-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, N/aNDVqFMrl7jbZJHwrk9Q0yxr6r7LP9NrYWB3fvYIyLSygRCI7ByVJ6covCZYRq adbbEENo3a30niftUZWQ3w== 0000950136-01-500905.txt : 20010723 0000950136-01-500905.hdr.sgml : 20010723 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950136-01-500905 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DFAN14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20010720 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WACHOVIA CORP/ NC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000774203 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021] IRS NUMBER: 561473727 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NC FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DFAN14A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-09021 FILM NUMBER: 1685711 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 N MAIN ST STREET 2: P O BOX 3099 CITY: WINSTON SALEM STATE: NC ZIP: 27101 BUSINESS PHONE: 3367705000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 NORTH MAIN ST STREET 2: P O BOX 3099 CITY: WINSTON SALEM STATE: NC ZIP: 27101 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FIRST WACHOVIA CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19910603 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SUNTRUST BANKS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000750556 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021] IRS NUMBER: 581575035 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DFAN14A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 303 PEACHTREE ST N E CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30308 BUSINESS PHONE: 4045887711 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 303 PEACHTREE ST N E CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30308 DFAN14A 1 file001.txt DEF. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NONMANAGEMENT PROXY SCHEDULE 14A (RULE 14a-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the Registrant [ ] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [X] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [ ] Definitive Proxy Statement [X] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 WACHOVIA CORPORATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) SUNTRUST BANKS, INC. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. 1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: ________________________________________________________________________________ 2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: ________________________________________________________________________________ 3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11: (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): ________________________________________________________________________________ 4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ________________________________________________________________________________ 5) Total fee paid: ________________________________________________________________________________ [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. ________________________________________________________________________________ [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. 1) Amount Previously Paid: ________________________________________________________________________________ 2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ________________________________________________________________________________ 3) Filing Party: ________________________________________________________________________________ 4) Date Filed: ________________________________________________________________________________ This filing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, (i) statements about the benefits of a merger between SunTrust Banks, Inc. and Wachovia Corporation, including future financial and operating results, cost savings and accretion to reported and cash earnings that may be realized from such merger; (ii) statements with respect to SunTrust's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts; and (iii) other statements identified by words such as "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "targets", "projects" and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SunTrust's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) the businesses of SunTrust and Wachovia may not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (2) expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; (3) revenues following the merger may be lower than expected; (4) deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption, including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, clients or suppliers, may be greater than expected following the merger; (5) the regulatory approvals required for the merger may not be obtained on the proposed terms or on the anticipated schedule; (6) the failure of SunTrust's and Wachovia's stockholders to approve the merger; (7) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly and may have an effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; (8) the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the combined company will conduct operations may be different than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on the combined company's loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses; (9) changes in the U.S. and foreign legal and regulatory framework; and (10) adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets (including changes in interest rate conditions) and the impact of such conditions on the combined company's capital markets and asset management activities. Additional factors that could cause SunTrust's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SunTrust's reports (such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters attributable to SunTrust or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. SunTrust does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. THE FOLLOWING IS A LETTER DELIVERED TODAY TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONAL