UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 21, 2015
SANDISK CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
|
000-26734 |
|
77-0191793 |
(State or other jurisdiction |
|
(Commission File No.) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer |
951 SanDisk Drive, Milpitas, California 95035
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (408) 801-1000
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
x Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
x Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 8.01. Other Events.
On October 21, 2015, SanDisk Corporation (SanDisk or the Company) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement), dated as of October 21, 2015, by and among the Company, Western Digital Corporation, a Delaware corporation (Western Digital or Parent) and Schrader Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Western Digital. The Company distributed the following materials with respect to the proposed transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the full text of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.1-99.7 and incorporated herein by reference:
· Investor Presentation (Exhibit 99.1)
· E-Mail Message from Sanjay Mehrotra to Employees (Exhibit 99.2)
· Employee FAQ (Exhibit 99.3)
· E-Mail Message from Sanjay Mehrotra to Suppliers (Exhibit 99.4)
· Supplier FAQ (Exhibit 99.5)
· E-Mail Message from Sanjay Mehrotra to Customers (Exhibit 99.6)
· Customer FAQ (Exhibit 99.7)
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the Merger Agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
99.1 |
|
Investor Presentation |
99.2 |
|
E-Mail Message from Sanjay Mehrotra to Employees |
99.3 |
|
Employee FAQ |
99.4 |
|
E-Mail Message from Sanjay Mehrotra to Suppliers |
99.5 |
|
Supplier FAQ |
99.6 |
|
E-Mail Message from Sanjay Mehrotra to Customers |
99.7 |
|
Customer FAQ |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
|
SANDISK CORPORATION | |
|
|
| |
Date: |
October 21, 2015 |
By: |
/s/ Judy Bruner |
|
|
|
Judy Bruner |
|
|
|
Executive Vice President, Administration and |
Exhibit 99.1
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425
Under the Securities Act of 1933
And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation
Commission File No.: 000-26734
Western Digitals Acquisition of SanDisk Creates a Global Leader in Storage Technology OCTOBER 21, 2015
Safe harbor/disclaimers Forward-looking statements Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Western Digitals proposed business combination transaction with SanDisk (including financing of the proposed transaction and the benefits, results, effects and timing of a transaction), all statements regarding Western Digitals (and Western Digitals and SanDisks combined) expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, dividends, financing plans, business strategy, budgets, capital expenditures, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management, and statements containing the use of forward-looking words, such as may, will, could, would, should, project, believe, anticipate, expect, estimate, continue, potential, plan, forecast, approximate, intend, upside, and the like, or the use of future tense. Statements contained herein concerning the business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses, dividends or other financial items, and product or services line growth of Western Digital (and the combined businesses of Western Digital and SanDisk), together with other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are estimates reflecting the best judgment of Western Digital and SanDisk based upon currently available information. Statements concerning current conditions may also be forward-looking if they imply a continuation of current conditions. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and stockholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from Western Digitals and SanDisks expectations as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed below. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current expectations of Western Digitals and SanDisks management and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which Western Digital and SanDisk are unable to predict or control, that may cause Western Digitals or SanDisks actual results, performance or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed below and detailed from time to time in Western Digitals and SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Risks and uncertainties related to the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the risk that SanDisks or Western Digitals stockholders do not approve the merger, potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement, pendency or completion of the merger, uncertainties as to the timing of the merger, the possibility that the closing conditions to the proposed merger may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant a necessary approval, adverse effects on Western Digitals stock price resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger, competitive responses to the announcement or completion of the merger, costs and difficulties related to the integration of SanDisks businesses and operations with Western Digitals businesses and operations, the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger, uncertainties as to whether the completion of the merger or any transaction will have the accretive effect on Western Digitals earnings or cash flows that it expects, unexpected costs, liabilities, charges or expenses resulting from the merger, litigation relating to the merger, the inability to retain key personnel, and any changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions. In addition to the factors set forth above, other factors that may affect Western Digitals or SanDisks plans, results or stock price are set forth in Western Digitals and SanDisks respective filings with the SEC, including Western Digitals and SanDisks most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Many of these factors are beyond Western Digitals and SanDisks control. Western Digital and SanDisk caution investors that any forward-looking statements made by Western Digital or SanDisk are not guarantees of future performance. Western Digital or SanDisk do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Safe harbor/disclaimers Forward-looking statements Additional Information This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger between Western Digital and SanDisk. In connection with the proposed merger, Western Digital intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC that contains a preliminary joint proxy statement of SanDisk and Western Digital that also constitutes a preliminary prospectus of Western Digital. After the registration statement is declared effective, Western Digital and SanDisk will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. This material is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or for any other document that Western Digital or SanDisk may file with the SEC and send to Western Digitals and/or SanDisks stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF WESTERN DIGITAL AND SANDISK ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of the joint proxy statement/prospectus (when filed) as well as other filings containing information about Western Digital and SanDisk, without charge, at the SECs website, http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.wdc.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Participants in Solicitation Western Digital, SanDisk and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from their respective stockholders in favor of the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in Western Digitals definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. You can find information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Western Digital and SanDisk, respectively, using the contact information above. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interest of such participants by reading the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available.
