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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:
[x] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Western Resources, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
ADT Investments, 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:
(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:
[ADT Investments, Inc. Letterhead]
May __, 1997
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
Your support is urgently needed to protect your investment in Western
Resources, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "Western") and the
dividends you presently receive in respect of your shares of Western common
stock, $5.00 par value (the "Western Common Stock"). For this reason, we
urge that you vote "AGAINST" proposals which Western intends to submit to
Western shareholders at a special meeting in connection with its hostile
offer (the "Western Hostile Offer") to acquire the outstanding shares of
ADT Limited ("ADT") in exchange for cash and shares of Western Common
Stock. ADT is the parent company of ADT Investments, Inc. ("ADT
Investments").
Western has scheduled the special meeting for June 17, 1997 (the
"Special Meeting"). Although Western has not yet made available its proxy
materials for the Special Meeting, Western has announced that, among the
matters to be considered at the Special Meeting, there will be a proposal
(the "Western Proposals") to amend Western's charter to increase the number
of authorized shares of Western's common stock in order to enable Western
to proceed with the Western Hostile Offer. This increase is a condition to
the Western Hostile Offer. We believe that the Western Hostile Offer poses
significant risks for Western and, more importantly, for all of us as
shareholders of Western. Western has described these risks in some detail
in a Prospectus dated March 14, 1997 relating to the Western Hostile Offer,
which was sent to ADT shareholders on or about March 17, 1997. However, we
do not believe that Western has provided similar materials to you and,
accordingly, you may not be fully aware of the significant risks posed by
the Western Hostile Offer to you, as a Western shareholder.
We also believe that these issues are of sufficient concern to Western
shareholders that we are communicating with you prior to our having
received and reviewed copies of Western's proxy materials for the Special
Meeting. Enclosed you will find a preliminary proxy statement of ADT
Investments which describes the considered views of ADT Investments on the
Western Proposals. We urge you to read this carefully.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call our proxy
solicitor, D.F. King, at 1-800-488-8035 (toll-free in the United States).
Very truly yours,
J. William Grant
President
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT (SUBJECT TO COMPLETION)
ADT INVESTMENTS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT OF ADT INVESTMENTS, INC.
IN OPPOSITION TO WESTERN PROPOSALS
This proxy statement is being furnished by ADT Investments, Inc.
("ADT Investments"), a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
ADT Limited ("ADT"), a Bermuda corporation (ADT, together with its
subsidiaries, the "ADT Group"), to our fellow shareholders of Western
Resources, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "Western"). ADT Investments
is a holder of record of 100 shares of the common stock of Western, $5.00 par
value (the "Western Common Stock"). In this proxy statement, ADT Investments
opposes Western's solicitation of proxies (the "Western Solicitation")
relating to a special meeting of Western's shareholders (or any adjournments,
postponements, continuations or reschedulings thereof) presently scheduled to
be held on June 17, 1997 at [______] [a.m./p.m], local time, at the [Maner
Conference Center (Kansas Expocentre) located at the southeast corner of
Seventeenth and Western, Topeka, Kansas] (the "Special Meeting"). This proxy
statement is first being mailed to Western shareholders on or about ______,
1997.
At the Special Meeting, Western's shareholders will consider and
vote upon [a] proposal[s] of Western's Board of Directors (the "Western
Proposal[s]"). See "Matters to be Voted upon at the Special Meeting." The
Western Solicitation will be conducted pursuant to a proxy statement (the
"Western Proxy Statement") to be mailed by Western to Western shareholders.
The approval of the Western Proposal[s] by Western shareholders is a condition
to the hostile offer that has been launched by Western to acquire shares of
ADT for a combination of cash and Western Common Stock (the "Western Hostile
Offer"). If the Western Proposal[s] are approved, Western has announced its
intention to proceed with the Western Hostile Offer and a subsequent merger of
ADT into a subsidiary of Western.
For the reasons set forth below, ADT Investments believes that
neither the Western Proposal[s] nor the Western Hostile Offer are in the best
interests of Western or its shareholders. For this and other reasons
discussed more fully below, we recommend that you reject the Western
Proposal[s] by casting a vote "AGAINST" the Western Proposal[s] on the
enclosed [COLOR] proxy card.
Action to be taken: Enclosed is a [color] proxy card. ADT
INVESTMENTS URGES YOU TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE [COLOR] PROXY
CARD IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE in accordance with the instructions on the
card.
ADT Investments urges you not to sign or return any [color] proxy
card sent to you by Western. If you have previously signed a proxy card sent
by Western, ADT Investments urges you to sign, date and promptly mail the
enclosed [color] proxy card, which will revoke any earlier dated proxy cards
solicited by Western which you may have signed.
If you have any questions or need further assistance in voting, please contact:
D.F. King
Call 1-800-488-8035 (toll-free in the United States)
Matters to Be Voted upon at the Special Meeting
The Western Proposal[s]
Western has presented the following resolution[s] for
consideration by its shareholders at the Special Meeting:
Proposal 1. The Western Share Authorization Proposal.
1. RESOLVED, [TO COME]
ADT INVESTMENTS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU REJECT [EACH OF] THE
WESTERN PROPOSAL[S] BY CASTING A VOTE "AGAINST" [EACH OF] THE WESTERN
PROPOSAL[S] ON THE [COLOR] PROXY CARD ENCLOSED HEREWITH.
Why We Believe You Should Vote Against the Western Proposal[s]
WE BELIEVE, FOR THE REASONS STATED BELOW, THAT A VOTE "AGAINST"
THE WESTERN PROPOSAL[S] IS A VOTE "IN FAVOR" OF PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT IN
WESTERN AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF YOUR DIVIDENDS.
* * * WESTERN HOSTILE OFFER POSES SIGNIFICANT * * *
RISKS FOR WESTERN SHAREHOLDERS
* We believe that the Western Hostile Offer poses significant risks
for Western and, more importantly, for us as shareholders of
Western. Western has described these significant risks in some
detail in a Prospectus dated March 14, 1997 (the "Western
Prospectus") relating to the Western Hostile Offer, which was
distributed to ADT shareholders on or about March 17, 1997.
However, Western has not yet distributed similar materials to you
and, accordingly, you may not be fully aware of the significant
risks to you, as a Western shareholder, posed by the Western
Hostile Offer. An excerpt from the Western Prospectus describing
these significant risks to Western and Western shareholders is
attached hereto as Schedule A.