SHAREHOLDERS OF WACHOVIA CORPORATION AND TO CERTAIN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATIONS [SunTrust Banks, Inc. letterhead] July 20, 2001 Dear Institutional Investor: We are writing to let you know there has been a major development in the North Carolina litigation that opens the way for SunTrust to move quickly to complete a merger with Wachovia if the First Union merger proposal is defeated. Earlier today, the North Carolina Business Court invalidated what it called a "coercive" provision of the Wachovia-First Union merger agreement that would have prevented Wachovia from entering into a merger agreement with SunTrust before mid-January 2002. This is what the Court's decision means: o Wachovia and SunTrust can begin negotiating a merger agreement the day Wachovia shareholders reject the proposed First Union merger. o There could be a final, executed Wachovia-SunTrust merger agreement within 10 days. o Since our due diligence review of Wachovia was substantially completed last December, our updated confirmatory due diligence review could easily be completed within the same 10-day window. o SunTrust is far along in the regulatory approval process for a combination with Wachovia, and all approvals should be obtained well in advance of the shareholder vote on the transaction. o A Wachovia-SunTrust merger could be voted on and completed by the end of November 2001. We also thought you would be interested in knowing what the Court had to say about the actions of the Wachovia Board in agreeing to the judicially invalidated non-termination provision: o The invalidated provision was "coercive" and "an impermissible abrogation of the duties of the Wachovia directors...impeding the free exercise of the Wachovia shareholders' right to vote on the merger." o The Wachovia Board "limited their ability to perform their fiduciary duties." o The Wachovia Board "impermissibly tied its hands and cannot do the very thing the Delaware Supreme Court found to be of fundamental importance to the shareholders -- 'negotiating a possible sale of the corporation.'" The Court also noted, quite correctly, that in the absence of the judicially invalidated non-termination provision, "[Wachovia] directors are not prevented from fulfilling their fiduciary duty if another offer is made after a negative vote" on the proposed First Union merger. We always have believed that the SunTrust proposal is a better alternative for Wachovia shareholders. Now we also know that with your support and your vote "AGAINST" the First Union merger proposal, a Wachovia-SunTrust merger can happen on a fast-track basis. Once again, we thank you for your consideration and support. Sincerely, /s/ L. Phillip Humann L. Phillip Humann Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer On May 14, 2001, SunTrust delivered a merger proposal to the Board of Directors of Wachovia. Subject to future developments, SunTrust intends to file with the SEC a registration statement at a date or dates subsequent hereto to register the SunTrust shares to be issued in its proposed merger with Wachovia. Investors and security holders are urged to read the registration statement (when available) and any other relevant documents filed or to be with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they contain (or will contain) important information. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the registration statement (when available) and such other documents at the SEC's Internet web site at www.sec.gov. The registration statement (when available) and such other documents may also be obtained free of charge from SunTrust by directing such request to: SunTrust Banks, Inc., 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, Attention: Gary Peacock (404-658-4753). THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED TODAY BY SUNTRUST BANKS, INC. [SunTrust Logo] CONTACTS: Investors Media Gary Peacock Barry Koling George Sard/Debbie Miller/Denise DesChenes SunTrust SunTrust Citigate Sard Verbinnen 404-658-4879 404-230-5268 212-687-8080 For Immediate Release - --------------------- July 20, 2001 SUNTRUST TELLS WACHOVIA SHAREHOLDERS THAT DOOR IS OPEN FOR QUICK COMPLETION OF A SUNTRUST/WACHOVIA MERGER IF THEY REJECT FIRST UNION TRANSACTION ATLANTA, GA - SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) today sent a letter to shareholders of Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB) informing them that today's ruling by the North Carolina Business Court opens the way for the quick completion of a SunTrust/Wachovia merger, if Wachovia shareholders reject the First Union transaction. The text of the letter follows: We are writing to let you know there has been a major development in the North Carolina litigation that opens the way for SunTrust to move quickly to complete a merger with Wachovia if the First Union merger proposal is defeated. Earlier today, the North Carolina Business Court invalidated what it called a "coercive" provision of the Wachovia-First Union merger agreement that would have prevented Wachovia from entering into a merger agreement with SunTrust before mid-January 2002. This is what the Court's decision means: o Wachovia and SunTrust can begin negotiating a merger agreement the day Wachovia shareholders reject the proposed First Union merger. o There could be a final, executed Wachovia-SunTrust merger agreement within 10 days. o Since our due diligence review of Wachovia was substantially completed last December, our updated confirmatory due diligence review could easily be completed within the same 10-day window. o SunTrust is far along in the regulatory approval process for a combination with Wachovia, and all approvals should be obtained well in advance of the shareholder vote on the transaction. o A Wachovia-SunTrust merger could be voted on and completed by the end of November 2001. We also thought you would be interested in knowing what the Court had to say about the actions of the Wachovia Board in agreeing to the judicially invalidated non-termination provision: o The invalidated provision