GAMESTOP CORP.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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 (AMENDMENT NO.
)
Filed by the Registrant [ü]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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[ü] |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to
Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-2. |
GAMESTOP CORP.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its
Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-12. |
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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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. |
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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid: |
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
GAMESTOP CORP. AND
ELECTRONICS BOUTIQUE HOLDINGS CORP.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
GameStop Corp. (GameStop) and Electronics Boutique Holdings
Corp. (EB) have entered into a merger agreement whereby
separate subsidiaries of a newly formed holding company named
GSC Holdings Corp. (Holdco) will be merged with and into
GameStop and EB, respectively, and GameStop and EB will become
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Holdco. Holdco will be renamed
GameStop Corp. upon completion of the mergers. Holdco is
expected to be one of the leading retailers of video games in
the world, initially with over $4.0 billion in annual
revenues and with approximately 4,300 retail stores in the
United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Australia, Canada, Denmark,
Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
In the proposed mergers, EB common stockholders will have the
right to receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock that
they own. In addition, GameStop stockholders will receive one
share of Holdco Class A common stock for each share of
GameStop Class A common stock that they own and one share
of Holdco Class B common stock for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock that they own. Upon completion of the
mergers, we estimate that Holdco will have outstanding
approximately 41.8 million shares of Holdco Class A
common stock and 29.9 million shares of Holdco Class B
common stock and that EBs former stockholders will own
approximately 27.9%, or approximately 5.9% of the combined
voting power, and former GameStop stockholders will own
approximately 72.1%, or approximately 94.1% of the combined
voting power, of the common stock of Holdco. We have applied for
the Holdco Class A and Class B common stock to be
quoted on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the
symbols GME and GME.B, respectively.
We will each hold an annual meeting of stockholders at which we
will ask our respective common stockholders to adopt the merger
agreement. Other business will also be considered at each of the
annual meetings. Information about these meetings, the mergers
and other business to be considered by GameStop and EB
stockholders is contained in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus. In particular, see Risk
Factors beginning on page 18. We urge you to read
this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and the documents
incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, carefully and in their entirety.
Whether or not you plan to attend your annual meeting,
please vote as soon as possible to make sure that your shares
are represented at that meeting. If you do not vote, it will
have the same effect as voting against the adoption of the
merger proposal.
After careful consideration each of our boards of directors has
approved the merger agreement and has determined that the merger
agreement and the mergers are advisable and in the best
interests of the stockholders of GameStop and EB, respectively.
Accordingly, the GameStop board of directors unanimously
recommends that the GameStop stockholders vote:
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FOR the adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the GameStop merger, FOR the
amendment to GameStops certificate of incorporation, and
FOR the amendment to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001
Incentive Plan, |
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FOR the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, |
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FOR the election of the GameStop nominees for director named
in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and |
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FOR the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as GameStops
registered independent public accounting firm for
GameStops fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. |
The EB board of directors unanimously recommends that the EB
stockholders vote:
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FOR the adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the EB merger, |
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FOR the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, |
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FOR the election of the EB nominees for director named in
this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and |
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FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as EBs registered
independent public accounting firm for EBs fiscal year
ending January 28, 2006. |
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R. Richard Fontaine |
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Jeffrey W. Griffiths |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
GameStop Corp. |
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Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any
state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the
securities to be issued in connection with the mergers or
determined if this joint proxy statement-prospectus is truthful
or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
This joint proxy statement-prospectus is dated September 2,
2005, and is first being mailed to stockholders of GameStop and
EB on or about September 7, 2005.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This joint proxy statement-prospectus incorporates important
business and financial information about GameStop and EB from
other documents that are not included in or delivered with this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. This information is available
to you without charge upon your written or oral request. You can
obtain the documents incorporated by reference in this joint
proxy statement-prospectus through the SEC website at
http://www.sec.gov or by requesting them in writing or by
telephone at the appropriate address below:
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if you are a GameStop stockholder: |
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if you are an EB stockholder: |
By Mail:
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GameStop Corp. |
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By Mail: |
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Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. |
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625 Westport Parkway |
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931 South Matlack Street |
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Grapevine, Texas 76051 |
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West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382 |
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Attention: Investor Relations |
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Attention: Investor Relations |
By Telephone:
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(817) 424-2000 |
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By Telephone: |
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(610) 430-8100 |
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE ANY DOCUMENTS, PLEASE MAKE YOUR
REQUEST BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THEM
BEFORE YOUR ANNUAL MEETING.
See Where You Can Find More Information beginning on
page 162.
VOTING ELECTRONICALLY OR
BY TELEPHONE
Stockholders of record of GameStop Class A common stock and
GameStop Class B common stock at the close of business on
August 30, 2005, the record date for the GameStop annual
meeting, may submit their proxies:
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through the Internet by visiting a website established for that
purpose at http://www.proxyvotenow.com/gme and following the
instructions; or |
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by telephone by calling the toll-free number 866-407-4408 in the
United States, Puerto Rico or Canada on a touch-tone phone and
following the recorded instructions. |
Stockholders of record of EB common stock at the close of
business on August 30, 2005, the record date for the EB
annual meeting, may submit their proxies:
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through the Internet by visiting a website established for that
purpose at http://www.eproxyvote.com/ELBO and following the
instructions; or |
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by telephone by calling the toll-free number 877-779-8683 in the
United States, Puerto Rico or Canada on a touch-tone phone and
following the recorded instructions. |
In order to vote via the telephone or the Internet, please have
in front of you either your proxy card, or if you have consented
to receive your materials electronically, your e-mail
notification advising that materials are available on-line. A
phone number and an Internet website address are contained on
each of the documents. Upon entering either the phone number or
the Internet website address, you will be instructed on how to
proceed.
If a GameStop or EB stockholder holds shares registered in the
name of a broker, bank or other nominee, that broker, bank or
other nominee will enclose or provide a voting instruction card
for use in directing that broker, bank or other nominee how to
vote those shares.
GAMESTOP CORP.
Notice of GameStop Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held October 6, 2005
To the stockholders of GameStop:
An annual meeting of the stockholders of GameStop will be held
at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas,
Texas, on October 6, 2005 at 12:00 p.m., local time,
for the following purposes:
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1. To consider and vote on a proposal to (i) adopt the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 17, 2005,
by and among GameStop, GameStop, Inc., GSC Holdings Corp., Eagle
Subsidiary LLC, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and EB, including the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the GameStop
merger, pursuant to which, among other things, separate
subsidiaries of Holdco will be merged with and into GameStop and
EB, (ii) approve the amendment to GameStops
certificate of incorporation to provide for the payment of the
GameStop merger consideration as contemplated by the merger
agreement, and (iii) approve the amendment to the GameStop
Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan to provide for the
issuance of Holdco Class A common stock under the plan. In
the proposed mergers, EB common stockholders will have the right
to receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock that
they own. In addition, GameStop stockholders will receive one
share of Holdco Class A common stock for each share of
GameStop Class A common stock that they own and one share
of Holdco Class B common stock for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock that they own. A copy of the merger
agreement is attached as Annex A to the accompanying
joint proxy statement-prospectus. |
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2. To consider and vote on the adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan. |
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3. To elect three members to GameStops board of
directors. |
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4. To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as
GameStops registered independent public accounting firm
for GameStops fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. |
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5. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the GameStop annual meeting or any adjournment or
postponement of the GameStop annual meeting. |
The presence of a majority of the voting power of the shares of
GameStop common stock entitled to vote at the GameStop annual
meeting must be represented in person or by proxy at the
GameStop annual meeting to constitute a quorum. The adoption of
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the GameStop merger, the approval of the amendment to
GameStops certificate of incorporation and the amendment
to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan
(collectively referred to herein as the merger proposal)
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of GameStop Class A common stock, voting as a single
class, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of GameStop Class A common stock and GameStop
Class B common stock, voting together as a single class.
The adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of GameStop
common stock voting on the proposal in person or by proxy at the
GameStop annual meeting. The three nominees for director
receiving the highest vote totals will be elected as directors
of GameStop to serve until the 2008 GameStop annual meeting of
stockholders. The ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as
GameStops registered independent public accounting firm
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power
of GameStop common stock voting on the proposal in person or by
proxy at the GameStop annual meeting. At the GameStop annual
meeting, each holder of GameStop Class A common stock is
entitled to one vote for each share of GameStop Class A
common stock, and each holder of GameStop Class B common
stock is entitled to ten votes for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock, held as of the GameStop record date
on all matters properly submitted to the GameStop stockholders.
Pursuant to a voting agreement with Leonard Riggio, a director
of GameStop, and certain of his affiliates (referred to as the
Riggio Group), the Riggio Group has agreed to vote their shares
of GameStop Class A common stock and GameStop Class B
common stock (collectively, GameStop common stock) in favor of
the adoption of the merger proposal. As of August 30, 2005,
the GameStop record date, the Riggio Group owned approximately
5.3 million shares of GameStop Class B common stock,
which represents approximately 16.4% of the combined voting
power of all classes of GameStops voting stock. The Riggio
Group also holds exercisable options to acquire
4,500,000 shares of GameStop Class A common stock.
These options are not expected to be exercised prior to the
GameStop record date and therefore the Riggio Group is not
expected to have any voting power with respect to the GameStop
Class A common stock.
The GameStop board of directors unanimously recommends that
you vote:
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FOR the adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the GameStop merger, FOR the
amendment to GameStops certificate of incorporation, and
FOR the amendment to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001
Incentive Plan, |
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FOR the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, |
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FOR the election of the GameStop nominees for director named
in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and |
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FOR the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as GameStops
registered independent public accounting firm for
GameStops fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. |
Only GameStop stockholders of record at the close of business on
August 30, 2005 are entitled to notice of and to vote at
the GameStop annual meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof. To vote your shares, please complete and
return the enclosed proxy card to GameStop or grant your proxy
by telephone or through the Internet. You may also cast your
vote in person at the GameStop annual meeting. Please vote
promptly whether or not you expect to attend the GameStop annual
meeting.
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By order of the GameStop board of directors, |
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R. Richard Fontaine |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Grapevine, Texas
PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES PROMPTLY. YOU CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR VOTING ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
ABOUT ANY OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE GAMESTOP
ANNUAL MEETING OR ABOUT VOTING YOUR SHARES, PLEASE CALL
GEORGESON SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. TOLL-FREE AT
800-491-3365. BANKS AND BROKERS MAY CALL COLLECT AT
212-440-9800.
ELECTRONICS BOUTIQUE HOLDINGS CORP.
Notice of EB Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held October 6, 2005
To the stockholders of EB:
An annual meeting of the stockholders of EB will be held at
EBs executive offices at 931 South Matlack Street, West
Chester, Pennsylvania, on October 6, 2005 at
1:00 p.m., local time, for the following purposes:
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1. To consider and vote on a proposal to adopt the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 17, 2005,
by and among GameStop, GameStop, Inc., GSC Holdings Corp., Eagle
Subsidiary LLC, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and EB, including the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
pursuant to which, among other things, separate subsidiaries of
Holdco will be merged with and into GameStop and EB. In the
proposed mergers, EB common stockholders will have the right to
receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock that
they own. In addition, GameStop stockholders will receive one
share of Holdco Class A common stock for each share of
GameStop Class A common stock that they own and one share
of Holdco Class B common stock for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock that they own. A copy of the merger
agreement is attached as Annex A to the accompanying
joint proxy statement-prospectus. |
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2. To consider and vote on the adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan. |
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3. To elect seven directors as EBs board of directors. |
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4. To consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the
appointment of KPMG LLP as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm for EBs fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006. |
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5. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the EB annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement
of the EB annual meeting. |
The presence of a majority of the outstanding shares of EB
common stock entitled to vote at the EB annual meeting must be
represented in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting to
constitute a quorum. The adoption of the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of EB common stock. The adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of EB common stock voting on the proposal
in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting. The seven
nominees for EB director receiving the highest vote totals will
be elected as directors of EB to serve until the next EB annual
meeting of stockholders or until their earlier resignation. The
ratification of KPMG LLP as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of EB common stock voting on
the proposal in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting.
Pursuant to a voting agreement with certain stockholders
affiliated with Mr. James J. Kim, the Chairman of the Board
of EB (the Kim Group), the Kim Group has agreed, subject to
certain limitations, to vote their shares of EB common stock in
favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. As of
August 30, 2005, the EB record date, the Kim Group
beneficially owned approximately 11.6 million shares of EB
common stock, which represent approximately 45.6% of the
outstanding shares of EB common stock at the EB annual meeting.
The EB board of directors unanimously recommends that you
vote:
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FOR the adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the EB merger, |
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FOR the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, |
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FOR the election of the EB nominees for director named in
this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and |
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FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as EBs registered
independent public accounting firm for EBs fiscal year
ending January 28, 2006. |
Only EB stockholders of record at the close of business on
August 30, 2005 are entitled to notice of and to vote at
the EB annual meeting and any adjournments or postponements
thereof. To vote your shares, please complete and return the
enclosed proxy card to EB or grant your proxy by telephone or
through the Internet. You may also cast your vote in person at
the EB annual meeting. Please vote promptly whether or not you
expect to attend the EB annual meeting.
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By order of the EB board of directors, |
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Jeffrey W. Griffiths |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
West Chester, Pennsylvania
PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES PROMPTLY. YOU CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR VOTING ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
ABOUT ANY OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE EB ANNUAL
MEETING OR ABOUT VOTING YOUR SHARES, PLEASE CALL GEORGESON
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. TOLL-FREE AT 800-267-4403.
BANKS AND BROKERS MAY CALL COLLECT AT 212-440-9800.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
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GameStop Unaudited Results for Second Quarter of GameStop Fiscal
2005
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EB Unaudited Results for Second Quarter of EB Fiscal 2006
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Agreement and Plan of Merger |
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A-1 |
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Amendment to GameStop Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation |
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B-1 |
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Kim Group Voting Agreement |
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C-1 |
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Registration Rights Agreement |
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Non-Competition Agreement |
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Riggio Group Voting Agreement, as amended |
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Opinion of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
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Opinion of Merrill Lynch & Co. |
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Opinion of Peter J. Solomon Company, L.P. |
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I-1 |
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Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law |
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Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan |
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iv
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VOTING PROCEDURES
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETINGS
The questions and answers below highlight only selected
procedural information from this joint proxy
statement-prospectus. They do not contain all of the information
that may be important to you. You should read carefully the
entire joint proxy statement-prospectus and the additional
documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus to fully understand the voting procedures
for the annual meetings.
