance with Icelandic law. Any disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Iceland, with the Reykjavík District Court as legal venue.

ACCEPTANCE:

 

Information concerning the Shareholder (mandatory)    Information concerning the third-party rights (if applicable)
Personal identification no. / Business reg. no.    Phone    Personal identification no. / Business reg. no.    Phone
        
Legal Entity Identifier, LEI (for companies/legal entities)    Address (street, box, etc.)
  
Name/Company name    Name/Company name
  
City/country    Date    City/country    Date
        

 

Signature of Shareholder (parent or guardian if the holder is a minor)*    Signature of rights holder*

 

*

if signed by power of attorney, the power of attorney (and with respect to companies, certificate of registration or similar documentation) shall be enclosed. If signed by a person with signatory right, certificate of registration or similar documentation shall be enclosed.

 

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National Client Identifier – NIC if the shareholder is a natural person

 

Citizenship, state all if several    Birthday (year, month, day)    ID no. (if Icelandic citizen, the personal identification no.)

 

2.

The exchange offer prospectus will be attached as an annex to the exchange offer document and will have the following cover page:

 

 

 

3.

The following section entitled “Summary” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

4.

The following section entitled “General Information” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

5.

The following section entitled “Responsibility Statement” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

6.

The following section entitled “Presentation of Financial Information” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

7.

The following section entitled “Expected Timetable of the Takeover Offer and the Transaction” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

 

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8.

The section entitled “Dividends and Dividend Policy” in the proxy statement/prospectus will be replaced with the following section entitled “Dividends and Dividend Policy” in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

9.

The following sections entitled “Business of JBT—Organisational Overview” and “Business of JBT—          ” will be included in the “Business of JBT” section in the exchange offer prospectus. Please note that the “Business of JBT” section included in the exchange offer prospectus otherwise generally reproduces the “Business” section in JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus:

 

 

 

10.

The following sections entitled “Business of Marel—Organisational Overview” and “Business of Marel—          ” will be included in the “Business of Marel” section in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

11.

The following sections entitled “Material Contracts—JBT’s Material Contracts—Trademark License Agreement, dated 31 July 2008,” “Material Contracts—JBT’s Material Contracts—Trademark Assignment and Coexistence Agreement, dated 31 July 2008” and “Material Contracts—JBT’s Material Contracts—Limited Consent and Release, dated 9 June 2023” will be included in the “Material Contracts” section in the exchange offer prospectus. Please note that the “Material Contracts—JBT’s Material Contracts” section included in the exchange offer prospectus otherwise generally reproduces descriptions of JBT’s material contracts contained in JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus:

 

 

 

12.

The following section entitled “Material Contracts—Marel’s Material Contracts” will be included in the “Material Contracts” section in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

13.

The following sections entitled “Operating and Financial Review of JBT—Critical Accounting Estimates—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures,” “Operating and Financial Review of JBT—Significant Change in JBT’s Financial Position” and “Operating and Financial Review of JBT—

 

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            ” will be included in the “Operating and Financial Review of JBT” section in the exchange offer prospectus. Please note that the “Operating and Financial Review of JBT” section included in the exchange offer prospectus otherwise generally reproduces the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in JBT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus:

 

 

 

14.

The following section entitled “Operating and Financial Review of Marel—          ” will be included in the “Operating and Financial Review of Marel” section in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

15.

The following section entitled “Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Information” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus. Please note that such unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information was prepared in compliance with the requirements set out in Annex 20 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/80, which may differ from the requirements for the presentation of pro forma financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. securities laws. Additionally, the section entitled “Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Information” in the exchange offer prospectus will include a report required by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/80, which is not included herein. Please see the section of the proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Financial Information” in the proxy statement/prospectus for unaudited pro forma financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. securities laws:

 

 

 

16.

The following section entitled “Consolidated Prospective Financial Information of JBT” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus. Such information was furnished with the SEC on a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by JBT on February 20, 2024:

 

 

 

17.

The following section entitled “Consolidated Prospective Financial Information of Marel” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

 

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18.

The following section entitled “Capitalisation and Indebtedness” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

19.

The following section entitled “Board of Directors, Management and Corporate Governance—Board of Directors, Management and Corporate Governance of Marel” will be included in the “Board of Directors, Management and Corporate Governance” section in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

20.

The following section entitled “Remuneration and Benefits—Remuneration and Benefits of Marel” will be included in the “Remuneration and Benefits” section in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

21.

The following section entitled “Dilution” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

22.

The following section entitled “Related Party Transactions of Marel” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

23.

The following sections entitled “Description of the Shares and the Share Capital—Description of the Marel Shares” and “Description of the Shares and the Share Capital—Memorandum and Articles of Association—The Marel Articles of Association” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

 

 

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24.