* Among the significant risks described in the Western Prospectus in
connection with the Western Hostile Offer are:
* the uncertainty of Western's ability to maintain its past
practice with respect to the payment of dividends;
* the dilutive effect of the Western Hostile Offer on
Western's reported earnings per share in the short term;
* the fact that the Western Hostile Offer may have a negative
effect on Western's financial strength and debt rating; and
* the uncertainty of deregulation in the electric utility
industry (including, among other things, stranded costs) and
Western's ability to market together energy and security
services on a national basis.
* While Western has disclosed in the Western Prospectus that it
believes that any legislative or regulatory plan adopted in
connection with deregulation of the electric utility industry
would include a plan for recovery of stranded costs, this may not,
in fact, be the case. Western cites several state proposals that
would permit varying degrees of recovery of stranded costs. You
should be aware, however, that at least one electric utility
announced earlier this year that it had suspended its dividends
because of financial pressures resulting from, in part, the
uncertainties caused by an order by New Hampshire utility
regulators to deregulate the electric utility industry.
* * * CONTINUED PURSUIT OF ADT BY WESTERN * * *
MANAGEMENT ONLY CREATES GREATER
RISKS FOR WESTERN SHAREHOLDERS
* The current maximum stated value of the Western Hostile Offer is
only $22.50 per ADT common share. This is significantly below the
current value per ADT common share in the Tyco Transaction
(defined below). ADT, the company that is the subject of the
Western Hostile Offer, announced on March 17, 1997 that it has
entered into a business combination (the "Tyco Transaction") with
Tyco International Ltd. ("Tyco") that initially valued each ADT
common share at $29 per share. Based on the closing price per
share of Tyco common stock of $63.75 as of May 16, 1997, the
current value per ADT common share in the Tyco Transaction is
approximately $30.70 -- and Western is offering a maximum of
$22.50 per ADT common share.
* The Board of Directors of ADT has unanimously determined that the
maximum stated value of the Western Hostile Offer is inadequate.
At the current value per ADT common share in the Tyco Transaction,
the aggregate difference to ADT shareholders between the actual
value of the Tyco Transaction and the maximum stated value of the
Western Hostile Offer exceeds $1,400,000,000 -- or more than 70%
of the total market value of Western's outstanding common stock.
* We believe that, even at the current maximum stated value of
$22.50, the Western Hostile Offer poses significant risks for
Western and for Western shareholders. If Western's management
continues to pursue the Western Hostile Offer, in order to be
competitive with the Tyco Transaction, Western would have to
substantially increase the consideration being offered to ADT
shareholders. This would necessarily involve Western's either
issuing substantially more shares of Western common stock (further
diluting your investment in Western) or incurring substantially
more debt (further weakening Western's financial condition and its
debt rating), or some combination of the two.
* * * SHOULDN'T WESTERN PROTECT ITS PROFIT * * *
AND PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS?
* Western currently owns 38,287,111 ADT common shares, which it
acquired at an average price of $15.40. At current trading levels
of ADT common shares, Western has already realized a profit on
paper on its investment in ADT in excess of $580 million.
* If Western's management continues to pursue the Western Hostile
Offer instead of supporting the Tyco Transaction, Western not only
risks losing the ability to realize paper profits in excess of
$580 million on its investment in ADT, but also risks creating
greater uncertainty concerning Western's financial condition and
its ability to continue to pay dividends at current levels.
* In our view, rather than running this risk, Western's management
should be supporting the Tyco Transaction and protecting Western's
profits -- which are ultimately your profits. These funds could
be used by Western to pay down debt, increase your dividend or
grow Western's businesses. Western's support for the Tyco
Transaction would also eliminate concerns in the marketplace
about the substantial earnings dilution that would likely occur
from an acquisition of ADT by Western.
* * * IS WESTERN MANAGEMENT WORKING TO INCREASE * * *
THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN WESTERN?
* You should be aware that Western's management has tried to
prevent ADT Investments from communicating with you by
repeatedly resisting ADT Investments' demand for a complete
list of Western shareholders. See "Certain Information
Regarding the ADT Group -- Certain Litigation". Ultimately,
ADT Investments' had to get a court order compelling Western to
provide this information in order to be able to communicate
with you and to apprise you of the significant risks that we
believe are likely to result from the present course of action
being pursued by Western's management.
* We believe that any attempt by Western's management to continue to
pursue the Western Hostile Offer instead of supporting the Tyco
Transaction, will only create greater uncertainty and risks as to
the value of your investment in Western and Western's ability to
continue to pay the dividends which you presently receive.
* Under present management, Western's share price has languished
during a period of sustained growth in the U.S. equity markets.
The following chart compares the three-year relative total
shareholder return among ADT, Tyco, Western, the S&P 400 and the
S&P Utilities for the period March 31, 1994 through March 31,
1997:(1)
Chart comparing three-year relative total shareholder return with
the following data points:
3/31/94 3/31/97
--------- ----------
ADT 100 243.9
Tyco 100 224.5
S&P 400 100 181.0
S&P Utilities 100 140.4
Western 100 128.0
_______________
(1) Source: Lotus OneSource. Total shareholder return is based
on a stock price which has been adjusted for stock splits,
stock dividends, cash dividends and cash equivalents and is
calculated assuming reinvestment of the dividend at the
closing price on the date before the ex-dividend trading
date.
* Western's management, in its recently issued 1996 annual report to
stockholders, proclaims that its "vision" for Western will be
attained "by adding value." Over the past three years, however,
this same team has failed to add much value to your investment in
Western -- achieving lackluster shareholder returns relative to
the U.S. equity markets, increasing borrowings and suffering a
downgrade in debt rating. Indeed, the consummation of Western's
announced merger with Kansas City Power & Light Company ("KCP&L")
is still uncertain since, among other things, it requires
regulatory approval as well as approval of the shareholders of
each of Western and KCP&L. We note that, on May 16, 1997, two
midwestern utilities, Nothern States Power Co. and Wisconsin
Energy Corp., announced the termination of their planned merger
citing unexpected regulatory complications which they had
encountered.
* * * DEREGULATION ALREADY CREATES DIVIDEND * * *
UNCERTAINTY -- DO YOU REALLY NEED MORE?
