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1. | What was announced today? | |
Today we announced that Goodrichs Board of Directors unanimously approved an agreement to combine with United Technologies. Under the agreement, United Technologies will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Goodrich for $127.50 per share in cash, or a total purchase price of approximately $18.4 billion, including approximately $1.9 billion of Goodrichs outstanding debt. | ||
We are extremely pleased to have reached an agreement with United Technologies that delivers immediate cash value to our shareholders at a premium that is reflective of the strength of our business. This announcement is a testament to what Goodrich and its employees have achieved over the last 140 years and is an exciting next step for our company. | ||
2. | Who is United Technologies? | |
Based in Hartford, Connecticut, United Technologies is a diversified company that provides high technology products and services to the aerospace and defense and building industries. United Technologies businesses include: |
- Carrier heating and air conditioning systems | |||
- Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace and industrial systems | |||
- Otis elevators and escalators and moving walkways | |||
- Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines | |||
- Sikorsky helicopters | |||
- UTC Fire & Security fire safety and security products and services | |||
- UTC Power fuel cells and power systems |
Importantly, United Technologies shares Goodrichs culture of mutual trust and respect, accountability and teamwork, with a focus on delivering safe and innovative products to our customers. | ||
Additional information about United Technologies can be found on its website: www.utx.com | ||
3. | What are the benefits of this transaction? | |
As part of United Technologies, we will have the opportunity to execute our strategy on a larger scale, and take advantage of the key capabilities with an expanded product range, supported by the best talent in the industry. | ||
The transaction with United Technologies also offers our employees the opportunity to be part of an organization with a shared vision and greater depth of resources. We expect that this transaction will offer expanded opportunities for career growth and advancement for employees of both companies. |
4. | How does this announcement affect employees? | |
Todays announcement should have no impact on your day-to-day responsibilities or the way in which Goodrich conducts business. It is important to remember that until the transaction is completed, Goodrich and United Technologies remain independent companies, and it is business as usual as we continue to execute on our strategic plan. | ||
Both Goodrich and United Technologies have successful integration track records, and given the complementary nature of our businesses, we expect a strong cultural fit and a seamless transition. Over the coming weeks, we will be forming an integration team comprised of senior executives from both companies to lead the integration effort and assist with the transition process. | ||
5. | Will there be any layoffs or other changes for employees as a result of this announcement? | |
United Technologies recognizes the role our employees play in Goodrichs success. The transaction with United Technologies offers our employees the opportunity to be part of an organization with a shared vision and greater depth of resources. We expect that this transaction will offer expanded opportunities for career growth and advancement for employees of both companies. | ||
6. | Will salaries and benefits be affected? | |
Until the transaction is completed, Goodrich and United Technologies remain independent companies and your salary and benefits remain unchanged. United Technologies recognizes the value of our employees and following completion of the transaction, we expect that United Technologies will offer employees comparable salary and benefits as those offered by Goodrich. It is very early in this process and many compensation and benefit matters will be determined near or after closing of the transaction. | ||
7. | What are United Technologies plans for Goodrich and our senior leadership? | |
Following completion of the transaction, Marshall Larsen, now Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodrich, will become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a combined UTC Aerospace Systems business unit. The senior leadership team of the combined business will be located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both Goodrich and United Technologies Hamilton Sundstrand brands will be maintained within this business unit. Additional decisions regarding leadership will be determined near or after the closing of the transaction. | ||
8. | What will happen to Goodrichs headquarters? | |
The senior leadership team of the combined business will be located in Charlotte, North Carolina. United Technologies is dedicated to continuing many of the philanthropic efforts that have made Goodrich a strong supporter of local communities. |
9. | When will the transaction be completed? What needs to happen before the transaction can close? | |
The transaction, which we expect to be completed in mid-2012, is subject to approval by Goodrich shareholders and regulatory approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions. | ||
Until the transaction closes, Goodrich and United Technologies will continue to operate as independent companies and it will be business as usual here at Goodrich as we continue to execute on our strategic plan. | ||
10. | What should I say if Im contacted by media, financial community or other third parties about the transaction? | |
It is likely that todays news may lead to increased interest in Goodrich and it is important that the company speak with one voice on this matter. | ||
If you receive any inquiries from investors, please refer them to Paul Gifford, Vice President, Investor Relations, at +1 (704) 423-5517. If you receive inquiries from the media or other interested parties, please refer them to Lisa Bottle, Vice President, Corporate Communications, at +1 (704) 423-7060 or Andrew Martin, Media Relations Manager, at +1 (704) 423-7048. | ||
We will make every effort to keep you up to date on developments and progress throughout this process. | ||
11. | When will I know more about the progress of the transaction? | |
We will continue to communicate developments regarding this transaction through meetings, letters and other communications. As we move through this process, well continue to rely on you to focus on the work at hand, serve our customers and help achieve our goals. |