|
|
|
Q: |
|
WHAT IS THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION FOR WHICH I AM BEING ASKED TO
VOTE? |
|
A: |
|
You, as a stockholder of GameStop and/or a stockholder of EB,
are being asked, among other things, to vote to adopt an
Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by and among GameStop,
GameStop, Inc., GSC Holdings Corp., Eagle Subsidiary LLC, Cowboy
Subsidiary LLC and EB. Subject to the terms and conditions of
the merger agreement, GameStop and EB will simultaneously merge
with newly formed subsidiaries of GSC Holdings Corp. (to be
renamed GameStop Corp. upon closing of the mergers) (which we
refer to in this joint proxy statement-prospectus as Holdco),
and after the mergers would become wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Holdco. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as
Annex A. |
|
|
|
In the proposed mergers, EB common stockholders will have the
right to receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock they
own. GameStop stockholders will receive one share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of GameStop
Class A common stock that they own and one share of Holdco
Class B common stock for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock that they own. |
|
Q: |
|
WHAT ARE THE OTHER MATTERS FOR WHICH I AM BEING ASKED TO VOTE? |
|
A: |
|
If you are a GameStop stockholder you are also being asked: |
|
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|
|
|
1. to consider and vote on the adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan; |
|
|
|
2. to elect three members to GameStops board of
directors; |
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|
3. to ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as
GameStops registered independent public accounting firm
for GameStops fiscal year ending January 28,
2006; and |
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|
4. to transact such other business as may properly come
before the GameStop annual meeting or any adjournment or
postponement of the GameStop annual meeting. |
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|
If you are an EB stockholder you are also being asked: |
|
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|
1. to consider and vote on the adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan; |
|
|
|
2. to elect seven directors as EBs board of directors; |
|
|
|
3. to consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the
appointment of KPMG LLP as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm for EBs fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006; and |
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|
4. to transact such other business as may properly come
before the EB annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement
of the EB annual meeting. |
|
|
|
Q: |
|
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW TO VOTE? |
|
A: |
|
After carefully reading and considering the information
contained in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, please vote
by telephone, the Internet or by mail as soon as possible so
that your shares may be represented and voted at GameStops
or EBs annual meeting. If you hold your shares in your own
name, you may vote by telephone or through the Internet by
following the instructions on your proxy card or delivered with
your proxy card. If you hold shares registered in the name of a
broker, bank or other nominee, that broker, bank or other
nominee has enclosed or will provide a voting instruction card
for use in directing your broker, bank or other nominee how to
vote those shares. |
v
|
|
|
Q: |
|
IF MY GAMESTOP OR EB SHARES ARE HELD IN STREET NAME
BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE, WILL MY BROKER OR BANK VOTE
MY SHARES FOR ME? |
|
A: |
|
If you hold your shares in street name and do not
provide voting instructions to your broker, your shares will not
be voted on any proposal on which your broker does not have
discretionary authority to vote. Generally, your broker, bank or
other nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote on
the merger proposal. Accordingly, your broker, bank or other
nominee will vote your shares held by it in street
name only if you provide instructions to it on how to
vote. You should follow the directions your broker, bank or
other nominee provides. Shares that are not voted because you do
not properly instruct your broker, bank or other nominee will
have the effect of votes against the adoption of the merger
proposal. |
|
Q: |
|
IF MY GAMESTOP OR EB SHARES ARE HELD IN MY OWN NAME, WHAT
HAPPENS IF I DONT VOTE? |
|
A: |
|
If you fail to respond with a vote on the merger proposal, it
will have the same effect as a vote against adoption of the
merger proposal. If you respond but do not indicate how you want
to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote in favor of
adopting the merger proposal. If you respond and indicate that
you are abstaining from voting, your proxy will have the same
effect as a vote against adoption of the merger proposal. |
|
Q: |
|
CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE DELIVERED MY PROXY? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. A registered GameStop or EB stockholder may revoke a
properly executed proxy at any time by (1) notifying
GameStop or EB, as appropriate, in writing to the addresses set
forth under Additional Information,
(2) submitting a new properly completed and signed proxy to
GameStop or EB, as appropriate, either by mail or as described
under Additional Information or (3) voting in
person at the GameStop or EB annual meeting, as appropriate. |
|
Q: |
|
CAN I ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTE MY SHARES IN PERSON? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. All stockholders of GameStop and EB, including stockholders
of record and stockholders who hold their shares through banks,
brokers, nominees or any other holder of record are invited to
attend their respective annual meetings. Stockholders of record
can vote in person at either the GameStop or EB annual meeting,
as applicable. If you are not a stockholder of record, you must
obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder
of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to be
able to vote in person at the GameStop or EB annual meeting, as
applicable. If you plan to attend the GameStop or EB annual
meeting, as applicable, you must hold your shares in your own
name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares
confirming your ownership, and you must bring a form of personal
photo identification with you in order to be admitted to the
GameStop or EB annual meeting, as applicable. We reserve the
right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of
share ownership and without proper photo identification. |
|
Q: |
|
SHOULD EB STOCKHOLDERS SEND THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR
PROXY CARD? |
|
A: |
|
No. Please DO NOT send your EB stock certificates with
your proxy card. If you are an EB stockholder of record, you
will receive written instructions from the exchange agent after
the EB merger is completed on how to exchange any EB stock
certificates you may have for cash and Holdco Class A
common stock. If the EB shares you hold of record are in
book-entry form, they will be automatically converted into the
right to receive cash and Holdco shares, and you do not need to
take any action. |
|
Q: |
|
SHOULD GAMESTOP STOCKHOLDERS SEND IN THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES
WITH THEIR PROXY CARD? |
|
A: |
|
No. Please DO NOT send your GameStop stock certificates
with your proxy card. If you are a GameStop stockholder of
record, you will receive written instructions from the exchange
agent after the GameStop merger is completed on how to exchange
any GameStop stock certificates you may |
vi
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|
|
|
|
have for Holdco common stock. If the GameStop shares you hold of
record are in book-entry form, they will be automatically
converted into Holdco shares, and you do not need to take any
action. |
|
Q: |
|
WHEN DO WE EXPECT TO COMPLETE THE MERGERS? |
|
A: |
|
We expect to complete the mergers in October 2005. However, we
cannot assure you when or if the mergers will occur. We must
first obtain the approvals of our respective stockholders at the
GameStop and EB annual meetings. |
|
Q: |
|
WHO CAN HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS? |
|
A: |
|
If you have any questions about the mergers or how to submit
your proxy, or if you need additional copies of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, you should
contact: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
if you are a GameStop stockholder: |
|
if you are an EB stockholder: |
By Mail:
|
|
Georgeson Shareholder |
|
By Mail: |
|
Georgeson Shareholder |
|
|
Communications, Inc. |
|
|
|
Communications, Inc. |
|
|
17 State Street |
|
|
|
17 State Street |
|
|
New York, NY 10004 |
|
|
|
New York, NY 10004 |
By Telephone:
|
|
800-491-3365 |
|
By Telephone: |
|
800-267-4403 |
|
|
212-440-9800 |
|
|
|
212-440-9800 |
vii
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information in this joint
proxy statement-prospectus and may not contain all of the
information that is important to you. You should carefully read
this entire joint proxy statement-prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus for a more complete understanding of the
matters being considered at the GameStop and EB annual meetings.
In addition, we incorporate by reference important business and
financial information about GameStop and EB into this joint
proxy statement-prospectus. You may obtain the information
incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus without charge by following the
instructions in the section entitled Where You Can Find
More Information that begins on page 162 of this
joint proxy statement-prospectus.
GameStop Corp. (see page 98)
GameStop Corp., a Delaware corporation, is one of the leading
video game and PC entertainment software retailers in the United
States. GameStop carries one of the largest assortments of new
and used video game hardware, video game software and
accessories, PC entertainment software, and related products,
including action figures, trading cards and strategy guides.
GameStop operates approximately 2,000 stores in the United
States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
GameStop operates most of its stores under the GameStop name. In
addition, GameStop operates a website at www.gamestop.com and
publishes Game Informer, the industrys largest
circulation multi-platform video game magazine, with over
2,000,000 subscribers. GameStop has approximately
2,700 full-time salaried, 2,300 full-time hourly and
between 12,000 and 18,000 part-time hourly employees
depending on the time of year. The address of GameStops
principal executive offices is 625 Westport Parkway, Grapevine,
Texas 76051.
Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. (see page 118)
Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation, is
one of the leading global retailers of video game hardware and
software, PC entertainment software, pre-played video games and
related accessories and products. EB operates approximately
2,300 stores, primarily under the names EB Games and Electronics
Boutique, in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany,
Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United States. EB also operates a website
under the URL address www.ebgames.com. EB employs approximately
11,600 non-seasonal full-time and part-time employees. The
address of EBs principal executive offices is 931 South
Matlack Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382.
GSC Holdings Corp. (see page 118)
GSC Holdings Corp. is a newly incorporated Delaware corporation
and will become the new holding company of GameStop and EB upon
consummation of the mergers. Holdcos name will be changed
to GameStop Corp. after consummation of the mergers.
The address of Holdcos principal executive offices is
c/o GameStop Corp., 625 Westport Parkway, Grapevine, Texas
76051.
1
Structure of the Mergers (see page 38)
The organization of GameStop, EB and Holdco before and after the
mergers is illustrated below.
Before the Mergers
After the Mergers
EB Common Stockholders to Receive Shares of Holdco
Class A Common Stock and Cash (see page 33)
If the EB merger is completed, EB common stockholders will
receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock per share of EB common stock that they
own. Upon completion of the mergers, current holders of EB
common stock will, as a group, own approximately 27.9% of the
outstanding common stock of Holdco, which equals approximately
5.9% of the combined voting power of Holdco. Holdco will not
issue fractional shares of Holdco common stock in exchange for
shares of EB. Holders of EB common stock that would otherwise be
entitled to a fractional share of Holdco common stock will
instead receive an amount in cash equal to such fraction
multiplied by the average of the closing sale prices of GameStop
Class A common stock on the ten trading days prior to the
date on which the mergers are completed.
2
GameStop Common Stockholders to Receive Shares of Holdco
Common Stock (see page 24)
If the GameStop merger is completed, GameStop stockholders will
exchange their shares of GameStop Class A common stock for
Holdco Class A common stock and their shares of GameStop
Class B common stock for Holdco Class B common stock,
each on a one-for-one basis. Upon completion of the mergers,
current holders of GameStop common stock will, as a group, own
approximately 72.1% of the outstanding common stock of the
combined company, which equals 94.1% of the combined voting
power.
Stock Exchange Listing and Stock Prices (see page 79)
Holdco common stock is not currently traded or quoted on a stock
exchange or quotation system. However, we have applied for the
Holdco Class A common stock and Holdco Class B common
stock to be quoted on the NYSE under the symbols GME
and GME.B, respectively.
GameStop Class A common stock trades on the NYSE under the
symbol GME, GameStop Class B common stock
trades on the NYSE under the symbol GME.B and EB
common stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the
symbol ELBO. The table below shows the closing price
and the pro forma equivalent per share value of GameStop
Class A common stock and EB common stock at the close of
the regular trading session on April 15, 2005, the last
trading day before our public announcement of the signing of the
merger agreement, and September 1, 2005, the most recent
trading day for which that information was available.
|
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|
|
GameStop Pro Forma | |
|
EB Pro Forma | |
Date |
|
GameStop Closing Price | |
|
EB Closing Price | |
|
Equivalent(1) | |
|
Equivalent(2) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
April 15, 2005
|
|
$ |
21.61 |
|
|
$ |
41.12 |
|
|
$ |
21.61 |
|
|
$ |
55.18 |
|
September 1, 2005
|
|
$ |
33.50 |
|
|
$ |
64.06 |
|
|
$ |
33.50 |
|
|
$ |
64.55 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The pro forma equivalent per share value of GameStop
Class A common stock is calculated by multiplying the
GameStop Class A common stock closing price by the GameStop
merger exchange ratio of 1.0. |
|
(2) |
The pro forma equivalent per share value of EB common stock is
calculated by multiplying the GameStop Class A common stock
closing price by the EB merger exchange ratio of .78795 and
adding $38.15. |
Because the 1.0 and .78795 exchange ratios in the GameStop and
EB mergers, respectively, are fixed and will not be adjusted as
a result of changes in market prices, the implied value of the
merger consideration will fluctuate with the market price of
GameStop Class A common stock and GameStop Class B
common stock. You should obtain current market quotations for
the shares of both companies from a newspaper, the Internet or
your broker.
Receipt of Shares of Holdco Common Stock in Mergers Generally
Nontaxable to Stockholders (see page 72)
The mergers have been structured to qualify as an exchange
described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Code), for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Accordingly, we expect that the exchange of shares by
an EB stockholder for Holdco Class A common stock and cash
will be nontaxable to such stockholder for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, except to the extent of the lesser of
(i) gain realized by such stockholder in the exchange and
(ii) cash received by such stockholder in the exchange. We
expect that the exchange of shares by GameStop stockholders will
be nontaxable to them for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Further, GameStop and EB will not recognize any gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax purposes in the mergers. It is a
condition to our respective obligations to complete the mergers
that GameStop and EB receive opinions from their respective
counsel that the mergers, taken together, qualify as an exchange
described in Section 351 of the Code for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. In connection with the closing of the
mergers, Bryan Cave LLP, counsel to GameStop, and
3
Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers LLP,
counsel to EB, will deliver to GameStop and EB, respectively,
their opinions that the mergers will qualify as an exchange
described in Section 351 of the Code for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. You should consult with your own tax
advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences to you
of the mergers.
Our Boards of Directors Unanimously Recommend that GameStop
and EB Stockholders Vote to Adopt the Merger Agreement (see
pages 24 and 33)
GameStop Stockholders. The GameStop board of directors
unanimously recommends that the GameStop stockholders
vote FOR the adoption of the merger proposal.
EB Stockholders. The EB board of directors unanimously
recommends that the EB stockholders vote FOR the adoption
of the merger agreement.
Opinions of Financial Advisors (see pages 48 and 55)
GameStop. In connection with the mergers, the GameStop
board of directors received a written opinion from Citigroup
Global Markets Inc., GameStops financial advisor, as to
the fairness, from a financial point of view, to GameStop of the
EB merger consideration. The full text of Citigroups
written opinion, dated April 17, 2005, is attached to this
joint proxy statement-prospectus as Annex G. We
encourage you to read this opinion carefully in its entirety for
a description of the assumptions made, procedures followed,
matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken.
Citigroups opinion was provided to the GameStop board
of directors in connection with its evaluation of the EB merger
consideration and relates only to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, to GameStop of the EB merger consideration.
Citigroups opinion does not address any other aspect of
the mergers and does not constitute a recommendation to any
stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote or act on any
matters relating to the proposed mergers.
EB. In connection with the mergers, the EB board of
directors received a written opinion from Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, one of EBs financial
advisors, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion,
and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters
considered and qualifications and limitations set forth in the
written opinion, the consideration proposed to be received
pursuant to the EB merger was fair, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of EB common stock (other than GameStop,
its affiliates and the Kim Group). In addition, the EB board of
directors received a written opinion from Peter J. Solomon
Company, L.P., one of EBs financial advisors, to the
effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and
subject to the assumptions made, matters considered and
qualifications and limitations set forth in the written opinion,
the consideration proposed to be received by the holders of EB
common stock pursuant to the EB merger was fair from a financial
point of view to the holders of EB common stock, excluding the
Kim Group. The full text of the written opinions of Merrill
Lynch and Peter J. Solomon Company, which set forth the
assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and
limits on the scope of review undertaken by each of Merrill
Lynch and Peter J. Solomon Company, are attached to this joint
proxy statement-prospectus as Annex H and
Annex I, respectively. We encourage you to carefully
read and consider each of these opinions in their entirety.