Western Digitals Acquisition of SanDisk Western Digital is acquiring SanDisk for approximately $19 billion in a cash and stock transaction Combination of Western Digital and SanDisk creates a global leader in storage technology Acquisition at $86.50 a share financed with balance sheet cash, $17 billion of new debt and equity consideration
Strategic Rationale Combination creates a global leader in storage technology Doubles addressable market and enhances position in higher growth segments Strong up-the-stack positioning with robust portfolio to address rapidly evolving storage trends We expect to achieve full annual run-rate synergies of $500M within 18 months post-closing Technology leadership with captive NAND supply Achieves immediate scale and margin expansion Solid State Storage Removable memory Embedded flash ReRAM cSSD eSSD Infrastructure, Solutions, & Services Backup appliance Software defined storage Flash arrays Personal storage Analytics appliance Cloud storage services Cloud Gateway Core HDD
1 Western Digital LTM as of 10/02/2015. Western Digital at a Glance Leading market position in Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) Fast growing eSSD business with strong up-the-stack positioning Rich base of technologies with 10,000+ patents and applications worldwide Strong financial profile with $14.0 billion in LTM1 revenues, consistent profitability and liquidity Strong track record of value creation through strategic M&A and industry leading partnerships
Storage: Core Enabler of the Data-Driven Economy Source: IDC: The Digital Universe of Opportunities: Rich Data and the Increasing Value of the Internet of Things, sponsored by EMC Corp., April 2014. ~40% CAGR process, record analyze unified distributed 42% Companies Using Sensor or Machine Generated Data >75% of All New Cloud Apps will be Big Data Intensive Changing Workloads 44 ZB 2020 4.4 ZB 2013 (1ZB = 1B TB) Growth in Data Usage Mobile Devices Connected Life Mobility & Consumerization of IT Increased Business Agility Months Days Hours Minutes Traditional Virtual Converged SDx Accelerated Time to Deploy Strong Growth for Storage Devices & New Solutions Data Center Infrastructure Personal Public Private
LTM Revenue1 Note: Individual Western Digital and SanDisk LTM revenues do not add up to pro forma LTM revenue due to rounding. 1 LTM revenues based on most recent public filings, Wall Street research and Gartner; Western Digital LTM as of 10/02/2015 and SanDisk LTM as of 09/30/2015; Intel represents 2014 numbers Creates a Global Leader in Storage Technology $ in billion Enhanced scale and diversity strengthens ability to capture opportunities in an evolving landscape (Information Storage) $19.7 (NAND) (NAND) (NAND) (Storage and Memory) (NAND) $16.6 $14.0 $13.7 $11.4 $9.1 $6.0 $5.8 $5.3 $3.6 $1.9
2015 TAM HDD eSSD1 $30 billion $7 billion $37 billion Source: Gartner, IDC. 1 Represents Enterprise Solid State Drives. 2 Includes Client SSD, Embedded Flash, Removable Flash and other NAND Flash based storage products. $76 billion $33 billion $30 billion 2017 TAM $13 billion >2x Doubles Addressable Market and Enhances Position in Higher Growth Segments Other Solid State Storage2 HDD eSSD1
Strong up-the-stack positioning Datacenter Hardware MyCloud HDD Software & Systems Enterprise Client (i.e. Desktop, NB) Embedded (i.e. mobile phones) Removable (i.e. retail product) NAND / SSD Comprehensive Storage Technology Platform Powerful Multi-channel Distribution Platform Representative Customers Client (i.e. Desktop, NB) Enterprise Branded Solutions Hyperscale Cloud Providers Retail Robust Platform Enables Innovation in a Rapidly Evolving Storage Market Retail
Worlds most advanced 2D NAND (15nm) Strong 3D IP portfolio commercializing 2nd generation 3D NAND in 2016 ReRAM technology development 6,500+ patents / applications NAND memory, systems & packaging 3,000+ engineers Leading HDD and enterprise SSD supplier First and only supplier of helium-filled HDD Worlds first 10TB drive for archive applications 10,000+ patents / applications One of the storage industrys largest portfolios 9,700+ engineers Broadest portfolio of storage technology solutions in the industry Technology Leadership Driven by IP and Talent
R&D Shared IP Fab process technology & manufacturing Continued Partnership with Toshiba Enables Vertical Integration R&D Toshiba / SanDisk JV has had a successful 15 year history Current collaboration extends through 3D NAND and ReRAM Technology leadership through JV driven by deep collaboration across design and process capabilities JV provides stable NAND supply at scale through a capital-efficient business model
Significant Synergy Opportunities Vertical integration G&A consolidation Overlapping go-to-market (GTM) consolidation R&D efficiency We expect to achieve full annual run-rate synergies of $500M within 18 months post-closing
Stock Price Unisplendour Investment HGST / Intel JV Agreement Key Acquisitions and Partnerships Successful Track Record of M&A, Partnerships and Shareholder Value Creation 600%+ Shareholder Value Creation1 1 Includes value creation from stock price appreciation and reinvested dividends. Oct-2005 Jun-2007 Feb-2009 Oct-2010 Jun-2012 Feb-2014 Oct-2015 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120