* Western already faces substantial uncertainty in its core utility
business as a result of the possibility of deregulation of the
electric utility industry and the threat of increased competition
to the stability of its utility earnings. Western acknowledges
that this anticipated increased competition may in the future
reduce its earnings in its core utility business. Given all of
the uncertainty surrounding deregulation, we do not believe it is
in the interest of Western shareholders to have Western's
management pursuing transactions such as the Western Hostile Offer
that are likely to only create greater uncertainty and additional
risks for Western shareholders.
* With Western's Chief Executive Officer and Western's President
owning only 26,029 and 40,860 shares of Western Common Stock,
respectively, we wonder whether they are more interested in
pursuing an aggressive acquisition strategy to enlarge the size of
the businesses they are running (i.e., self-aggrandizement) rather
than protecting the interests of Western's shareholders and the
value of Western's shareholders' investment in Western.
* * * YOUR CURRENT DIVIDEND IS AT RISK * * *
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD VOTE "AGAINST" THE WESTERN PROPOSAL[S] AND
SEND A MESSAGE TO WESTERN'S MANAGEMENT THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE
OF YOUR COMPANY AND THAT YOU WANT THEM TO ACT IN A MANNER TO PROTECT YOUR
INVESTMENT IN WESTERN AND YOUR CURRENT DIVIDENDS.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Western Management
The following table sets forth certain information, as of April
18, 1997, with respect to beneficial ownership of voting securities
(determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) of each of Western's directors at such
time and all of the directors and executive officers at such time as a group.
This information has been taken from Western's proxy statement dated April 25,
1997 for its 1997 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. ADT Investments
takes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Amount and Nature of
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership(1)
------------------------ -----------------------
Frank J. Becker 11,333 shares(2)(3)
Gene A. Budig 1,129 shares
C.Q. Chandler 1,755 shares(3)
Thomas R. Clevenger 1,733 shares
John C. Dicus 2,333 shares(4)
John E. Hayes, Jr. 26,029 shares
David H. Hughes 839 shares
Steven L. Kitchen 7,441 shares
Carl M. Koupal 1,879 shares
Russell W. Meyer, Jr. 3,382 shares(3)
John H. Robinson 1,833 shares
John K. Rosenberg 3,259 shares
Louis W. Smith 3,333 shares
Susan M. Stanton 1,633 shares(5)
Kenneth J. Wagnon 2,885 shares
David C. Wittig 40,860 shares
All directors and executive officers as a group 124,675 shares
_________________
(1) Each individual and group owns less than one percent of the
outstanding shares of Western Common Stock. No director or executive
officer owns any equity securities of Western other than Western
Common Stock. Includes beneficially owned shares held in employee
savings plans and shares deferred under the Long Term Incentive and
Share Award Plan.
(2) Includes 1,000 shares of Western Common Stock held in trust, of which
Mr. Becker is a co-trustee with voting and investment power.
(3) Does not include stock held in trust by NationsBank Corporation, of
which Mr. Meyer is a director; INTRUST Financial Corporation, of
which Mr. Chandler is a director; and Douglas County Bank, of which
Mr. Becker is a director.
(4) Includes 500 shares of Western Common Stock held by Mr. Dicus'
spouse, not subject to his voting or investment power.
(5) Includes 800 shares of Western Common Stock held in trust, of which
Ms. Stanton is a co-trustee with voting and investment power.
Miscellaneous
Revocability of Western Proxy
The [COLOR] proxy card that has been sent to you by Western and that
accompanies the Western Proxy Statement is revocable at any time before it is
voted at the Special Meeting. Such right of revocation is not limited or
subject to compliance with any formal procedure.
Outstanding Voting Shares
Shareholders of record at the close of business on ______ 1997,
are entitled to vote on matters to come before the Special Meeting. At the
close of business on April 18, 1997, there were outstanding and entitled to
vote 65,017,778 shares of Western Common Stock, par value $5 per share;
138,576 shares of Preferred Stock, 4 1/2% Series, par value $100 per share;
60,000 shares of Preferred Stock, 4 1/4% Series, par value $100 per share; and
50,000 shares of Preferred Stock, 5% Series, par value $100 per share (all of
the series of the Preferred Stock collectively, the "Western Preferred Stock")
(the Western Common Stock together with the Western Preferred Stock, the
"Western Capital Stock").
Voting Rights and Procedures Each share of the Western Capital Stock entitles
the holder of record at the close of business on the record date of the
meeting to one vote. In order for the Western Share Authorization Proposal to
be approved, the affirmative vote of [a majority of all of the outstanding
shares of the Western Capital Stock entitled to vote thereon] is required.
Any shares not voted at the Special Meeting (whether by abstention, broker
non-votes or otherwise) have the same effect as a vote against the proposal to
the extent that the majority approval requirements outlined immediately above
are not achieved.
Instructions to Holders of Common Stock Who Participate in Western's Direct
Stock Purchase Plan
All shares of Common Stock credited to a shareholder's account in Western's
Direct Stock Purchase Plan will be voted in accordance with the
specifications indicated on the form of proxy sent to the shareholder if
the form of proxy is returned in a timely manner. Solicitation of Proxies
The costs of this solicitation will be borne by ADT
Investments. While no precise estimate of this cost can be made at the
present time, ADT Investments currently estimates that it will spend a total
of approximately $__________ for its solicitation, including expenditures for
attorneys, solicitors, and public relations advisors and advertising, pricing,
transportation, litigation and related expenses, but excluding the salaries
and wages for regular employees and officers and the normal expenses of an
uncontested proxy solicitation for the election of directors. As of May __,
1997, ADT Investments has incurred proxy solicitation expenses of approximately
$__________ in connection with this specific solicitation, excluding costs
represented by salaries and wages of regular employees and officers.
In addition to the use of the mails, certain directors,
officers or employees of ADT Investments and its affiliates may solicit
Western's shareholders in opposition to the Western Proposal[s] by telephone,
telecopy or personal contact. In particular, J. William Grant and Angela
Entwistle may solicit Western's shareholders in opposition to the Western
Proposal[s]. ADT Investments will pay for the cost of these solicitations,
but these individuals will receive no additional compensation for these
solicitation services.
ADT Investments has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. ("D.F.