Both the Merrill Lynch opinion and the Peter J. Solomon
Company opinion are addressed to EBs board of directors
and address only the fairness, from a financial point of view,
of the consideration proposed to be received by the holders of
EB common stock (other than those stockholders excluded from the
opinions as noted above) pursuant to the EB merger, as of the
date of the opinions. Neither the Merrill Lynch opinion nor the
Peter J. Solomon Company opinion addresses the merits of the
underlying decision by EB to engage in the EB merger or any
other aspect of the mergers. In addition, neither the Merrill
Lynch opinion nor the Peter J. Solomon Company opinion
constitutes, or should be construed as, a recommendation to any
stockholder as to how the stockholder should vote or act with
respect to the EB merger or any related matter.
4
The Riggio Group Voting Agreement (see page 95)
In connection with the mergers, concurrently with the execution
and delivery of the merger agreement and as a condition to
EBs willingness to enter into the merger agreement,
GameStop and EB have entered into a voting agreement and
irrevocable proxy with Leonard Riggio, Barnes & Noble
College Booksellers, Inc. and The Riggio Foundation
(collectively, the Riggio Group) pursuant to which the Riggio
Group has agreed to vote their shares of GameStop common stock
in favor of the adoption of the merger proposal. As of
August 30, 2005, the GameStop record date, the Riggio Group
owned approximately 5.3 million shares of GameStop
Class B common stock, which represents approximately 16.4%
of the combined voting power of all classes of GameStops
voting stock. The Riggio Group also holds exercisable options to
acquire 4,500,000 shares of GameStop Class A common
stock. These options are not expected to be exercised prior to
the GameStop record date and therefore the Riggio Group is not
expected to have any voting power with respect to the GameStop
Class A common stock.
The Kim Group Voting Agreement (see page 94)
In connection with the mergers, concurrently with the execution
and delivery of the merger agreement and as a condition to
GameStops willingness to enter into the merger agreement,
GameStop and EB have entered into a voting agreement and
irrevocable proxy with EB Nevada Inc. and James J. Kim, the
Chairman of the Board of EB (collectively, the Kim Group),
pursuant to which the Kim Group has agreed to vote all shares of
EB common stock beneficially owned by the Kim Group in favor of
the adoption of the merger agreement and not to sell or
otherwise transfer any shares of EB common stock prior to the
termination of the voting agreement other than in limited
circumstances in accordance with its terms. As a result, as of
August 30, 2005, the EB record date, approximately 45.6% of
the outstanding shares of EB common stock has agreed to vote to
approve the merger agreement.
Interests of Our Directors and Executive Officers in the
Mergers (see page 68)
You should be aware that some of the directors and executive
officers of GameStop and EB have interests in the mergers that
are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of
stockholders of GameStop or EB. These interests include, but are
not limited to, the treatment of options and other rights held
by directors and executive officers of GameStop and EB in the
mergers, the continued employment of certain executive officers
in Holdco, the continued positions of certain directors of
GameStop and EB as directors of Holdco, and the indemnification
of former GameStop and EB directors by Holdco.
The Registration Rights Agreement (see page 95)
In connection with the consummation of the mergers and as a
condition to entering into the voting agreement with the Kim
Group, Holdco will enter into a registration rights agreement
with the Kim Group pursuant to which Holdco will be obligated to
register with the SEC the shares of Holdco Class A common
stock held by the Kim Group.
The Non-Competition Agreement (see page 96)
In connection with the consummation of the mergers and as a
condition to the closing of the mergers, James J. Kim will enter
into a non-competition agreement with Holdco whereby
Mr. Kim will agree not to compete with Holdco in certain
specified territories for a period of three years from the
effectiveness of the mergers.
Appraisal Rights (see page 79)
Under Delaware law, GameStop stockholders are not entitled to
appraisal rights in connection with the GameStop merger.
Holders of EB common stock who do not wish to accept the
consideration payable pursuant to the EB merger may seek, under
Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporate Law (DGCL),
judicial
5
appraisal of the fair value of their shares by the Delaware
Court of Chancery (the Delaware Court). This value could be more
than, less than or the same as the merger consideration for the
EB common stock. Failure to strictly comply with all the
procedures required by Section 262 of the DGCL will result
in a loss of the right to appraisal.
Merely voting against the EB merger will not preserve the right
of EB stockholders to appraisal under Delaware law. Also,
because a submitted proxy not marked against or
abstain will be voted for the proposal
to adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the EB merger, the submission of a proxy not
marked against or abstain will result in
the waiver of appraisal rights. EB stockholders who hold shares
in the name of a broker or other nominee must instruct their
nominee to take the steps necessary to enable them to demand
appraisal for their shares.
Annex J to this joint proxy statement-prospectus
contains the full text of Section 262 of the DGCL, which
relates to the rights of appraisal. We encourage you to read
these provisions carefully and in their entirety.
Directors and Management Following the Mergers (see
page 71)
Following the mergers, the board of directors of Holdco will
consist of the seven current GameStop directors, James J. Kim
and Stanley (Mickey) Steinberg. The GameStop directors will
generally remain in their current classes and serve out their
remaining terms, although to make the three classes equal, one
of the Class III directors being elected at the GameStop
annual meeting (Daniel A. DeMatteo, if he is re-elected) will
become a Class I director whose term will expire in 2006.
Mr. Kim will be in the class of directors whose term
expires in 2007 and Mr. Steinberg will be in the class of
directors whose term expires in 2008.
R. Richard Fontaine, the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of GameStop, will be the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Holdco after the mergers. Daniel A. DeMatteo, the
Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of GameStop, will be
the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Holdco after
the mergers. It is expected that additional management of Holdco
will be determined and announced on or near the date of the
mergers.
Conditions to Completion of the Mergers; Antitrust Clearance
(see page 84)
Completion of the mergers depends on a number of conditions
being satisfied or waived. These conditions include the
following:
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adoption of the merger proposal and the transactions
contemplated by the merger proposal, including the GameStop
merger, by the GameStop stockholders; |
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adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, including the EB merger,
by the EB stockholders; |
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absence of any order or injunction of any governmental authority
that would prohibit the consummation of the mergers; |
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approval for listing of Holdco common stock to be issued in the
mergers on the NYSE upon official notice of issuance; |
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receipt of all consents, approvals, waivers, actions or
nonactions required or advisable under all applicable antitrust,
merger control, competition or trade regulation laws, including
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976 (the HSR Act) and the Italian Law No. 287 of 10
October 1990; |
6
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continued effectiveness of the registration statement of which
this joint proxy statement-prospectus is a part and the absence
of a stop order or proceeding seeking a stop order by the SEC
suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement; |
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accuracy of each partys representations and warranties in
the merger agreement, except as would not have a material
adverse effect on the party making the representations; |
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performance in all material respects of each partys
covenants in the merger agreement, and performance of each
partys pre-closing operating covenants in the merger
agreement; |
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the delivery of a tax opinion as required by the separation
agreement between GameStop and Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(Barnes & Noble); |
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the delivery of a non-competition agreement by James J. Kim; |
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there shall not have been a material adverse effect on either
party, as defined in the merger agreement; and |
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delivery by both parties of customary officers
certificates and tax opinions. |
The completion of the mergers is not subject to a condition that
GameStop receive financing to pay the cash portion of the EB
merger consideration.
The completion of the mergers is subject to compliance with the
HSR Act. The waiting period relating to the mergers under the
HSR Act expired as of 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
June 8, 2005.
GameStop and EB have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts
to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or
advisable under applicable law and regulations, including the
HSR Act, to complete the mergers as promptly as practicable, but
in no event later than October 31, 2005, which date may be
extended to December 31, 2005 or January 31, 2006, in
circumstances described below, in Summary
Termination of the Merger Agreement; Fees Payable
beginning on page 7 and in The Mergers
The Merger Agreement Termination beginning on
page 89. We refer to this October 31, 2005 date, as it
may be extended, as the outside date.
The parties have agreed to defend against any lawsuits or other
legal proceedings challenging the mergers, provided, that, if
one of the parties in good faith does not wish to participate in
the defense of such lawsuit or legal proceeding, then the other
party shall pay the expenses for such defense. Neither party
will be required to take any action that would reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on such party.
