-----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, WpbepYRJDzu1ARZyPR2Qkywe8cDyB076tHNkJD9Hxt0O6ygLirpDXazfgJeCnm3x f3ySNjp1nx9AQxUUfyq1Tw== 0000898822-06-000237.txt : 20060403 0000898822-06-000237.hdr.sgml : 20060403 20060403074814 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000898822-06-000237 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEFA14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060403 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060403 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20060403 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000089089 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PERSONAL SERVICES [7200] IRS NUMBER: 741488375 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEFA14A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-06402 FILM NUMBER: 06731234 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1929 ALLEN PKWY STREET 2: P O BOX 130548 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77019 BUSINESS PHONE: 7135225141 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 130548 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77219-0548 DEFA14A 1 apr38k1.txt FORM 8-K, FILED APRIL 3, 2006 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): April 3, 2006 SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Texas 1-6402-1 74-1488375 - --------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (IRS Employer incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019 - ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 522-5141 Not Applicable - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (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 (see General Instruction A.2. below): [ ] 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) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13.e-4(c) ITEM 1.01 ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT. Item 8.01 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS. On April 3, 2006, Service Corporation International ("SCI") and Alderwoods Group, Inc. ("Alderwoods") issued a joint press release announcing that they had entered into a definitive agreement, whereby SCI will acquire Alderwoods. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits. 99.1 Joint Press Release, dated April 3, 2006. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL Date: April 3, 2006 By: /s/ Eric D. Tanzberger ------------------------------- Name: Eric D. Tanzberger Title: Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller EXHIBIT INDEX EX. DESCRIPTION - --- ----------- 99.1 Joint Press Release, dated April 3, 2006. EX-99.1 2 ex991pr.txt EXHIBIT 99.1, PRESS RELEASE EXHIBIT 99.1 SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL TO ACQUIRE ALDERWOODS GROUP, INC. COMBINING THE TWO PREMIER FUNERAL AND CEMETERY SERVICES PROVIDERS IN NORTH AMERICA EXPECTED TO GENERATE $60 - $70 MILLION IN COST SAVINGS AND PROVIDE BROADER PLATFORM FOR SCI'S PRODUCT AND MARKETING STRATEGIES EXPECTED TO BE IMMEDIATELY ACCRETIVE TO SCI'S CASH FLOW AND ACCRETIVE TO EARNINGS PER SHARE IN 2007 TRANSACTION BUILDS ON BOTH COMPANIES' OPERATING EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT HOUSTON, TX and CINCINNATI, OH, April 3, 2006 - Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) ("the Company") and Alderwoods Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: AWGI) today announced that the Boards of Directors of both companies have approved a definitive agreement under which SCI will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Alderwoods for $20.00 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at $856 million. In addition, approximately $374 million of Alderwoods debt will remain outstanding or be refinanced. This transaction combines two of the leading providers of funeral and cemetery services in North America. With Alderwoods, SCI would have revenues of approximately $2.5 billion (based on 2005 financial results), and an expanded geographic footprint which would include a network of 1,712 funeral homes and 490 cemeteries (of which 243 are combination funeral homes and cemeteries) in 48 states, eight Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico. "This is the right transaction at the right time and is consistent with our objectives to expand scale and scope, and our focus on disciplined growth initiatives that generate increased revenues, profitability and cash flow margins," said Tom Ryan, Service Corporation International's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In recent years, we have strengthened our balance sheet, lowered our cost structure, introduced more efficient systems and processes, and redirected our management team to provide a new foundation for growth. This transaction will provide us with the ability to serve a number of new, complementary areas, while enabling us to capitalize on significant synergies and operating efficiencies. Together with Alderwoods, we will further enhance our operating expertise and customer, product and marketing strategies across an expanded geographic footprint." Paul A. Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alderwoods Group, Inc., said: "During the past few years, we have restructured our company to create a more efficient operating structure, introduce innovative products and services, reduce debt and improve Alderwoods's financial flexibility. Today's announcement is consistent with our objective of maximizing shareholder value. In addition, we expect our employees to benefit from being part of a larger, more diversified organization that is equally dedicated to their success." Robert L. Waltrip, Chairman of Service Corporation International, said: "Alderwoods is an ideal strategic partner for us, and this combination positions SCI for continued growth and leadership in the highly fragmented industry in which we operate. From an industry perspective, both SCI and Alderwoods have a strong reputation for providing families with professional and compassionate service. We look forward to building on this shared commitment and intend to maintain the strong personal relationships that have been developed over the years in the many Page 1 of 5 communities we serve throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. On behalf of SCI, we look forward to working with the employees of Alderwoods to grow our business." BENEFITS OF THE TRANSACTION o ONGOING COST SAVING SYNERGIES. Excluding one-time costs of approximately $60 million, the transaction is expected to generate annual pre-tax cost savings of approximately $60-$70 million within 12 to 18 months after closing. Savings are expected to come largely from shared corporate and administrative areas and rationalizing duplicative expenses for information technology, legal and back-office functions. Significant workforce reductions at the operating level are not expected. o SIGNIFICANT CASH FLOWS AND FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY. Both SCI and Alderwoods benefit from strong operating cash flows. After one-time implementation costs and the full realization of synergies, the Company expects annualized cash flow from operations to total approximately $400 million, excluding insurance segment cash flow. This compares with SCI's current cash flow expected in 2006 of $295-$315 million. The Company expects to maintain a balanced approach of investing in its business and returning capital to shareholders while also supporting a prudent capital structure. o