Message #2 From:
NewsBot Date: November 1, 2006 03:58:00 PM
PQE News Snap-on Incorporated and ProQuest Company Amend Agreement
KENOSHA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) announced on October 23, 2006 that it
had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ProQuest Business
Solutions from ProQuest Company (NYSE:PQE) for approximately $480
million in cash plus the assumption of $19 million of debt.
Under the terms of the original definitive agreement, if ProQuest
Company received an unsolicited proposal to purchase ProQuest Business
Solutions that it determined was reasonably likely to lead to an
agreement that was more favorable than the terms of the agreement with
Snap-on (a "Superior Proposal"), ProQuest Company would be permitted to
negotiate terms with the proposing party, potentially leading to the
payment to Snap-on of a $10 million break-up fee. ProQuest Company
notified Snap-on that it had received a Superior Proposal and on
November 1, 2006, Snap-on and ProQuest Company agreed to amend the
definitive agreement to eliminate the provisions which permitted
ProQuest Company to consider additional proposals for the sale of
ProQuest Business Solutions in exchange for a new purchase price of
$508 million in cash plus the assumption of approximately $19 million of
debt. Snap-on still expects the transaction to close by the end of
November, 2006.
About ProQuest Business Solutions
ProQuest Business Solutions, headquartered in Richfield, Ohio, is a
world leader in electronic parts catalogs. ProQuest products transform
complex technical data for parts catalogs into easily accessed
electronic information for the world’s
automotive, power equipment and power sports manufacturers and their
dealer networks. ProQuest also provides warranty management systems and
analytics to help dealerships manage and track performance.
About Snap-on
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and
marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional
users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage,
diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment
and other solutions for vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and repair
centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture and
construction. Products are sold through its franchisees, company-direct
sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in
1920, Snap-on is a $2.4 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in
Kenosha, Wisconsin.
For additional information on Snap-on, visit www.snapon.com.
Forward-looking Statements
Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including
statements (i) that include the words “expects,”“plans,”“targets,”“estimates,”“believes,”“anticipates,” or
similar words that reference Snap-on or its management; (ii)
specifically identified as forward-looking; or (iii) describing
Snap-on's or management's future outlook, plans, estimates, objectives
or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Snap-on cautions the
reader that this news release contains statements, including earnings
projections, that are forward-looking in nature and were developed by
management in good faith and, accordingly, are subject to risks and
uncertainties regarding Snap-on’s expected
results that could cause (and in some cases have caused) actual results
to differ materially from those described in any such statement. The
company's actual results may differ materially from those described or
contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause
the company's actual results to differ materially from those contained
in the forward-looking statements include those found in the company's
reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the
information under the “Safe Harbor”
and “Risk Factors”
headings in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filing dated February 21,
2006, its Form 10-Q filing dated July 26, 2006, and in its Form 8-K
filing dated July 27, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference, and Snap-on’s and ProQuest Company’s
ability to complete all conditions to closing, including receipt of all
regulatory approvals, and Snap-on’s ability
to successfully integrate this business. Snap-on disclaims any
responsibility to update any forward-looking statement provided in this
news release.
For additional information, please visit www.snapon.com.