The following section entitled “Admission to Trading and Dealing Arrangements” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

25.

The following section entitled “Expenses of the Transaction” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

26.

The following section entitled “Information Disclosed Under the Market Abuse Regulation” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

27.

The following section entitled “Third-Party Information, Expert Statements and Declarations of Interests” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

28.

The following section entitled “Independent Auditors” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

29.

The following section entitled “Documents Available” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

30.

The following section entitled “Information Incorporated by Reference” will be included in the exchange offer prospectus:

 

 

 

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PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 20.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) allows a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors and certain officers to a corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of a fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except where the director or officer breached their duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law or obtained an improper personal benefit or where the director authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase or redemption in violation of Delaware corporate law.

Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a Delaware corporation 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 such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner such 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 such person’s conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify directors, officers, employees and other agents of such corporation in an action by or in the right of a corporation under the same conditions against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense and settlement of such action or suit, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the person to be indemnified has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where a present or former director or officer of the corporation is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to above or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the corporation must indemnify such person against the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) which he or she actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith.

Section 174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a director who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, may be held liable for such actions. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved or dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing their dissent to such actions to be entered into the books containing the minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

Article XI of the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of John Bean Technologies Corporation (the “JBT Bylaws”) provides that any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit, claim or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, 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 John Bean Technologies Corporation (“JBT”) or is or was serving at the request of JBT 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 maintained or sponsored by JBT, whether the basis of such proceeding 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, will be indemnified and held harmless by JBT to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL against all expense, liability and loss (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 will continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and will inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators.

In addition, the JBT Bylaws provide that JBT may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of JBT or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not JBT would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL. JBT currently maintains directors and officers liability insurance.

 

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ITEM 21.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

 2.1    Transaction Agreement, dated as of April  4, 2024, by and among John Bean Technologies Europe B.V., John Bean Technologies Corporation and Marel hf. (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus which forms part of this Registration Statement).
 3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of John Bean Technologies Corporation, effective May  15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of JBT’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2023).
 3.2    Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of John Bean Technologies Corporation, as amended through May  15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of JBT’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2023).
 4.1    Specimen common stock certificate of JBT Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to JBT’s Form 10/A filed on July 3, 2008).
 5.1*    Opinion of Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
10.1    Bridge Credit Agreement, dated as of April  4, 2024, by and among John Bean Technologies Corporation, the lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as joint bookrunners and lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of JBT’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2024).
23.1*    Consent of Kirkland & Ellis LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of John Bean Technologies Corporation.
23.3    Consent of KPMG Accountants N.V.
24.1    Power of Attorney (included on the signature pages to this Registration Statement).
99.1*    Form of Proxy Card for Special Meeting of John Bean Technologies Corporation.
99.2    Consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.
99.3    Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities plc.
99.4    Consent of Coöperative Rabobank U.A.
99.5    Consent of Antonius T.C. van der Laan to be named as a director nominee.
99.6    Consent of Arnar Þór Másson to be named as a director nominee.
99.7    Consent of Olafur S Gudmundsson to be named as a director nominee.
99.8    Consent of Svafa Grönfeldt to be named as a director nominee.
99.9    Irrevocable Undertaking, dated as of November 18, 2023, by Eyrir Invest hf.
107    Calculation of Filing Fee Tables.

 

*

To be filed by amendment.

Certain exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. JBT agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the SEC upon its request.

 

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ITEM 22.

UNDERTAKINGS

 

  (A)(1)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Filing Fee Tables” in the effective registration statement; and

 

  (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.

 

  (2)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes 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.

 

  (3)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes 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.

 

  (B)

For the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (1)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;

 

  (2)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (3)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (4)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

  (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 section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of

 

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  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.

 

  (E)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus pursuant to Items 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 other 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.

 

  (F)

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.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, on May 15, 2024.

 

JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Brian A. Deck

  Name: Brian A. Deck
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on May 15, 2024. Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Brian A. Deck, Matthew J. Meister, Jessi L. Corcoran and James L. Marvin and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ Brian A. Deck

Brian A. Deck

  

President, Director and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Matthew J. Meister

Matthew Meister

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Jessi L. Corcoran

Jessi L. Corcoran

  

Vice President, Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Alan D. Feldman

Alan. Feldman

   Director

/s/ Barbara L. Brasier

Barbara L. Braiser

   Director

/s/ C. Maury Devine

C. Maury Devine

   Director

/s/ Charles Harrington

Charles Harrington

   Director

/s/ Lawrence V. Jackson

Lawrence V. Jackson

   Director

/s/ Polly B. Kawalek

Polly B. Kawalek

   Director