SanDisk at a Glance Removable Enterprise Embedded Client SSD, Software & Systems Japan Semiconductor Fabs China Die Packaging & Test Malaysia Integrated SSD Manufacturing Vertically Integrated Manufacturing Software 1 SanDisk LTM as of 9/30/2015. Global leadership in Solid State Drives (SSDs) and NAND Flash Leading enterprise SSD portfolio supporting Hyperscale / Cloud Expertise in engineering, manufacturing, operations and marketing Large and diverse patent portfolio of 6,500+ patents and applications Financial strength with $5.8 billion in LTM1 revenues 12% CAGR Revenues ($bn) $2.3 $6.6 2005 2014
Transaction Details Per Share Consideration Transaction Consideration $86.50 per share $85.10 in cash, $1.40 in equity if Unisplendour transaction closes $67.50 in cash, $19.00 in equity otherwise Cash / equity mix subject to adjustment if SanDisk cash balance falls below target thresholds Approximately $19 billion of total consideration Sources of Financing $17.4 billion of debt $6.8 billion1 of balance sheet cash $0.9 billion1,2 of equity consideration Approval Process Approval by SanDisk shareholders required Certain regulatory approvals Other Considerations Expected closing by end of CQ3 2016, subject to customary closing conditions Detailed merger integration plan in place to catalyze growth and become a vertically integrated, media-agnostic storage technology leader 1 Assumes closing of Unisplendour investment. 2 Includes value of unvested options and restricted stock units (RSUs).
Expect to be non-GAAP EPS accretive within 12 months of the transaction close 1 LTM EBITDA as of 6/30/2015 including synergies from MOFCOM and SanDisk transactions. Capital Structure Optimized to Maximize Flexibility and Value Creation Debt Facilities $17.4 billion of new debt at closing $1.0 billion revolving credit facility Facility allows for dividends and repurchases Management committed to conservative credit profile and deleveraging over time Pro Forma Capitalization ($ in billion) xLTM EBITDA (w/ synergies)1 Gross Debt $17.4 3.2x Cash $7.7 1.4x Net Debt $9.7 1.8x Capital Allocation Combined company expected to maintain dividend policy Enables ongoing ability to maximize strategic opportunities Rapid deleveraging will enhance future flexibility
Western Digital Non- GAAP LTM1 SanDisk Non- GAAP LTM2 Combined Non-GAAP LTM Revenue $14.0B $5.8B $19.7B Gross Margin 30% 44% 34% R&D 11% 14% 12% SG&A 5% 9% 6% Operating Margin 14% 20% 16% Non-GAAP financials exclude amortization of intangibles, stock-based compensation expense and one-time charges. 1 LTM as of 10/02/2015. 2 LTM as of 9/30/2015. Achieves Immediate Scale and Margin Expansion
Appendix C --- Complete Portfolio And End-Market Diversity Combination Drives Revenue Diversification Across Multiple Categories Note: LTM as of 6/30/2015. 1 PC revenues for SanDisk represents revenues from Client SSD SSD / NAND HDD Pro-forma LTM Revenue Segmentation Non-PC PC By Product By End Market1 Europe, Middle East, Africa Americas Asia By Geography 94% 6% 33% 67% 41% 59% 68% 32% 28% 22% 50% 25% 34% 41% 33% 67%
Summary Combination creates a global leader in storage technology Doubles addressable market and enhances position in higher growth segments Strong up-the-stack positioning with robust portfolio to address rapidly evolving storage trends We expect to achieve full annual run-rate synergies of $500M within 18 months post-closing Technology leadership with captive NAND supply Achieves immediate scale and margin expansion Solid State Storage Removable memory Embedded flash ReRAM cSSD eSSD Infrastructure, Solutions, & Services Backup appliance Software defined storage Flash arrays Personal storage Analytics appliance Cloud storage services Cloud Gateway Core HDD
Q & A
Exhibit 99.2
|
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 Under the Securities Act of 1933 And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation Commission File No.: 000-26734 |
To: All Employees
From: Sanjay Mehrotra
Subject: A Note from Sanjay
Dear SanDisk Team,
I am writing to share some very exciting news. A few minutes ago, we announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by Western Digital in a transaction worth $86.50 per share for holders of SanDisk common stock.
Joining forces with Western Digital builds on our 27-year legacy of innovative leadership in flash storage and reflects the attractiveness of the excellent company we have built together. We are confident that Western Digital is an excellent partner for SanDisk, as they have a 45 year history of developing and manufacturing cutting-edge storage solutions. Our portfolio of NAND-based solutions will be a very strong complement to their HDD and SSD portfolio. Together, we will enjoy an enhanced ability to serve the needs of our respective customers by offering the industrys most complete storage portfolio across both HDD and flash solutions.
It is important to remember that todays announcement is just the first of many steps in a lengthy process, as the closing of the transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including the receipt of required shareholder approval and regulatory clearances and approvals. Until the transaction is completed, which we anticipate will occur in the third quarter of next year, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as independent companies. During this time, it will be business as usual here at SanDisk.