King") at estimated fees of not more than $500,000, plus reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, to participate in this solicitation. ADT Investments
also has agreed to indemnify D.F. King against certain liabilities and
expenses. ADT Investments estimates that approximately 180 employees of D.F.
King will be involved in the solicitation of Western's shareholders in
opposition to the Western Solicitation on behalf of ADT Investments. ADT
Investments will also reimburse brokers, fiduciaries, custodians and other
nominees, as well as persons holding stock for others who have the right to
give voting instructions, for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
forwarding this proxy statement and related materials to beneficial owners of
the Western Capital Stock.
Shareholder Proposals for 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Specific proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at
Western's 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must comply with the
requirements of the Exchange Act, Western's Articles of Incorporation, as
amended, and be received by Western's Corporate Secretary for inclusion in its
1998 proxy materials by December 26, 1997. If the date of the 1998 Annual
Meeting is changed by more than 30 days, Western has stated that Western
shareholders will be advised promptly of such change and of the new date for
submission of proposals.
Other Disclosure
Schedule 14A of Rule 14a-101 promulgated under the Exchange Act also
requests certain financial and other information with respect to the Western
Share Authorization Proposal which are required by the Exchange Act to be
included in the Western Proxy Statement. ADT Investments does not currently
have access to this information and therefore is unable to include it herein.
Without assuming responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such
information contained in the Western Proxy Statement in any way, ADT
Investments directs you to the relevant portions of the Western Proxy
Statement to review this disclosure.
Certain Information Regarding the ADT Group
Other Interests of the ADT Group in the Western Proposal[s]
ADT Investments is a holder of record of 100 shares of Western
Common Stock. [No other entity that is a part of the ADT Group holds any
shares of the Western Capital Stock.]
In addition to ADT Investments's status as a Western shareholder, the
ADT Group has an interest in the outcome of the vote[s] on the Western
Proposal[s] by virtue of the Western Hostile Offer. The Board of Directors
of ADT (the "ADT Board") has rejected the Western Hostile Offer as inadequate
and not in the best interests of either ADT or its shareholders. After the
announcement of the Western Hostile Offer, ADT entered into a merger agreement
with Tyco on terms that were approved by the ADT Board. The ADT Board
believes that the Tyco Transaction represents a superior alternative for the
shareholders of ADT than the Western Hostile Offer.
Notwithstanding the interest of the ADT Group in the outcome of the
vote on the Western Proposal[s], we believe that the reasons that we have
articulated for rejecting the Western Proposal[s] in this proxy statement are
those that would be of concern to, and should be considered by, any reasonable
Western shareholder in deciding how to vote.
Certain Litigation
On December 18, 1996, Westar Capital, Inc. ("WCI"), a subsidiary of
Western, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of Florida (the "Court") against ADT, the directors of ADT and
Republic Industries, Inc. ("Republic"). The complaint alleged that ADT
and its directors breached their fiduciary duties to WCI and ADT's other
shareholders (i) by issuing to Republic a share purchase warrant for
15,000,000 ADT common shares (the "Republic Warrant") in connection with a
proposed amalgamation with Republic entered into in July 1996 (the
"Republic Merger"), (ii) by adopting the Rights Plan and (iii) by holding
shares of ADT in one of ADT's subsidiaries with the intention of voting
those shares as needed to entrench existing management. The complaint
sought a court order (i) declaring the Republic Warrant null and void or
preventing ADT and Republic from exercising their rights under the Republic
Warrant, (ii) directing ADT to redeem the Rights Plan, and (iii) preventing
ADT from voting the shares held by its subsidiary. On December 23, 1996,
the Court entered an order dismissing the complaint without prejudice on
the grounds that the complaint contained inadequate and improper
allegations relating to the Court's jurisdiction over the case.
On December 27, 1996, WCI filed a second complaint with the
Court which contained modified allegations relating to the Court's
jurisdiction and identical substantive allegations as the prior complaint. On
January 3, 1997, WCI filed an amended complaint which, in addition to the
allegations made in the prior complaints, alleged that ADT and its directors
have attempted to interfere with WCI's voting rights by seeking certain
information from WCI pursuant to procedures established under ADT's Bye-Laws.
The amended complaint sought the same relief as the prior complaints and also
requested that the Court confirm WCI's voting rights.
On January 21, 1997, the Court granted WCI leave to file a
second amended complaint. The second amended complaint contained the same
allegations as the amended complaint and in addition alleged (i) that ADT and
its directors breached their fiduciary duties by setting a July 8, 1997 date
for a special general meeting of ADT shareholders requisitioned by WCI to vote
on certain shareholder proposals put forth by WCI to remove the ADT Board and
elect two of Western's own employees as the directors of ADT (the "ADT Special
Meeting"), and (ii) that ADT and its directors violated Section 14(d) of the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), by
making a recommendation to ADT's shareholders regarding the tender offer
without first making certain filings with the SEC. WCI asked for a court
order (i) enjoining ADT from holding the ADT Special Meeting on July 8, 1997,
(ii) compelling ADT to hold the ADT Special Meeting on or before March 20,
1997, and (iii) declaring that ADT had violated Section 14(d) and enjoining
ADT from making any further recommendations relating to the tender offer until
the required SEC filings are made.
On January 23, 1997, WCI filed a motion for a preliminary
injunction asking the Court to enjoin ADT from holding the ADT Special Meeting
on July 8, 1997, and compelling ADT to hold the ADT Special Meeting on or
before March 20, 1997. ADT and its directors have filed papers in opposition
to WCI's motion. On March 4, 1997, WCI filed a supplemental brief in support
of its motion for a preliminary injunction representing that WCI is no longer
seeking a special general meeting of ADT shareholders on or before March 20,
1997 on the grounds that such a meeting date would now be impractical. In its
supplemental brief, WCI requests that the meeting date be set 30 days after
its proxy materials for the ADT Special Meeting are distributed. ADT and its
directors have responded to this supplemental motion, arguing among other
things that WCI's motion is moot due to the passage of time and changes in
circumstances. As of the date of this proxy statement, the Court has not
rendered any decision with respect to plaintiff's motion for a preliminary
injunction.