was "coercive" and "an impermissible abrogation of the duties of the Wachovia directors...impeding the free exercise of the Wachovia shareholders' right to vote on the merger." o The Wachovia Board "limited their ability to perform their fiduciary duties." o The Wachovia Board "impermissibly tied its hands and cannot do the very thing the Delaware Supreme Court found to be of fundamental importance to the shareholders -- 'negotiating a possible sale of the corporation.'" The Court also noted, quite correctly, that in the absence of the judicially invalidated non-termination provision, "[Wachovia] directors are not prevented from fulfilling their fiduciary duty if another offer is made after a negative vote" on the proposed First Union merger. We always have believed that the SunTrust proposal is a better alternative for Wachovia shareholders. Now we also know that with your support and your vote "AGAINST" the First Union merger proposal, a Wachovia-SunTrust merger can happen on a fast-track basis. Once again, we thank you for your consideration and support. Sincerely, /s/ L. Phillip Humann L. Phillip Humann Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer On May 14, 2001 SunTrust delivered a merger proposal to the Board of Directors of Wachovia. Subject to future developments, SunTrust intends to file with the SEC a registration statement at a date or dates subsequent hereto to register the SunTrust shares to be issued in its proposed merger with Wachovia. Investors and security holders are urged to read the registration statement (when available) and any other relevant documents filed or to be filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they contain (or will contain) important information. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the registration statement (when available) and such other relevant documents at the SEC's Internet web site at www.sec.gov. The registration statement (when available) and such other documents may also be obtained free of charge from SunTrust by directing such request to: SunTrust, 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, Attention: Gary Peacock (404-230-5392). SunTrust Banks, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the nation's 9th largest commercial banking organization. The Company provides a wide range of services to meet the financial needs of its growing customer base in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Its primary businesses include traditional deposit and credit services as well as trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides credit cards, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage and investment services. SunTrust's Internet address is www.suntrust.com # # # This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, (i) statements about the benefits of a merger between SunTrust and Wachovia Corporation, including future financial and operating results, cost savings and accretion to reported and cash earnings that may be realized from such merger; (ii) statements with respect to SunTrust's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts; and (iii) other statements identified by words such as "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "targets", "projects" and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SunTrust's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) the businesses of SunTrust and Wachovia may not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (2) expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; (3) revenues following the merger may be lower than expected; (4) deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption, including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, clients or suppliers, may be greater than expected following the merger; (5) the regulatory approvals required for the merger may not be obtained on the proposed terms or on the anticipated schedule; (6) the failure of SunTrust's and Wachovia's stockholders to approve the merger; (7) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly and may have an effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; (8) the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the combined company will conduct operations may be different than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on the combined company's loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses; (9) changes in the U.S. and foreign legal and regulatory framework; and (10) adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets (including changes in interest rate conditions) and the impact of such conditions on the combined company's capital markets and asset management activities. Additional factors that could cause SunTrust's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SunTrust's reports (such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters attributable to SunTrust or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. SunTrust does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. On May 14, 2001, SunTrust delivered a merger proposal to the Board of Directors of Wachovia. Subject to future developments, SunTrust intends to file with the SEC a registration statement at a date or dates subsequent hereto to register the SunTrust shares to be issued in its proposed merger with Wachovia. Investors and security holders are urged to read the registration statement (when available) and any other relevant documents filed or to be with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they contain (or will contain) important information. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the registration statement (when available) and such other documents at the SEC's Internet web site at www.sec.gov. The registration statement (when available) and such other documents may also be obtained free of charge from SunTrust by directing such request to: SunTrust Banks, Inc., 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308, Attention: Gary Peacock (404-658-4753). -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----