I remain excited about the opportunities we have in the markets we serve and I trust the team to continue executing and exceeding our goals on both the technology and business fronts. At this time, it is even more critical for us to demonstrate to our customers that we are completely focused on meeting their needs and delivering industry-leading, innovative solutions to them.
We will be hosting an all-hands employee meeting on Thursday October 22 at 9am Pacific to talk with you further about this transaction and answer questions you may have. An invitation will be sent shortlyI encourage all of you to join.
Best,
Sanjay
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the merger agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
Exhibit 99.3
|
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 Under the Securities Act of 1933 And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation Commission File No.: 000-26734 |
Q Why does this deal make sense for SanDisk?
· This combination maximizes value for stockholders, providing a substantial premium and value.
· Joining forces with Western Digital builds on our 27-year legacy of innovation to create enhanced opportunities for both companies.
· This combination will enhance our ability to serve the needs of our customers by offering the industrys most complete storage portfolio across both HDD and NAND flash-based solutions to meet their rapidly-changing needs.
Q Why decide to sell now?
· The Board, in consultation with outside financial and legal advisors, carefully evaluated the offer including exploring and considering the possible alternatives and determined it was in the best interest of shareholders.
· This combination maximizes value for stockholders, as the transaction provides a substantial premium and value.
· We believe the compelling premium is a testament to our 27 years of innovative leadership in flash storage and reflects the attractiveness of the excellent company we have built.
Q How do you think the combination with Western Digital will impact our culture of innovation?
· Western Digital has a 45-year legacy of developing and manufacturing cutting-edge storage solutions. Our portfolio of NAND flash-based solutions will be a very strong complement to their wider portfolio, and together we will be able to offer our customers a broader portfolio of products to meet all their storage needs.
· We are excited about the long-term prospects of the combined company and believe that our combined broad portfolio will address customer storage needs across HDD and NAND flash-based solutions, contributing towards finding the best solution for each application.
Q Will there be layoffs as a result of this transaction?
· An integration team, led by representatives from both companies, will be established to oversee and facilitate the integration process to ensure it is smooth and seamless.
· Importantly, Western Digital respects our culture and the work that we have all done to build SanDisk into the strong company it is today. We believe that the combination will provide enhanced opportunities for employees of the combined company. Beyond that, it is too early to speculate on specifics.
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as independent companies. For now, it is business as usual, and we must stay focused on delivering industry-leading, innovative solutions to our customers.
Q Will Western Digital and SanDisk fit together culturally?
· We certainly think so both companies share a heritage of innovation and an underlying commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions to customers.
Q What are the plans to integrate our two companies? How will SanDisk fit into the existing structure of Western Digital?
· An integration team, led by representatives from both companies, will be established to oversee and facilitate the integration process to ensure it is smooth and seamless.
Q What will happen to Sanjay and the rest of the SanDisk management team?
· As announced earlier, Sanjay will be joining Western Digitals Board of Directors after the close of the transaction.
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as independent companies. Management structure decisions will be made as part of the integration process, but will not be effective until the transaction closes.
Q Will I have to relocate to Southern California?
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as independent companies.
· An integration team, led by representatives from both companies, will be established to oversee and facilitate the integration process to ensure it is smooth and seamless. Office locations will be part of that process.
· Its worth noting that Western Digital already has and intends to maintain a very large presence in the Bay area.
Q As part of a larger company, wont we lose our ability to remain nimble and agile?
· Joining forces with Western Digital will enable the combined company to offer a broader portfolio of industry-leading, innovative solutions to customers across end markets to meet their rapidly-changing needs.
· Keep in mind that both companies share a heritage of innovation and a commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions to customers. That will not change.
Q What are the benefits of this transaction for SanDisk employees?
· Western Digital respects the work that we have all done to build SanDisk into the strong company it is today.
· We believe that the combination will provide enhanced opportunities for all employees of the combined company as we better serve our customers with the industrys most complete storage portfolio across both HDD and NAND flash-based solutions.
Q How will my job change following the transaction close?
· Integration with Western Digital will not begin until after closing, which we expect in the third calendar quarter of 2016. So at this point it is too soon to say.
· An integration team, led by representatives from both companies, will be established to oversee and facilitate the integration process to ensure it is smooth and seamless.
Q Will my pay or benefits change?
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk will continue to operate independently and benefits and compensation will be handled per normal course of business.
· We will be proceeding with our Focal for salary, stock and bonus on our normal schedule in Q1 2016.
Q What will happen to my 401(k) plan?
· Decisions on the 401K plan have not been made at this time. You may continue to participate in the SanDisk 401K plan. The integration team, led by representatives from both companies, will be working on many topics, including the 401K plan.
Q What will happen to my vested and unvested stock options and restricted stock units?
· As SanDisk and Western Digital will remain independent companies until after close, the SanDisk stock program will continue to operate as currently structured at this time.
· The integration team, led by representatives from both companies, will be working on many topics, including the stock plans.