On January 27, 1997, ADT and its directors filed a motion to
dismiss the second amended complaint based on, among other things, the Court's
lack of personal jurisdiction over ADT and its directors and for failure to
state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On February 21, 1997, the
Court entered an order ruling that the second amended complaint did not
adequately plead personal jurisdiction over the ADT defendants. On February
27, 1997, WCI filed a third amended complaint. The third amended complaint
contained the same allegations as the second amended complaint and contained
additional allegations relating to personal jurisdiction.
On February 19, 1997, WCI filed a motion for an expedited trial
on its claims relating to the Republic Warrant and the shares of ADT held by
one of ADT's subsidiaries. WCI also requested that the Court enter an order
providing that it be given five days' notice before the Republic Warrant is
exercised. On March 12, 1997, the Court denied that motion.
On March 11, 1997, the Court granted WCI leave to file a fourth
amended complaint. The fourth amended complaint contains the same allegations
as those in the third amended complaint as well as additional allegations
relating to the Amendment. In addition to the relief previously requested,
the fourth amended complaint seeks judicial nullification of the Amendment and
a rescission of actions by ADT if shown that a subsidiary of ADT cast decisive
votes as a shareholder with respect to those actions.
On March 17, 1997, ADT and its directors filed a motion to
dismiss the fourth amended complaint based on, among other things, the Court's
lack of personal jurisdiction over ADT and its directors and for failure to
state a claim upon which relief can be granted. This motion has been fully
briefed and awaits a decision of the Court. ADT and the ADT Board believe
that the allegations in WCI's fourth amended complaint are without merit and
intend to vigorously defend against them.
On March 24, 1997, WCI filed a motion for a preliminary
injunction (i) preventing Republic from selling or transferring any of the ADT
common shares issued upon the exercise of the Republic Warrant and (ii)
preventing the Chairman of ADT from exercising the proxy in relation to those
shares. On April 7, 1997, ADT and the ADT Board filed papers in opposition to
this motion. ADT and the ADT Board believe that the motion is meritless and
intend to vigorously oppose it.
On April 16, 1997, WCI filed a petition with the Supreme Court
of Bermuda (the "Bermuda Court") in which WCI alleges that the Tyco
Transaction has been structured in order to deprive WCI and ADT's other
shareholders of their appraisal rights under Section 106 of the Bermuda
Companies Act (the "Act") applicable to an amalgamation under the Act.
Although ADT is acquiring Tyco in that transaction, WCI maintains that in
actuality Tyco is acquiring ADT and that the transaction should be treated as
an amalgamation between ADT and Tyco which would trigger appraisal rights
under Bermuda law. WCI alleges that ADT's actions are oppressive and
prejudicial to it. WCI asks the Bermuda Court to order that the Tyco
Transaction be enjoined unless ADT's shareholders are permitted to exercise
all rights they would be entitled to, including appraisal rights, if the
transaction between ADT and Tyco were an amalgamation under Bermuda law. In
order for WCI's petition to prevail, the Bermuda Court must find that the
structure of the Tyco Transaction agreement is so oppressive and prejudicial
to ADT's shareholders, or some part of them, that it would otherwise justify
the winding up of ADT under Bermuda law. ADT believes that one of the reasons
that WCI has filed the petition seeking to enjoin the Tyco Transaction unless
the Tyco Transaction is structured to provide that ADT's shareholders can
exercise appraisal rights is to raise questions as to whether the Tyco
Transaction will qualify for accounting treatment as a pooling of interests.
However, ADT believes that the allegations in WCI's petition are without merit
and intends to vigorously defend against them. On April 23, 1997, ADT filed a
motion to strike out WCI's petition with the Bermuda Court on the grounds that
(i) the petition discloses no reasonable cause of action, (ii) the petition is
frivolous, embarrassing and vexatious and (iii) the petition is otherwise an
abuse of the process of the Bermuda Court. A hearing on the motion to strike
has been scheduled for June 12 and 13, 1997.
On December 26, 1996, Charles Gachot filed a complaint in the
Florida Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County,
Florida against ADT, certain of its present and former directors, Western and
WCI. The complaint was brought on behalf of a class of all shareholders of
ADT and alleges that Western and WCI have breached their fiduciary duties to
ADT's shareholders by offering an inadequate price for the outstanding ADT
common shares. The complaint seeks to enjoin Western and WCI from acquiring
the outstanding ADT common shares. The complaint also alleges that ADT and
its directors have refused to negotiate with Western and WCI and that the
Republic Warrant and the Rights Plan are improper. The complaint seeks
unspecified monetary relief from all defendants. ADT and the ADT Board
believe that the allegations in Gachot's complaint against ADT and its
directors are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them.
On February 7, 1997, ADT Operations, Inc. ("ADT Operations"), a
subsidiary of ADT, filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New
York, County of New York against The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. ("Chase"). The
complaint states that Chase has been an important lender and financial advisor
to ADT Operations since 1993 and that, in the course of this business
relationship, ADT Operations has disclosed confidential business information
to Chase. The complaint asserts that ADT Operations and Chase expressly
agreed that Chase would not aid any third party in a hostile takeover bid for
ADT. The complaint alleges that Chase is currently aiding Western in its
attempt to take control of ADT and that Chase's actions constitute: (i) a
breach of an express agreement between Chase and ADT Operations; (ii) a breach
of the implied covenant of good faith that is part of the express agreement
between Chase and ADT Operations; and (iii) a breach of the fiduciary duties
that Chase owes to ADT Operations. The complaint further alleges that Chase
breached a confidentiality agreement with ADT Operations by providing Western
with confidential and proprietary information about ADT Operations and ADT and
by using such information in assessing whether to aid Western in Western's
hostile takeover bid. The complaint also alleges that Chase negligently and/or
fraudulently failed to disclose to ADT Operations that Chase was advising
Western regarding a possible hostile takeover bid for ADT. The complaint
seeks $50 million in monetary damages. The complaint also seeks to enjoin
Chase from advising, funding, or participating in Western's attempts to take
control of ADT and from disclosing any confidential information regarding ADT
Operations and ADT. On March 3, 1997, Chase filed a motion for dismissal of
ADT Operations' complaint or, alternatively, summary judgment. This motion,
originally scheduled to be heard on April 11, 1997, has been adjourned and
will be heard not earlier than May 19, 1997.