Termination of the Merger Agreement; Fees Payable (see
page 89)
We may jointly agree to terminate the merger agreement at any
time. Either of us may also terminate the merger agreement in
various circumstances, including failure to receive necessary
stockholder approvals and if the other party breaches certain of
its obligations in the merger agreement.
In several circumstances involving a change in a board of
directors recommendation in favor of the merger agreement
or a third-party acquisition proposal, GameStop or EB may become
obligated to pay $40 million in termination fees pursuant
to the terms of the merger agreement.
Amendment to GameStops Certificate of Incorporation
(see page 96)
In connection with the mergers, Article Fourth (b)(v) of
the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of
GameStop relating to the equal treatment of holders of GameStop
Class A common stock and GameStop Class B common stock
holders in mergers, consolidations, etc., will be amended,
subject to GameStop stockholder approval, to permit the receipt
by the holders of GameStop Class B common stock, in any
consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which
shares of
7
GameStop common stock are exchanged for other securities or
property, of securities that differ as to voting rights and
powers on a per share basis from securities received by holders
of GameStop Class A common stock, provided that such
difference shall not exceed ten to one. This amendment is
necessary to allow for the payment of the GameStop merger
consideration in accordance with the terms of the merger
agreement.
GameStop Annual Meeting (see page 23)
The GameStop annual meeting will be held at the Wyndham Anatole
Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, on October 6,
2005, starting at 12:00 p.m., local time.
You may vote at the GameStop annual meeting if you owned shares
of GameStop common stock at the close of business on
August 30, 2005, the GameStop record date. On that date
there were 21,949,509 shares of GameStop Class A
common stock and 29,901,662 shares of GameStop Class B
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the GameStop
annual meeting.
The presence of a majority of the voting power of the shares of
GameStop common stock entitled to vote at the GameStop annual
meeting must be represented in person or by proxy at the
GameStop annual meeting to constitute a quorum. The adoption of
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the GameStop merger, the approval of the amendment to
GameStops certificate of incorporation and the amendment
to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan
(collectively, the merger proposal) requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of GameStop
Class A common stock, voting as a single class, and the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
GameStop Class A common stock and GameStop Class B
common stock, voting together as a single class. The adoption of
the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of
a majority of the voting power of GameStop common stock voting
on the proposal in person or by proxy at the GameStop annual
meeting. The three nominees for director receiving the highest
vote totals will be elected as directors of GameStop to serve
until the 2008 GameStop annual meeting of stockholders. The
ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as GameStops registered
independent public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the voting power of GameStop common stock
voting on the proposal in person or by proxy at the GameStop
annual meeting. At the GameStop annual meeting, each holder of
GameStop Class A common stock is entitled to one vote for
each share of GameStop Class A common stock, and each
holder of GameStop Class B common stock is entitled to ten
votes for each share of GameStop Class B common stock, held
as of the GameStop record date on all matters properly submitted
to the GameStop stockholders.
Pursuant to a voting agreement with the Riggio Group, the Riggio
Group has agreed to vote their shares of GameStop common stock
in favor of the adoption of the merger proposal. As of
August 30, 2005, the GameStop record date, the Riggio Group
owned approximately 5.3 million shares of GameStop
Class B common stock, which represents approximately 16.4%
of the combined voting power of all classes of GameStops
voting stock. The Riggio Group also holds exercisable options to
acquire 4,500,000 shares of GameStop Class A common
stock. These options are not expected to be exercised prior to
the GameStop record date and therefore the Riggio Group is not
expected to have any voting power with respect to the GameStop
Class A common stock.
EB Annual Meeting (see page 32)
The EB annual meeting will be held at EBs executive
offices at 931 South Matlack Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania,
on October 6, 2005, starting at 1:00 p.m., local time.
You may vote at the EB annual meeting if you owned shares of EB
common stock at the close of business on August 30, 2005,
the EB record date. On that date there were
25,383,744 shares of EB common stock outstanding and
entitled to vote at the EB annual meeting. You may cast one vote
for each share of EB common stock you owned as of the EB record
date.
8
The presence of a majority of the outstanding shares of EB
common stock entitled to vote at the EB annual meeting must be
represented in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting to
constitute a quorum. The adoption of the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of EB common stock. The adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of EB common stock voting on the proposal
in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting. The seven
nominees for EB director receiving the highest vote totals will
be elected as directors of EB to serve until the next EB annual
meeting of stockholders or until their earlier resignation. The
ratification of KPMG LLP as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of EB common stock voting on
the proposal in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting.
Pursuant to a voting agreement with the Kim Group, the Kim Group
has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to vote their shares
of EB common stock in favor of the adoption of the merger
agreement. As of August 30, 2005, the EB record date, the
Kim Group beneficially owned approximately 11.6 million
shares of EB common stock, which represent approximately 45.6%
of the outstanding shares of EB common stock at the EB annual
meeting.
9
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The following financial information is provided to assist you in
your analysis of the financial aspects of the mergers. The
following tables present (1) selected historical financial
data of GameStop, (2) selected historical financial data of
EB, and (3) selected unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated financial data of Holdco reflecting the mergers.
The historical financial data show the financial results
actually achieved by GameStop and EB for the periods indicated.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data
show financial results as if the mergers had taken place on
February 1, 2004, except financial position data which
assumes the mergers had taken place on January 29, 2005.
Selected Historical Financial Data of GameStop
The selected historical financial data of GameStop was derived
from the historical consolidated financial statements and
related notes of GameStop, filed by GameStop with the SEC. Such
data was derived from, and should be read in conjunction with,
the audited consolidated financial statements and other
financial information contained in GameStops Annual Report
on Form 10-K (as amended) for GameStop fiscal 2004 (as
defined below), including the notes thereto and GameStops
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (as amended) for the fiscal
quarter ended April 30, 2005, including the notes thereto.
See Where You Can Find More Information beginning on
page 162. The unaudited consolidated financial statements
as of and for the fiscal quarters ended May 1, 2004 and
April 30, 2005 have been prepared on the same basis as the
audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years
ended February 3, 2001, February 2, 2002,
February 1, 2003, January 31, 2004 and
January 29, 2005. In the opinion of management, the interim
data reflects all adjustments, consisting of only normal and
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of
results for these periods. Operating results for the fiscal
quarter ended April 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative
of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006.
The following table sets forth GameStops selected
consolidated financial and operating data for the periods and at
the dates indicated. GameStops fiscal year is composed of
52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January
31. The fiscal years ended January 29, 2005 (GameStop
fiscal 2004), January 31, 2004 (GameStop fiscal 2003),
February 1, 2003 (GameStop fiscal 2002) and
February 2, 2002 (GameStop fiscal 2001) consisted of
52 weeks and the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001
(GameStop fiscal 2000) consisted of 53 weeks.