Q How will you keep us informed of updates regarding the transition?
· We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process.
· The integration team will be working on an ongoing communication process.
Q What should I do between now and the close?
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. Integration with Western Digital will not begin until closing which we expect in the second half 2016.
· Until then, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk. Its critical for us to demonstrate to our customers that we are wholly focused on delivering industry-leading, innovative solutions to our customers across end markets.
Q How will this transaction impact our customer relationships?
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. We must make every effort to serve our customers well and compete for the business.
· We anticipate that our combined broad portfolio after the closing across HDD and NAND flash-based solutions will ultimately help us better serve our customer needs, leading to stronger relationships.
· As part of the integration effort, a team of representatives from both companies will build a plan to ensure that we deliver excellent customer service after the close.
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the merger agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
Exhibit 99.4
|
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 Under the Securities Act of 1933 And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation Commission File No.: 000-26734 |
Dear Valued Partner,
As an important SanDisk partner, I am excited to share some important news with you. Earlier today, we announced an agreement to be acquired by Western Digital. A copy of the press release is available on SanDisk.com.
Joining forces with Western Digital builds on our 27-year legacy of innovative leadership in flash storage to create an even stronger partner. Notably, this announcement does not change our current relationship with you. Todays announcement is just the first of many steps in the process, as the transaction is subject to closing conditions including regulatory approvals.
Until the transaction is completed, which we anticipate will occur in the third quarter 2016, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as independent companies. That means that it is business as usual at SanDisk.
Our relationship with partners like you is of the utmost importance to us. We will keep you informed as we work towards the completion of this transaction. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to your SanDisk contact with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Best regards,
Sanjay
Sanjay Mehrotra
President and CEO
SanDisk Corporation
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the merger agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
Exhibit 99.5
|
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 |
|
Under the Securities Act of 1933 |
|
And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
|
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
|
Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation |
|
Commission File No.: 000-26734 |
Partner/Supplier Questions
Q What will be the impact on SanDisks partnership arrangements?
· The transaction announcement is still very fresh, and these determinations will be made in due course as part of integration planning.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk, and any changes will be part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
· Our relationships with our partners are very important and we will keep our partners apprised of developments throughout this process.
Q What are the plans for SanDisks suppliers? Does SanDisk plan to switch over to Western Digitals suppliers?
· The transaction announcement is still very fresh, and these determinations will be made in due course as part of integration planning.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk, and any changes will be part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
· Our relationships with our partners are very important and we will keep our partners apprised of developments throughout this process.
Q Does SanDisk plan to discontinue any of its product lines?
· The transaction announcement is still very fresh, and these determinations will be made in due course as part of integration planning.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time before the acquisition is completed, any product decisions made will be as part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
· Our relationships with our partners are very important and we will keep our partners apprised of developments throughout this process.
Q Will my contacts at the company change?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies.
· Please continue to reach out to the same contacts you are using now.
Q Are the terms of our business relationship subject to this agreement in any way?
· The transaction announcement is still very fresh, and these determinations will be made in due course as part of integration planning.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time before the acquisition is completed, any changes will be part of the normal course of SanDisk business. Our relationships with our partners are very important and we will provide updates throughout this process.
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the merger agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
Exhibit 99.6
|
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 |
|
Under the Securities Act of 1933 |
|
And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
|
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
|
Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation |
|
Commission File No.: 000-26734 |
Subject: Exciting News from SanDisk
Dear Valued Customer,
I am writing to share some very exciting news with you. Earlier today, we announced that SanDisk entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Western Digital. A copy of the press release is available on SanDisk.com.
Joining forces with Western Digital builds on our 27-year legacy of innovative leadership in flash storage to create an even stronger partner for you, our customer. As you probably know, Western Digital is well known for developing and manufacturing cutting-edge storage solutions. Together, we will offer the industrys most complete storage solutions portfolio across both HDD and flash solutions, enabling us to continue to meet your rapidly evolving storage needs. Additionally, as part of a larger company, we will have an even greater ability to develop and deliver the breakthrough technologies and solutions that you have come to expect from us.
Todays announcement is just the first of many steps in the process, as the transaction is subject to closing conditions including certain regulatory approvals. Until the transaction is closed, which we anticipate will occur in the third quarter of 2016, SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as independent companies.
During this time, very little will change in our interactions and you should consider it business as usual. We remain committed to exceeding your needs and providing you with the level of innovation and service you have come to expect. After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
If you have questions about this news, please do not hesitate to reach out to your SanDisk representative.
This is a great day for SanDisk, and todays announcement is just the beginning of a brighter future as one of the worlds leading storage solutions companies. Thank you for your support as we continue to work together to shape the future of our industry.
Best regards,
Sanjay
Sanjay Mehrotra
President and CEO
SanDisk Corporation
# # #
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the merger agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
Exhibit 99.7
|
Filed by SanDisk Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 |
|
Under the Securities Act of 1933 |
|
And Deemed Filed Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
|
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
|
Subject Company: SanDisk Corporation |
|
Commission File No.: 000-26734 |
Customer Questions
Q As a SanDisk customer, why is this acquisition good for me?