On February 7, 1997, ADT Operations filed a motion for a
preliminary injunction, seeking to enjoin Chase from: (i) advising, funding,
or assisting Western in its efforts to take over ADT or participating in these
efforts; and (ii) using or disclosing any confidential information that ADT
Operations provided to Chase. In addition, ADT Operations has sought
expedited discovery on issues regarding the preliminary injunction. On
February 19, 1997, Chase filed papers in opposition to this motion. The
motion was argued before the court on February 24, 1997 and is currently
pending. As a result of a hearing held on March 25, 1997, ADT Operations was
granted the right to take three depositions and obtain certain documents from
Chase.
On March 11, 1997, Crandon Capital Partners ("CCP") filed a
complaint in the Florida Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in
Palm Beach County, Florida against ADT, certain of its current and former
directors, and Republic. The complaint was brought by CCP in a derivative
capacity on behalf of ADT. The complaint alleges that ADT's directors
breached their fiduciary duties and wasted corporate assets in connection with
(i) the granting of options to certain officers of ADT in 1996, (ii) the
issuance of the Republic Warrant, (iii) the implementation of the Rights Plan
and (iv) the harassment and attempted disenfranchisement of WCI. The
complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages and a court order directing
ADT's directors to establish a system of internal controls to prevent
repetition of the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and corporate waste. ADT
and the ADT Board believe that the allegations in the complaint brought by CCP
are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them.
On March 28, 1997, ADT Investments served a demand on Western,
pursuant to Section 17-6510 of the Kansas General Corporation Code, that
Western provide ADT Investments with, among other things, a complete record or
list of stockholders of Western as of the record date for determining
stockholders entitled to vote (the "Record Date") at the special meeting of
Western's stockholders then scheduled for April 24, 1997 or as of a recent
date if a Record Date list was not available. Such special meeting is
currently scheduled for June 17, 1997. Western refused ADT Investments'
demand. On April 8, 1997, ADT filed a petition in the District Court of
Shawnee County, Kansas (the "Kansas Court") for a summary order to compel
Western to comply with ADT Investments' demand. On April 24, 1997, ADT
Investments served an additional demand on Western, pursuant to Section
17-6510 of the Kansas General Corporation Code, that Western provide ADT
Investments with, among other things, a complete record or list of
stockholders of Western as of the record date for determining stockholders
entitled to vote at the annual meeting of Western's stockholders scheduled for
May 29, 1997. By letter dated April 28, 1997 Western refused ADT Investments'
demand.
On May 8, 1997, the Kansas Court issued a summary order
directing Western to produce to ADT Investments, by May 9, 1997, the
information sought in its amended petition, including a complete list of
stockholders of Western. The summary order stated that the Kansas Court found
that (i) ADT Investments had complied with the requirements of applicable
Kansas law, (ii) ADT Investments' stated purpose for seeking the stockholder
list and related records of Western was reasonably related to ADT Investments'
interests as a shareholder of Western and was therefore a proper purpose under
Section 17-6510 of the Kansas General Corporation Code and (iii) Western had
no basis on which to refuse to permit the requested inspection. On May 9 and
12, 1997, Western furnished this information to ADT Investments.
SCHEDULE A
WESTERN RISK FACTORS
The following information, which was prepared by Western, is
taken directly from the Prospectus dated March 14, 1997 (the "Western
Prospectus") forming part of Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 dated March 14, 1997 (the "Western S-4"). No authority has been
sought or received to quote from, or refer to, the Western S-4. While ADT
Investments has reproduced all of the risk factors from the Western Prospectus
in this Schedule A, neither ADT nor ADT Investments is affiliated with either
Western or Kansas City Power & Light Company ("KCPL"). Information concerning
Western and KCPL which has not been made public is not available to ADT
Investments. Although neither ADT nor ADT Investments has any knowledge that
would indicate that statements relating to Western or KCPL in the following
risk factors discussion are inaccurate or incomplete, ADT Investments was not
involved in the preparation of such information and statements and, for the
foregoing reasons, is not in a position to verify any such information or
statements.
"RISK FACTORS
"In addition to the other information in this Prospectus, the
following are certain factors that should be considered by ADT Shareholders in
evaluating the Offer and an investment in Western Resources Common Stock.
This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Western Resources' actual results may differ significantly
from the results discussed in the forward looking statements. Factors that
might cause such differences are discussed below.
"Regulatory Uncertainties; Changing Regulatory Environment; Approval of the
KCPL Merger
"Electric and natural gas utilities have historically operated in a
rate-regulated environment. Federal and state regulatory agencies having
jurisdiction over the rates and services of Western Resources and other
utilities are in the process of initiating steps that are expected to result
in a more competitive environment for utilities services. Increased
competition may create greater risks to the stability of utility earnings. In
a deregulated environment, formerly regulated utility companies that are not
responsive to a competitive energy marketplace may suffer erosion in market
share, revenues and profits as competitors gain access to their service
territories. This anticipated increased competition for retail electricity
sales may in the future reduce Western Resources' earnings in its formerly
regulated businesses.
"In addition, Western Resources' plan to market together energy and
security services is dependent upon the pace of deregulation. While it is
impossible to predict with certainty the time period in which such
deregulation will occur, if at all, Western Resources presently anticipates
that such deregulation will occur prior to the end of 1999. However, if
deregulation fails to occur or does not occur as quickly as may be expected,
Western Resources may be hindered in its ability to market energy and security
services and such hindrance may negatively impact Western Resources' future
earnings and cash flows.
"ADT Shareholders should consider that through ownership of Western
Resources Common Stock they will participate in the vicissitudes of the
evolving electric and natural gas utility industries and the deregulation
thereof. There can be no assurance that future regulatory and legislative
initiatives will not constrain Western Resources' efforts to market together
energy and security services.
"In addition, consummation by Western Resources of the KCPL Merger
requires the approval of certain regulatory authorities, including the FERC.
Western Resources currently contemplates that the KCPL Merger could be
completed in the first half of 1998; however, there can be no assurance that
it will have received all requisite regulatory approvals prior to such time.
Nor can there be any assurance that the KCPL Merger will be consummated or, if
consummated, that it will occur by the first half of 1998.
"Stranded Costs
"The term "stranded costs" as it relates to capital intensive
utilities has been defined as the carrying costs associated with property,
plant and equipment and other regulatory assets in excess of the level which
can be recovered in the competitive market in which the utility operates.
