Basis Of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2011

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements for the first quarter ended October 1, 2011 have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of Sara Lee Corporation (corporation or company), these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, operating results, and cash flows. The results of operations for the quarter ended October 1, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 2, 2011 has been derived from the corporation's audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2011. The fresh bakery, refrigerated dough and foodservice beverage businesses in North America as well as the international household and body care and European bakery businesses are presented as discontinued operations in the corporation's consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 – "Discontinued Operations" for additional information regarding these discontinued operations. Unless stated otherwise, any reference to income statement items in these financial statements refers to results from continuing operations.

The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the corporation believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and certain financial statement disclosures. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2011 and other financial information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements consider subsequent events through the date of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The corporation's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to June 30. Fiscal 2012 ends on June 30, 2012. The first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended on October 1, 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2011 ended on October 2, 2010. Each of the quarters was a thirteen-week period. Fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 are both 52-week years. Unless otherwise stated, references to years relate to fiscal years.

In January 2011, the corporation announced that its board of directors has agreed in principle to divide the company into two separate, publicly traded companies which is expected to be completed in the first half of calendar 2012. Under the current plan, the international coffee and tea business will be spun-off, tax-free, into a new public company (spin-off). The other company will primarily consist of Sara Lee's current North American retail, foodservice and specialty meats businesses. The separation plan is subject to final approval by the board of directors, other customary approvals and the receipt of an IRS tax ruling.

In conjunction with this planned separation, the board of directors intends to declare a $3.00 per share dividend on the corporation's common stock, a significant portion of which will be funded from the proceeds from the sale of the North American Fresh Bakery business. This special dividend is expected to be declared and paid in the first half of calendar 2012 before the completion of the spin-off.