· This combination creates an even stronger partner for our customers.
· Joining forces with Western Digital will enable the combined company to offer a broader portfolio of industry-leading, innovative solutions to customers across end markets to meet their rapidly-changing needs.
· As part of a larger company, we will have an increased ability to develop and deliver breakthrough technologies and solutions.
· Our combined broad portfolio will address customer storage needs across HDD and NAND flash-based solutions, contributing towards finding the best solution for each application.
Q What changes can I expect? What types of product and service changes can we expect to see resulting from this transaction, and when?
· Until the transaction closes, SanDisk will continue to operate as an independent company.
· Any changes that are made in products or services are those that happen in the normal course of business, unrelated to the planned acquisition.
Q Are there any price changes planned? Will there be any changes to the current purchase agreement(s)?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk.
· Any changes in pricing or purchase agreements would be made in the normal course of business.
Q Will my contacts and supply channels be changing?
· After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies.
· Any contact or supply channel changes would be made in the normal course of business.
Q Will I be able to order SanDisk products directly from Western Digital?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies.
· During this time before the acquisition is completed, SanDisk products will be available to order from SanDisk.
Q Will you obsolete any SanDisk products?
· After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies.
· During this time before the acquisition is completed any product decisions made will be as part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
Q Whose terms and conditions will you use, and how will you transition customers?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk.
Q Will product lines be integrated, and if so when?
· After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk.
· During this time before the acquisition is completed any product decisions made will be as part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
Q Whose payment terms will you use, and how will you transition customers?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk.
Q Whom do I contact for information or technical support on SanDisk products?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies.
· Please continue to reach out to the same contacts you are using now.
Q What have you heard from your biggest customers about this acquisition? Are any of them concerned about consolidation and lack of competition for certain products?
· We only just announced the transaction, but we think our customers will recognize that this combination will make us an even stronger partner to them.
· Joining forces with Western Digital will enable the combined company to offer a broader portfolio of industry-leading, innovative solutions to customers to meet their rapidly-changing needs, contributing towards finding the best solutions for each application.
Q How will Western Digital and SanDisks overlapping SAS SSD businesses be combined?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
Q Will I continue to be served by representatives from both SanDisk and Western Digital?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies.
· Please continue to reach out to the same contacts you are using now at each of SanDisk and Western Digital.
Q Are the terms of our business relationship subject to this agreement in any way?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time before the acquisition is completed, any changes will be part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
· Our relationships with our customers and partners are very important. After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
Q Will Western Digital keep all of SanDisks distributors/representatives as Western Digital distributors?
· Until the transaction closes which we expect in the third quarter 2016 SanDisk and Western Digital will continue to operate as entirely independent companies. During this time, there will be very little that is different here at SanDisk, and any changes will be part of the normal course of SanDisk business.
· Our relationships with our partners are very important. After the close of the transaction, and as we progress toward integrating the two companies, well keep you updated on our plans.
Forward Looking Statements
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this document, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on SanDisks current expectations, estimates and projections about its business and industry, managements beliefs, and certain assumptions made by SanDisk and Western Digital, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, believes, seeks, estimates, may, will, should, would, could, potential, continue, ongoing, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the expected date of closing of the merger. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important risk factors that may cause such a difference in connection with the proposed merger include, but are not limited to, the following factors: (1) the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the merger; (2) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the merger and the ability of each party to consummate the merger; (3) risks that the proposed merger disrupts the current plans and operations of Western Digital or SanDisk; (4) the ability of Western Digital and SanDisk to retain and hire key personnel; (5) competitive responses to the proposed merger; (6) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger; (7) the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Western Digital, SanDisk or their respective directors related to the merger agreement; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger; (9) the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the merger; (10) delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined companies existing businesses and the indebtedness planned to be incurred in connection with the merger; and (11) legislative, regulatory and economic developments. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed merger, will be more fully discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of this date. Neither SanDisk nor Western Digital undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect future events or circumstances.
In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to SanDisks overall business, including those more fully described in SanDisks filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, and its quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, and Western Digitals overall business and financial condition, including those more fully described in Western Digitals filings with the SEC including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of date of this document. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Western Digital will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus of SanDisk and Western Digital. Each of SanDisk and Western Digital will provide the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective stockholders. SanDisk and Western Digital also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document which SanDisk or Western Digital may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SANDISK AND WESTERN DIGITAL ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this merger, free of charge, at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SanDisk will be available free of charge on SanDisks website at http://www.sandisk.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Western Digital will be available free of charge on Western Digitals website at http://www.westerndigital.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
SanDisk, Western Digital, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SanDisk and Western Digital stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. You can find more detailed information about SanDisks executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015. You can find more detailed information about Western Digitals executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 23, 2015. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. Additional information about SanDisks executive officers and directors and Western Digitals executive officers and directors can be found in the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it is filed with the SEC.