Regulatory changes, including the introduction of competition, could adversely
impact Western Resources' ability to recover its costs in these assets. Based
upon its current evaluation of the various factors and conditions that are
expected to impact future cost recovery, Western Resources believes that
recovery of these costs is probable. However, there can be no assurance that
such recovery will occur as the effect of competition and the amount of
regulatory assets which could be recovered in a competitive environment cannot
be predicted with any certainty at this time.
"The staff of the KCC has testified in Western Resources' electric
rate proceeding in 1996 that "stranded costs" are not presently quantifiable.
Western Resources, KCPL and ONEOK, collectively, have assets of approximately
$10.7 billion, including regulatory assets aggregating approximately $1.1
billion (10.3% of total combined assets). Of this amount, $166 million is
attributable to ONEOK, primarily related to take-or-pay settlements entered
into with natural gas suppliers. ONEOK has disclosed that this regulatory
asset is being recovered, pursuant to an order from the OCC, from a
combination of a customer surcharge and transportation revenues. ADT
Shareholders should note, however, that Western Resources will acquire only a
9.9% common equity ownership interest in ONEOK as a result of Western
Resources' proposed strategic alliance with ONEOK. Western Resources'
potential risk with respect to ONEOK's exposure would therefore be limited to
its equity ownership in ONEOK. Finally, unlike the electric utility industry
which is in the infant stages of deregulation, the natural gas distribution
industry, in which ONEOK is a participant, has already experienced significant
deregulation, thereby reducing the risk that stranded costs will occur.
"Regulatory assets of Western Resources include approximately $300
million relating to the acquisition premium paid in Western Resources'
acquisition of KGE in 1992, which is currently being recovered pursuant to an
order from the KCC, as well as a receivable for income tax benefits flowed
through to Western Resources' customers, debt issuance costs, deferred post
employment/retirement benefits and deferred contract settlement costs.
Regulatory assets of KCPL include approximately $126 million at December 31,
1996 for recoverable future income taxes and a receivable from customers for
income tax benefits which have been flowed-through to customers.
"Finally, Western Resources' ability to fully recover its utility
plant investments in, and decommissioning costs for, generating facilities,
particularly its 47% ownership interest in Wolf Creek, may be at risk in a
competitive environment. This risk will increase as a result of the KCPL
Merger as KCPL also presently owns a 47% undivided interest in Wolf Creek.
Amounts associated with Western Resources' recovery of environmental
remediation costs and long-term fuel contract costs cannot be estimated with
any certainty, but also represent items that could give rise to "stranded
costs" in a competitive environment. In the event that Western Resources was
not allowed to recover any of its "stranded costs," the accounting impact would
be a charge to its results of operations that would be material.
"Certain states, including California, have either adopted rules or
are considering rules to address stranded costs, most of which provide for the
opportunity to recover stranded costs. Proposals in Connecticut, Illinois,
Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan and other states have been introduced that all
permit varying degrees of recovery of stranded costs, most allowing for
recovery during defined interim periods for all prudently incurred costs. The
Kansas legislature is presently reviewing potential proposals, but has not
advanced any specific plan. Western Resources believes any legislative or
regulatory plan adopted would, consistent with other state plans and the rules
adopted by the FERC, include a plan for recovering stranded costs.
"Business Plan; Difficulty of Integrating Energy and Security Business
"As deregulation in the electric and natural gas utilities industries
continues, Western Resources believes that a provider that can market
additional services with energy-related services to provide customer
convenience will have a market advantage. Western Resources has developed its
strategy to expand its business in the deregulated marketplace and has
identified the security business as a high growth industry with a product that
can be marketed with energy. There can, however, be no assurance that Western
Resources' business plan to market together energy and security services will
be successful. The fact that Western Resources' business plan involves a
market that is as yet undeveloped makes uncertain the extent to which a viable
market for marketing energy and security will develop at all.
"To date, Western Resources has committed substantial capital and
human resources to the security industry through Westar Security and the
recent acquisition of Westinghouse Security. However, obtaining control of
ADT would significantly increase the relative amount of management time and
resources that Western Resources allocates to its security business. There
can be no assurance that this added commitment will result in continued growth
or profitability in Western Resources' security business. There can also be
no assurance that Western Resources will be able to integrate successfully the
operations of its existing security business with ADT. Difficulties of such
assimilation will include the coordination of security operations and the
integration of personnel.
"Comparatively Slower Growth than ADT
"Western Resources' growth has historically been slower than ADT's as
such growth has been limited to the growth of Western Resources' customer base
within its franchised service territory. During the past few years Western
Resources' electric sales have grown at an annual rate of approximately 4%.
Prior to deregulation, the only opportunity for utilities to experience
significant growth was through business combinations with other regulated
utilities. Such combinations presented growth opportunities within a finite
market. As the energy industry deregulates, Western Resources believes that
its combination of security with energy will provide Western Resources with an
opportunity to achieve higher growth than could be expected in the
historically regulated energy market. However, there can be no assurance that
such growth will occur.
"The Exchange Ratio
"In considering whether to tender their Shares to Western Resources
pursuant to the Offer, ADT Shareholders should consider that, depending on the
price of Western Resources Common Stock prior to the Expiration Date, there
may be certain circumstances in which the Stock Consideration paid to ADT
Shareholders may be less than $12.50 in Western Resources Common Stock.
Pursuant to the Offer, each Share will be exchanged for $10.00 net in cash and
$12.50 of Western Resources Common Stock as long as the Western Resources
Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the Western Resources Average Price is
less than $29.75, each Share will be exchanged for $10.00 net in cash and less
than $12.50 in Western Resources Common Stock. ADT Shareholders should be
aware that depending upon the Western Resources Average Price, the Offer
Consideration paid per Share may be less than $22.50 and, depending upon the
per Share price immediately prior to the Expiration Date, may represent a
discount to the price per Share at the Expiration Date.
"Effect of the Offer and the Amalgamation on Western Resources' Financial
Status
"Expansion into the high growth security business presents financial
risks to Western Resources. Western Resources' earnings and cash flow may
experience increased volatility due to additional business risks. Such risks
include possible slower than expected growth in the security business,
competitive pressures on prices and changes in technology.
