On May 22, 2014, Signet Jewelers Limited (“Signet”) issued a press release announcing its first quarter fiscal 2015 financial results. The following was included in the press release:
“Mike Barnes, Chief Executive Officer, commented: … On May 29, Zale shareholders will vote on the proposed acquisition. We believe our offer provides compelling and immediate value to Zale stockholders while eliminating business execution risk. We encourage all Zale stockholders to support the transaction.”
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of Zale by Signet. In connection with the proposed acquisition, Zale has filed relevant materials with the SEC, including Zale’s definitive proxy statement. Zale shareholders are urged to read all relevant documents filed with the SEC, including Zale’s proxy statement, because they contain important information about the proposed transaction and the parties to the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders are able to obtain the documents free of charge at the SEC’s web site, http://www.sec.gov, or for free from Zale by contacting Zale Investor Relations by phone at (972) 580-4391 or by email at ir@zalecorp.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
Signet, Zale and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from Zale stockholders in favor of the proposed transaction. Information about Signet’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Signet’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014. Information about Zale’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Zale’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on October 2, 2013, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, which was filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013. Information concerning the interests of Zale’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of Zale’s stockholders generally, is set forth in the materials filed by Zale with the SEC, including the proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this Schedule 14A regarding the proposed transaction, the expected timetable for completing the proposed transaction, future financial and operating results, future capital structure and liquidity, benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction, future opportunities for the combined company, general business outlook and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects of the board or management of Signet constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “believes,” “should,” “potential,” “may,” “forecast,” “objective,” “plan,” or “targets,” and other similar expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: the ability to consummate the proposed transaction; the ability to obtain stockholder approval, and the satisfaction of the other conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed transaction on relationships, including with employees, suppliers, customers and competitors, and any related impact on integration and anticipated synergies; and the other factors and financial, operational and legal risks or uncertainties described in Signet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 27, 2014. Signet disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document except as required by law.