//>
MT"F(<#T=-V3=HU&C/JT;=V?1L"?^C%8M.WMG\=^UD\Z\>;-DR94CRY\O('#]
M _?M$]8\>' !PX*U%:!A<\4E $'HD7 &L% %< G4&XEE845DB 4%HQT!55
M34T%%50,/!754AH)Q910$#APE% LMLC C#&"*,#$, 8U(P,*," SLNX("/
M/NXHTI T+M# @HHX,"1!RTITD$LK3301B,%X(! 5UH9@ );2H3E0P<1%&8#
M83[DY9D!++200&JFZ2:;<+:ID)MSICFG0GC6B69!>II99T0F;?31GB5-R1&,
M5G84TDXMS?033BVI9)-*&&&DE4"6/E"I3BWIA!,$.G%:P ,%M+AB5$6%J-%1
M2Q%U%5'^4&5U%(>R4MC5 UV=!=96HQ9 UEK IO66@00*4, !;B7K%U^,$=;?
M?G,EAIACF#46'V7Q32:?>^V1)@%ZZ)WGV02OO7;!>.IE!UYHLG&G7FO052?"
M==%-5QUOR!V7W'#*.9=< A#1>G0 YY6%!Y-32C^#6#1UVIDHQ_)B %H$Q*09D2D)2V@1DS*
M49*YP>?(;
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M1*[S:%&VHCM-"BUWG#1A*5 X_4(^E>KG<$L7/AN
M'+95V9*=D-1D6X86^: %[W/DAE*'S35]%%3/1%1IH-/Y-
M5[DL!)L,:8:CVRNP@2<#Z+U QC$Y1*D0E\;2Y+5EB'$A $\QC)0';#@!.LWI
M3IF$8EC^@=A)(AXE4E6'-KE-B0%O6VJ7RN@I-MU-CC'9<4PPU6\YAAEQ=8P3
M5S$'UCX5& PDO)LN=^_(
MFML%ZORQ0;.F4*1^FT&Z/A\[&\@HF/^]&ARP(JEAOJ[N&4(3HR$EU0!61$74
MX%B-8!NI9JV4G1/?Q+.2Q&+BD=5JK5<"5 QA.Q\>2F>DM'6#UZ ZE4XQDU-%
M.$EYV?:I8V@;B(7]M>MNV-K<[CN>S2L 8,*SH<.S]-DSU9JZJSLZ.L.S.VM J6M /3M U&HZ
MU3H?/]L-8#J- W2M\%DS>_D_ZI&><,H?X&HL6?H?=3J>O#@!37._]/@T>(H*
M^L R?=+^IPOBCUCIP?#CKJR0 +FR)%@3E:-PF94QK^L[O .H% MQ0AF*(8OJ
MF9^Q(?]2" $"8NT"3;S8&
M>(":J_>:0W)T/_(+N'=T@[=KCSD&2/D56P FO[8:8[*.LT!PC_D4*[H6MW8&
MQ &&'=FO[9ZQW>8L\ B6P!XNP Y0S=?OX ,='9;P\ ,!';^8.OW:[]Q9E-V
M",P $$AW"% V(JLW;$/RH)^QF'< ';\ >),W(I_ 98NYF-,V#(BY3@>WH",Z
M)//U,$]RL(\ ;1_[7K_ >1]W <$- *DMMF7M!>",S'2<(QH&K>8T\MR:;80)@V-*#3S>$1ML7B/,
M8Q[SO>!AS3"[]LD"HZTV5[O.?BJC@0V@@#O=X4\W*:S@RK0'1>C\D=W\^QHD
MN#-"2RC D ':9CBLW^D;L+(:64DIS ,9W K-7W0,T@J8^WZZ4
M<43IL0[B^"@<2![4\0\ $%.4$I0',]4!2$&*4;?:% 8@
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M<.Y1PA+0L"(GQ+.OI#(.>(IVTW6 QZ.H,#Q3GN..:947MRX#O5C4T#
MU:M>"D8TGQ[DP$3YR0$2;$#1)6QT1MI##PX>=X/G.4]Y.4@"&NR0H^*LASP5
M$BF14' D#73OH*#[P7S4ISXOD6^G;?I2 >#7)3&%*:A=DM^8RD2E/,EI?_N;
MDU,5"%5#(1!2?%K@G1+EOT(QBJN. )"W\&EX9F,P0$"6(LX[XYYH3&7@K35F<&
MEH>..JRID9+)YY##FF##.Y'N-:XCQI1 -HYRZ88CP!+7;2PF<)RC!TP3>@M$
M-?-LFQI#/)S#.(W#.<0N/B[D0":1.,O7-^F7QX S".@0013:;D:CH;(7[!1'
M/>XC0WJ#G<)C>')D1*YN8"T*1DC@6QD:0FR@QG(1PL3,/6\ &.32O(FAVGHE673VGM>VD!M K*,+RQ'@]^0
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M518.,UF@M01.T&X,N 3J!H' -4@E$V\EDUPQH3)_D0 08!CW)G#\=C/_!G
M1QB/01F807"VY"