ACCRETIVE TO CASH FLOW AND EARNINGS. SCI expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to the Company's cash flow, excluding one-time implementation costs. The Company also expects that within the first 12 to 24 months after closing, the transaction will be accretive to earnings per share, excluding one-time implementation costs. o EXPANDED GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINT IN NEW, COMPLEMENTARY AREAS. With Alderwoods, SCI will serve many new areas throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, providing the Company with a larger platform from which to implement its multi-brand strategy, featuring its Dignity Memorial(R) network. Additionally, an expanded geographic footprint will offer customers enhanced transferability of preneed funeral and cemetery needs. o CUSTOMER STRATEGY. SCI is transitioning from the industry's traditional one-size-fits-all approach to a flexible operating and marketing strategy that recognizes customers' personal needs and preferences. With the addition of Alderwoods, the Company will have a broader platform upon which to accelerate its product and marketing strategies. By utilizing the best practices and processes of both companies, SCI believes it can achieve even higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. FINANCING SCI currently has $470 million in cash on its balance sheet; the Company intends to fund the transaction in all cash. SCI has received a commitment letter from JPMorgan for an $850 million bridge facility. The Company also believes it has access to a number of debt capital markets and will determine an optimal funding structure prior to the close of the transaction. Page 2 of 5 DIVIDEND POLICY AND SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM It is currently anticipated that SCI will continue its regular quarterly cash dividends. However, declarations of dividends are determined by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of the Company's financial performance. Since August 2004, SCI has repurchased 47.7 million of its shares at an average price of $7.03, for a total of $335.4 million. SCI currently has an additional $64.6 million previously authorized by the Board under its existing share repurchase program. APPROVALS AND PATH TO CLOSING The transaction is subject to approval by the shareholders of Alderwoods and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the 2006 calendar year and is not subject to any financing conditions. ADVISORS In connection with the transaction, JPMorgan is acting as financial advisor to SCI and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as its legal counsel. Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. provided a fairness opinion to Alderwoods and is acting as its financial advisor, and Jones Day is serving as its legal counsel. ANALYST/INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST SCI will hold a conference call and webcast today at 10 a.m. Eastern Time / 9 a.m. Central Time to discuss this morning's announcement. Presentation materials can be accessed through the SCI website at http://www.sci-corp.com. To participate in the call, dial 866-425-6195, conference code 7228099. International callers should dial 973-935-2981. The call will also be simultaneously webcast on the Company's website at http://www.sci-corp.com. A replay of the conference call will be available through April 10, 2006 and can be accessed at 877-519-4471 with the confirmation code of 7228099. Additionally, a replay of the conference call will be available on SCI's website for approximately ninety days on the Investors page under the subheading "Conference Calls" at http://www.sci-corp.com/ConfCalls.html. This press release will also be available on SCI's website on the Investor Relations page under the subheading "News" at http://www.sci-corp.com/InvestorsMenu.html. Page 3 of 5 ABOUT SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL Service Corporation International, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of funeral and cemetery services in the world. The Company has an extensive network of businesses including 1,058 funeral service locations and 358 cemeteries in North America as of December 31, 2005. For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit http://www.sci-corp.com. ABOUT ALDERWOODS GROUP, INC. Alderwoods Group, Inc. is the second largest operator of funeral homes and cemeteries in North America, based upon total revenue and number of locations. As of December 31, 2005, Alderwoods operated 594 funeral homes, 72 cemeteries and 60 combination funeral home and cemetery locations throughout North America. Alderwoods provides funeral and cemetery services and products on both an at-need and pre-need basis. In support of the pre-need business, Alderwoods operates insurance subsidiaries that provide customers with a funding mechanism for the pre-arrangement of funerals. For more information about Alderwoods, please visit http://www.alderwoods.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Service Corporation International ("SCI") and Alderwoods Group, Inc. ("Alderwoods") caution readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving SCI and Alderwoods, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the ability to obtain regulatory approvals of the transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the failure of Alderwoods stockholders to approve the transaction; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in SCI's and Alderwoods's filings with the SEC, which are available at the SEC's web site http://www.sec.gov. SCI and Alderwoods disclaim any obligation to update and revise statements contained in these materials based on new information or otherwise. Additional Information About this Transaction In connection with the proposed transaction, Alderwoods will file a proxy statement with the SEC. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You will be able to obtain the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing information about Alderwoods and SCI, free of charge, at the website maintained by the SEC at Page 4 of 5 www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement and other filings made by the Company with the SEC can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Alderwoods Group, Inc., 311 Elm Street, Suite 1000, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Filings made by SCI with the SEC can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Participants in the Solicitation The directors and executive officers of Alderwoods and SCI and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Alderwoods' directors and executive officers is available in its annual proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 5, 2005. Information regarding SCI's directors and executive officers is available in its annual proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 18, 2005. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Investors should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS Investors: Debbie Young - Director / Investor Relations (713) 525-9088 Media: Greg Bolton - Director / Corporate Communications (713) 525-5235 Steve Frankel/Jamie Moser Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (212) 355-4449 ALDERWOODS GROUP, INC. CONTACTS Investors / Media: Kenneth A. Sloan - Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (416) 498-2455 Page 5 of 5 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----