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Fiscal | |
|
Fiscal | |
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|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
January 29, | |
|
January 31, | |
|
February 1, | |
|
February 2, | |
|
February 3, | |
|
April 30, | |
|
May 1, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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In thousands, except per share data and statistical data | |
Statement of Operations Data:
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Sales
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$ |
1,842,806 |
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$ |
1,578,838 |
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$ |
1,352,791 |
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$ |
1,121,138 |
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$ |
756,697 |
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$ |
474,727 |
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$ |
371,736 |
|
Cost of sales
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1,333,506 |
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|
1,145,893 |
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|
1,012,145 |
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|
|
855,386 |
|
|
|
570,995 |
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|
|
348,690 |
|
|
|
267,094 |
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|
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Gross profit
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509,300 |
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|
432,945 |
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|
340,646 |
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|
265,752 |
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|
185,702 |
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|
126,037 |
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|
104,642 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)(2)
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373,364 |
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299,193 |
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230,461 |
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200,698 |
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|
157,242 |
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|
|
98,986 |
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|
85,622 |
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Depreciation and amortization(1)(2)
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36,789 |
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|
29,368 |
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|
|
23,114 |
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19,842 |
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13,623 |
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10,194 |
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8,250 |
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Amortization of goodwill
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11,125 |
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9,223 |
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Operating earnings
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99,147 |
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|
104,384 |
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|
87,071 |
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|
34,087 |
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|
5,614 |
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|
|
16,857 |
|
|
|
10,770 |
|
Interest expense (income), net
|
|
|
236 |
|
|
|
(804 |
) |
|
|
(630 |
) |
|
|
19,452 |
|
|
|
23,411 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
(153 |
) |
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Earnings (loss) before income taxes
|
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98,911 |
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|
|
105,188 |
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|
87,701 |
|
|
|
14,635 |
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|
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(17,797 |
) |
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|
16,774 |
|
|
|
10,923 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
37,985 |
|
|
|
41,721 |
|
|
|
35,297 |
|
|
|
7,675 |
|
|
|
(5,836 |
) |
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|
6,448 |
|
|
|
4,245 |
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10
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Fiscal | |
|
Fiscal | |
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|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
January 29, | |
|
January 31, | |
|
February 1, | |
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February 2, | |
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February 3, | |
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April 30, | |
|
May 1, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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In thousands, except per share data and statistical data | |
Net earnings (loss)
|
|
$ |
60,926 |
|
|
$ |
63,467 |
|
|
$ |
52,404 |
|
|
$ |
6,960 |
|
|
$ |
(11,961 |
) |
|
$ |
10,326 |
|
|
$ |
6,678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Net earnings (loss) per Class A and Class B
share basic(5)
|
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$ |
1.11 |
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|
$ |
1.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.93 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
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|
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Weighted average shares outstanding basic
|
|
|
54,662 |
|
|
|
56,330 |
|
|
|
56,289 |
|
|
|
36,009 |
|
|
|
36,009 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
56,990 |
|
|
|
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Net earnings (loss) per Class A and Class B
share diluted(5)
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
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|
$ |
1.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Weighted average shares outstanding diluted
|
|
|
57,796 |
|
|
|
59,764 |
|
|
|
60,419 |
|
|
|
39,397 |
|
|
|
36,009 |
|
|
|
54,490 |
|
|
|
60,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Other Financial Data:
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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Net earnings (loss) excluding the after-tax effect of goodwill
amortization(3)
|
|
$ |
60,926 |
|
|
$ |
63,467 |
|
|
$ |
52,404 |
|
|
$ |
15,373 |
|
|
$ |
(5,212 |
) |
|
$ |
10,326 |
|
|
$ |
6,678 |
|
Net earnings (loss) per Class A and Class B share
excluding the after-tax effect of goodwill
amortization diluted(3)(5)
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
|
$ |
1.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Store Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stores open at the end of period
|
|
|
1,826 |
|
|
|
1,514 |
|
|
|
1,231 |
|
|
|
1,038 |
|
|
|
978 |
|
|
|
1,908 |
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
Comparable store sales increase (decrease)(4)
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
11.4 |
% |
|
|
32.0 |
% |
|
|
(6.7 |
)% |
|
|
12.0 |
% |
|
|
(1.8 |
)% |
Inventory turnover
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital (deficit)
|
|
$ |
110,093 |
|
|
$ |
188,378 |
|
|
$ |
174,482 |
|
|
$ |
31,107 |
|
|
$ |
(1,726 |
) |
|
$ |
117,578 |
|
|
$ |
185,559 |
|
Total assets(1)(2)
|
|
|
914,983 |
|
|
|
902,189 |
|
|
|
806,237 |
|
|
|
608,674 |
|
|
|
511,504 |
|
|
|
942,156 |
|
|
|
843,607 |
|
Total debt
|
|
|
36,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
399,623 |
|
|
|
385,148 |
|
|
|
36,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities(1)(2)
|
|
|
371,972 |
|
|
|
308,156 |
|
|
|
257,562 |
|
|
|
612,659 |
|
|
|
532,114 |
|
|
|
379,719 |
|
|
|
236,994 |
|
Stockholders equity (deficit)
|
|
|
543,011 |
|
|
|
594,033 |
|
|
|
548,675 |
|
|
|
(3,985 |
) |
|
|
(20,610 |
) |
|
|
562,437 |
|
|
|
606,613 |
|
|
|
(1) |
In GameStop fiscal 2004, GameStop revised its method of
accounting for rent expense to conform to GAAP, as recently
clarified by the Chief Accountant of the SEC in a
February 7, 2005 letter to the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants. A non-cash, after-tax adjustment
of $3,312 was made in the fourth quarter of GameStop fiscal 2004
to correct the method of accounting for rent expense (and
related deferred rent liability) to include the impact of
escalating rents for periods in which GameStop is reasonably
assured of exercising lease options and to include any
rent holiday period (a period during which GameStop
is not obligated to pay rent) the lease allows while the store
is being constructed. GameStop also corrected its calculation of
depreciation expense for leasehold improvements for those leases
which do not include an option period. |
|
|
|
The impact of these corrections on periods prior to GameStop
fiscal 2004 was not material and the adjustment does not affect
historical or future cash flows or the timing of payments under
related leases. |
|
|
(2) |
In GameStop fiscal 2004, GameStop changed its classification of
tenant improvement allowances on the balance sheets, statement
of operations and statements of cash flows. GameStop
historically classified tenant improvement allowances as
reductions of property and equipment on its balance |
11
|
|
|
sheets and as reductions in depreciation and amortization in its
statements of operations. In order to comply with the provisions
of FASB Technical Bulletin No. 88-1, Issues
Relating to Accounting for Leases (FTB 88-1),
however, GameStop has reclassified tenant improvement allowances
as deferred rent liabilities (in other long-term liabilities) on
its balance sheets and as a reduction of rent expense (in
selling, general and administrative expenses) in its statements
of operations. The effect of this reclassification increased
total assets and total liabilities on GameStops balance
sheets by $4,671 as of January 29, 2005, $3,265 as of
January 31, 2004, $2,328 as of February 1, 2003,
$1,831 as of February 2, 2002, $1,747 as of
February 3, 2001 and $3,549 as of May 1, 2004 and
decreased selling, general and administrative expense and
increased depreciation expense in GameStops statements of
operations by $671, $540, $601, $678, $649 and $155 in GameStop
fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and the fiscal quarter ended
May 1, 2004, respectively. |
|
(3) |
Net earnings (loss) excluding the after-tax effect of goodwill
amortization is presented here to provide additional information
about GameStops operations. These items should be
considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or
superior to, operating earnings, net earnings, cash flow and
other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). |
|
(4) |
Stores are included in GameStops comparable store sales
base beginning in the 13th month of operation. Comparable
store sales for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001 were
computed using the first 52 weeks of the 53-week fiscal
year. |
|
(5) |
The holders of GameStop Class A and Class B common
stock generally have identical rights, except that the holders
of GameStop Class A common stock are entitled to one vote
per share and the holders of GameStop Class B common stock
are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted
on by stockholders. Earnings per common share amounts represent
per share amounts for both classes of common stock. |
Selected Historical Financial Data of EB
For the periods indicated, the selected historical financial
data of EB was derived from the historical consolidated
financial statements and related notes of EB, filed by EB with
the SEC. This data was derived from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the audited consolidated financial statements
and other financial information contained in EBs Annual
Report on Form 10-K (as amended) for EB fiscal 2005 (as
defined below), including the notes thereto and EBs
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (as amended) for the fiscal
quarter ended April 30, 2005, including the notes thereto.