M2C8K<7X=AM$]GS9 WS@601$6D24 H:#!P 8! @ 8#! 084-'39,^#"BPH@(
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MVT&/T'Y=/'C$T*%W/\!=/?/IU*L7)^Y
-N
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M^2S.HL1@)8HII"[:DU6\O=*?*X/)NFD!VL*HD()Q74U,5L9%(VHHF:L-GI
M
AB_CV<"PW9ZM
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MN!G%-D?^/>7./5D%89D' P@ Q0S>3_"5B&\9>TAM>^A:2J;
W=E$V[\
MV;+?S8;^W=+WUC5OR6U77-W@'>XSDYL_:]
MELWRK/0QQM+BWM.0QN:-WF14<#-M7NTU@=#$4LZTLT<>:S?^W8'0G-X,1RT>
MV%YOG/;1!/<+E+H)K_"L-O#F;2:O;G9D3-E! T'4* UUW"W?JBS],QA:=B4<
MI\=8O&59;T66_JM?UCL>3+6.D0K494OO^RXE7RMD3N9/D7)-5+Q.A2')V;&T
M=#ZC$#@)2 !(_VS,PRJS':D4(Y34%CB'2 B\1&I,C&8Y!K4(X@BJ7.=K+W:
M:Z(^G/F_!6ZY82IU*VZAG+=G#;'?,Q/&A>Y%)RE'MR'+\=I=*Z2CX-P-22_K
M8\@'83A(&KQ-/QF50>_45
/(+W, -:( &U, +F/(*K$#^"FAR"7BR)5\R
M=9% *[M8++\ @& R#:S ":" )9_ **/ !J# ):/ "P !)X\ "I (J- #V!R
M#YC ,/> )Z? "ZS "Z1 "J1R-L, #& S#*R -V]S"@0S"LSR"9! *!,S#@ !
M+=] #[S ",1R")# "Y@ $)#S"92 +A]S+-LS"J0 #""S+GLR"5QS*E]S"IC
M-%]S/Z_ ,E]S0IL -^=R0Z/R01^T)_? "*0R.9N $9% +*= ":CR,8NS/XLS
M#ERT.!_T"O1 "K3T1GMS2:< 2J^T-:NT*B>T)Y^ *@\T05^S)P-U26OT"^SR
M,6.R2/MS,^LS4 OT3I>T)ZLS.4O^,T#[\T #-2+',E#KM%9K]29C,@E@LC_W
M !$TM$[G\T<#]3D#-1!L,PRLLU7#M5?+-0IH0 9HP :< %Z?@"D3,PP,P1#
M@"G/P L( 1 1&X]6#?@"EOP!.L !M$ "'G=080\@1X@ ML@!^?,0:X P4
MMA (P1 ( 1$( 0RP@114 0T 009X@!^[@&93M@=\@ L0]E^#]FT/ 1"\P$=_
M] 9X "B_ &W? ALP MLP%V' IXP"$3\B'?@ O$@ N$ !5DP0:$P"-OP! \
M<@QDM@=K,2NSP]Q"D2IU,)
M?B#M;S&A7!%#[K-P(N<^=_B&8SCE@WC/M2<:E3A^^-ZG^.30O5'P\031BXI\
M7D^O\ZQ#(7V+[[JN(TBJ2H6N10]4QGBP-X4>,27WTMB%A+10V/@?PTIL'44@
M(, DDH\A6:TAD44C82*0,"*0+N+[-B*'WNJ%7L@CD=*RP.@C1AN8.V*Q+%#;
M#8)+KS+^_P:"CI6BC#"@F-.*M(X/W)BE_Y*4MUV@3^&BMJR]*KQ])N
9B9;( [ EQ/X(RZJ-YO@ZS_?/WPCVYE\R9-(;)IX@2DPC<@@HW^9
MTGMI%VX#;8&KBU#ZK,\0W#ORZP
TI$!'+ !(- =$#:%Z/$WY&$>>4,C?Q-A$@9T
MA&,X\/$VBC-U70A.B -S25<>'. !"%504)=A%.!D(7(A\@110!(\0N8?L'-/
M"?4"4B!F*5)C3*(A> @C(=8[:R*(+$4DP\*'8()W'N \%V)WU4,^6-9E784"
M@3>)HA-E3E)6FS@C>Y-CE-
]7_<44"
T09QA_U;N=I_LW5I!+2JY2@>G@Y
M&QY062!.J2HDB2 82)*Q&'!YW@"-X-XT>_ALW7#QK11& 12J\-?S 6!E/*UI
M"99OZ0B6DA5E@5\6>@CX[;W+&Q=\V<\!-4^/GRNLQ0FK* C^\O/Q-8>!(:^6
MF6Z":J'&<'D)F5B7QP*J\XDV+2*,F[ ^RD*VF,4^EQD+*:
X@9R&K%'3V,:B51Q&B(5+/(2
M21@$HU0@HZ0!*Z
DB,/(B(>E0+!6 *R
MPWDH8HPFXF4SU8RKMV;FPV;R WM<
6+I!(3ABI;,& -V%+KW&71;,=5I<0=JE?M<&8G!$;X,'^=.>Q4#=6'FR8
M3'J3'?,Q..$1'']#%@FRF&