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PEPSICO INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Aug 4, 2009)

Filed August 4, 2009For Securities:PEP

Summary

This 8-K filing by PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) on August 4, 2009, announces a significant strategic move: the company has entered into definitive merger agreements to acquire its two largest bottlers, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc. (PAS). These transactions represent a major step towards full integration of PepsiCo's bottling operations, aiming to streamline supply chains, improve efficiency, and enhance profitability. The acquisitions are structured as mergers where PBG and PAS will merge with PepsiCo's wholly-owned subsidiary, Metro, with Metro continuing as the surviving entity. This move is designed to give PepsiCo greater control over its distribution and sales channels, which is particularly important in the beverage industry. Investors should note that the consummation of these mergers is subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder approvals from PBG and PAS and regulatory approvals. The financial implications are substantial, with PepsiCo securing up to $4 billion in financing through a senior unsecured revolving credit facility provided by Bank of America and Citigroup affiliates to fund these acquisitions. This indicates a commitment to a cash and stock transaction, with shareholders of PBG and PAS having the option to receive either PepsiCo common stock or cash for their shares, subject to proration. Specifically, PBG shareholders can elect 0.6432 shares of PEP or $36.50 cash per share, with 50% expected in stock and 50% in cash. PAS shareholders have an election between 0.5022 shares of PEP or $28.50 cash per share, also with a 50/50 split. The filing also details termination fees, with PBG potentially paying $165.3 million and PAS $71.6 million under specified circumstances, highlighting the seriousness and potential costs associated with a failed transaction. This integration aims to capture synergies and strengthen PepsiCo's overall competitive position.

Key Highlights

  • 1PepsiCo Inc. has entered into definitive agreements to acquire its two largest independent bottlers, The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) and PepsiAmericas (PAS).
  • 2The transactions are structured as mergers of PBG and PAS into PepsiCo's wholly-owned subsidiary, Metro.
  • 3Shareholders of PBG can elect to receive either 0.6432 shares of PepsiCo stock or $36.50 in cash per share, with a 50% stock/50% cash split for the aggregate.
  • 4Shareholders of PAS can elect to receive either 0.5022 shares of PepsiCo stock or $28.50 in cash per share, with a 50% stock/50% cash split for the aggregate.
  • 5PepsiCo has secured a $4 billion 364-day senior unsecured revolving credit facility to finance the acquisitions.
  • 6The mergers are subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder and regulatory approvals.
  • 7Termination fees are outlined: PBG could pay $165.3 million and PAS $71.6 million to PepsiCo under certain termination scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose is to acquire and fully integrate its two largest independent bottlers, PBG and PAS. This integration is expected to streamline operations, improve supply chain efficiency, enhance control over distribution, and ultimately drive profitability.

PBG shareholders have the option to receive either 0.6432 shares of PepsiCo common stock or $36.50 in cash for each PBG share. PAS shareholders have the option to receive either 0.5022 shares of PepsiCo common stock or $28.50 in cash for each PAS share. In both cases, the aggregate consideration will be split 50% in stock and 50% in cash, meaning individual elections may be subject to proration to achieve this split.

PepsiCo has arranged for a commitment of up to $4 billion under a 364-day senior unsecured revolving credit facility. This facility is intended to finance the mergers and backstop any commercial paper issued in connection therewith.

The consummation of both mergers is subject to several conditions, including the approval of the merger agreements by the stockholders of PBG and PAS, the absence of any legal prohibitions, and the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. PepsiCo's obligation to close the PAS merger is also contingent on certain conditions related to the completion of the PBG merger, especially concerning competition laws.