"The Offer and the Amalgamation are expected to have a dilutive
effect on Western Resources' reported earnings per share in the short term due
to the amortization of goodwill. There can also be no assurance that the
Offer and Amalgamation will not have a negative impact on Western Resources'
financial strength or debt rating, including its ability to raise capital in
the future. Following public announcement of Western Resources' proposal to
merge with KCPL, debt of Western Resources was placed on CreditWatch with
negative implications, a practice that Western Resources believes is standard
with respect to companies involved in an announced merger proposal. Since
public announcement of the Offer, Standard and Poors has downgraded the credit
rating on Western Resources' senior secured debt from A- to BBB+. Moody's has
placed Western Resources' debt on review for possible downgrade following
public announcement of the Offer, but continues to rate Western Resources
First Mortgage Bonds A3. Western Resources does not believe that these
changes in its credit rating will materially and adversely impact the business
and operations of Western Resources following the Offer and the Amalgamation.
However, such changes may increase Western Resources' cost of capital on
additional borrowings.
"Certain Debt Instruments of ADT Operations
"It is Western Resources' current view that satisfaction of the ADT
Shareholder Approval Condition and the consummation of the Offer will (i)
enable the holders of certain debt instruments of ADT Operations to require
repurchase of the securities outstanding thereunder by ADT Operations and (ii)
result in the acceleration of certain credit facilities currently available to
ADT Operations. See "The Offer -- Source and Amount of Funds." According to
ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996,
the total amount of outstanding debt of ADT Operations under which
satisfaction of the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition could constitute a
change of control was approximately $1 billion. Since it does not presently
appear to be financially attractive for the holders of such debt to require the
repurchase of their securities, or to accelerate credit facilities of ADT
Operations, Western Resources does not currently believe that these
obligations present a material risk to the liquidity of Western Resources
following consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation. Should interest
rates increase, however, it may become more financially attractive for certain
debt holders of ADT Operations to require the repurchase of their securities,
or to accelerate credit facilities of ADT Operations. LYONS are exchangeable
for Shares and such exchange could thereby potentially have a dilutive impact
on, among other things, earnings per share. See "Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Information."
"Financing of the Offer and the Amalgamation
"Western Resources has received a letter from Chase Manhattan Bank
and Chase in which they state that they are highly confident that they can
arrange credit facilities in the amount necessary to fund payment of the Cash
Consideration with Chase Manhattan Bank and other lenders. Their view is
based, among other things, upon their review of the terms of the Offer, their
understanding of Western Resources and public information regarding ADT, and
current conditions in the banking and syndicated loan markets, and such view
is subject to certain customary conditions. See "The Offer--Source and Amount
of Funds." There can be no assurance, however, that Chase Manhattan Bank and
Chase will be able to arrange the credit facilities necessary to fund payment
of the Cash Consideration. Definitive documentation with respect to such
credit facilities has not yet been negotiated. There can be no assurance that
such documentation, if definitively negotiated, will not contain restrictions
on Western Resources' ability to pay dividends.
"Future Dividends on Western Resources Common Stock
"Although Western Resources does not currently anticipate any
significant change with respect to its dividend practice as a result of the
Offer or the Amalgamation, assuming that Western Resources' dividend remains
at or above the level of its current annual indicated dividend, Western
Resources presently expects that its dividend pay-out ratio will increase to
approximately 100% in the first full year following consummation of the
Amalgamation and will decline to approximately 75% by the third year following
the Amalgamation. Assuming consummation of the Amalgamation and the KCPL
Merger, Western Resources' forecasted dividend pay-out ration will be
approximately 120%, including transaction costs of the KCPL Merger charged to
income following consummation of the KCPL Merger, or 100%, excluding such
transaction costs, in the first full year following the Amalgamation and will
decline to approximately 80% by the third year following the Amalgamation.
Over the past five years, Western Resources' dividend pay-out ratio has
averaged approximately 77%.
"On a pro forma combined basis assuming completion of the Offer, the
Amalgamation and the KCPL Merger, pro forma combined earnings plus
depreciation, amortization and restructuring and non-recurring charges for the
year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996
would have been approximately $691,000,000 and $609,000,000, respectively. On
a pro forma combined basis assuming completion of the Offer, the Amalgamation
and the KCPL Merger, approximately 190,000,000 shares of Western Resources
Common Stock would have been outstanding during the year ended December 31,
1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996, in which case the total
amount of cash required to pay Western Resources' annual indicated dividend of
$2.10 would have been approximately $400,000,000 and $300,000,000 for the
twelve and nine months, respectively. Based on publicly available
information, on a pro forma combined basis assuming completion of the Offer,
the Amalgamation and KCPL Merger, pro forma combined capital expenditures for
the year ended September 30, 1996, respectively, would have been approximately
$636,000,000 and $462,000,000. Historical pro forma combined earnings plus
depreciation, amortization and restructuring and non-recurring charges and
historical pro forma combined capital expenditures do not necessarily reflect
future pro forma combined operating cash flows and future pro forma combined
capital expenditures. If, however, future pro forma combined operating cash
flows and future pro forma combined capital expenditures are similar to
historical pro forma combined earnings plus deprecation, amortization and
restructuring and non-recurring charges and historical pro forma combined
capital expenditures, there can be no assurance that Western Resources will be
able, after paying dividends consistent with historical levels, to maintain
capital expenditures at historical levels without moderating their timing or
amount, or from time to time funding such capital expenditures through
external financing. See "Reasons for the Offer--Offer Premium and Dividend
Impact."
"In the future, the Western Resources Board will set annual dividend
payments at amounts which are determined to be reasonable and consistent with
Western Resources' long-term strategy. However, there can be no assurance
that Western Resources will maintain its past practice with respect to the
payment of dividends since the declaration of future dividends will depend
upon Western Resources' future earnings, the financial condition of Western
Resources and other factors.
"Certain Tax Consequences of the Offer and the Amalgamation
"The exchange of Shares for cash and Western Resources Common Stock
pursuant to the Offer and the Amalgamation will be a taxable transaction for
U.S. federal income tax purposes and may also be taxable under applicable
state, local and foreign tax laws. See "The Offer--Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences." ADT Shareholders should be aware that depending upon, among
other things, their particular facts and circumstances, including their basis
in Shares and tax status, the value of the after-tax proceeds that they
receive in the Offer and the Amalgamation may be less than $22.50. Each ADT
Shareholder is urged to, and should, consult such holder's own tax advisor
with respect to the specific tax consequences of the Offer and the
Amalgamation to such holder."