See Where You Can Find More Information beginning on
page 162. The unaudited consolidated financial statements
as of and for the fiscal quarters ended May 1, 2004 and
April 30, 2005 have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
for interim financial information and with the instructions to
Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In
the opinion of management, the interim data reflects all
adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for
these periods. Operating results for the fiscal quarter ended
April 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006.
12
The following table sets forth EBs selected consolidated
financial and operating data for the periods and at the dates
indicated. EBs fiscal year is composed of 52 or
53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The
fiscal years ended January 29, 2005 (EB fiscal 2005),
January 31, 2004 (EB fiscal 2004), February 1, 2003
(EB fiscal 2003) and February 2, 2002 (EB fiscal 2002)
consisted of 52 weeks and the fiscal year ended
February 3, 2001 (EB fiscal 2001) consisted of
53 weeks. GameStop refers to the fiscal years described
above as GameStop fiscal 2004, GameStop fiscal 2003, GameStop
fiscal 2002, GameStop fiscal 2001 and GameStop fiscal 2000,
respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended | |
|
Fiscal Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
January 29, | |
|
January 31, | |
|
February 1, | |
|
February 2, | |
|
February 3, | |
|
April 30, | |
|
May 1, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data and operating data) | |
Statement of Income Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$ |
1,983,537 |
|
|
$ |
1,588,406 |
|
|
$ |
1,309,226 |
|
|
$ |
1,059,338 |
|
|
$ |
802,851 |
|
|
$ |
505,961 |
|
|
$ |
370,964 |
|
Management fees(1)
|
|
|
5,845 |
|
|
|
13,375 |
|
|
|
7,553 |
|
|
|
5,889 |
|
|
|
4,425 |
|
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
1,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
1,989,382 |
|
|
|
1,601,781 |
|
|
|
1,316,779 |
|
|
|
1,065,227 |
|
|
|
807,276 |
|
|
|
507,085 |
|
|
|
372,425 |
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
1,450,205 |
|
|
|
1,174,429 |
|
|
|
971,204 |
|
|
|
826,599 |
|
|
|
626,939 |
|
|
|
374,360 |
|
|
|
271,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
539,177 |
|
|
|
427,352 |
|
|
|
345,575 |
|
|
|
238,628 |
|
|
|
180,337 |
|
|
|
132,725 |
|
|
|
101,271 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expense(2)
|
|
|
422,374 |
|
|
|
327,260 |
|
|
|
266,729 |
|
|
|
178,928 |
|
|
|
144,082 |
|
|
|
118,502 |
|
|
|
88,525 |
|
Restructuring and asset impairment (reversal) charge(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,611 |
) |
|
|
12,638 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
37,473 |
|
|
|
29,211 |
|
|
|
23,361 |
|
|
|
20,286 |
|
|
|
16,239 |
|
|
|
10,802 |
|
|
|
8,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
79,330 |
|
|
|
70,881 |
|
|
|
58,096 |
|
|
|
26,776 |
|
|
|
20,016 |
|
|
|
3,421 |
|
|
|
4,385 |
|
Other income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income, net
|
|
|
2,350 |
|
|
|
1,751 |
|
|
|
1,677 |
|
|
|
1,884 |
|
|
|
3,096 |
|
|
|
917 |
|
|
|
452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income tax expense and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle
|
|
|
81,680 |
|
|
|
72,632 |
|
|
|
59,773 |
|
|
|
28,660 |
|
|
|
24,662 |
|
|
|
4,338 |
|
|
|
4,837 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
29,393 |
|
|
|
26,903 |
|
|
|
22,373 |
|
|
|
10,948 |
|
|
|
9,791 |
|
|
|
1,561 |
|
|
|
1,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
|
|
|
52,287 |
|
|
|
45,729 |
|
|
|
37,400 |
|
|
|
17,712 |
|
|
|
14,871 |
|
|
|
2,777 |
|
|
|
3,046 |
|
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of
tax(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,773 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(2)
|
|
$ |
52,287 |
|
|
$ |
45,729 |
|
|
$ |
32,627 |
|
|
$ |
17,712 |
|
|
$ |
14,871 |
|
|
$ |
2,777 |
|
|
$ |
3,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income per share before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
2.16 |
|
|
$ |
1.82 |
|
|
$ |
1.44 |
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
2.13 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.42 |
|
|
$ |
0.73 |
|
|
$ |
0.66 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share cumulative effect of change in accounting principle:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended | |
|
Fiscal Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
January 29, | |
|
January 31, | |
|
February 1, | |
|
February 2, | |
|
February 3, | |
|
April 30, | |
|
May 1, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data and operating data) | |
Net income per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
2.16 |
|
|
$ |
1.82 |
|
|
$ |
1.26 |
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
2.13 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.24 |
|
|
$ |
0.73 |
|
|
$ |
0.66 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
24,159 |
|
|
|
25,114 |
|
|
|
25,833 |
|
|
|
23,868 |
|
|
|
22,254 |
|
|
|
24,696 |
|
|
|
24,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
24,547 |
|
|
|
25,415 |
|
|
|
26,247 |
|
|
|
24,230 |
|
|
|
22,466 |
|
|
|
25,079 |
|
|
|
24,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Data:(5)
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stores open at end of period
|
|
|
1,977 |
|
|
|
1,528 |
|
|
|
1,145 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
737 |
|
|
|
2,071 |
|
|
|
1,623 |
|
Comparable store sales increase (decrease)(6)
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
8.3 |
% |
|
|
20.8 |
% |
|
|
(4.5 |
)% |
|
|
14.5 |
% |
|
|
(2.5 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
| |
|
|
January 29, | |
|
January 31, | |
|
February 1, | |
|
February 2, | |
|
February 3, | |
|
April 30, | |
|
May 1, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital
|
|
$ |
175,422 |
|
|
$ |
163,422 |
|
|
$ |
144,363 |
|
|
$ |
121,446 |
|
|
$ |
30,133 |
|
|
$ |
181,769 |
|
|
$ |
149,284 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
724,200 |
|
|
|
643,932 |
|
|
|
527,305 |
|
|
|
429,649 |
|
|
|
270,493 |
|
|
|
723,068 |
|
|
|
544,834 |
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
372,732 |
|
|
|
339,952 |
|
|
|
252,805 |
|
|
|
192,489 |
|
|
|
139,273 |
|
|
|
365,635 |
|
|
|
255,159 |
|
Total stockholders equity
|
|
|
351,468 |
|
|
|
303,980 |
|
|
|
274,500 |
|
|
|
237,160 |
|
|
|
131,220 |
|
|
|
357,433 |
|
|
|
289,675 |
|
|
|
(1) |
In EB fiscal 2004, management fees included $4.7 million of
revenue earned as part of EBs termination of the services
agreement with The Game Group plc (Game Group). |
|
(2) |
In February 2005, EB initiated a review of its lease-related
accounting methods for rent holidays (the period prior to the
store opening when EB pays reduced or no rent) and tenant
improvement allowances. Based on this review, EB recorded a
one-time, cumulative, non-cash charge to rent expense of
$4.2 million ($2.7 million after-tax, or
$0.11 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of EB fiscal
2005. |
|
(3) |
In EB fiscal 2002, the restructuring and asset impairment charge
of $12.6 million resulted from EBs adoption of a plan
to close the operations of all 29 EB Kids stores and sell the
22-store BC Sports Collectibles business. The charge represented
a $3.5 million write down of store leasehold improvements,
a $2.3 million write down of store furniture, fixtures and
equipment and $6.7 million in lease termination costs. In
EB fiscal 2003, the $2.6 million net reversal of the
restructuring and asset impairment charge resulted primarily
from store lease related accruals that were not necessary due to
the terms of the sale of the BC Sports Collectibles business. |
|
(4) |
EB changed its accounting policy with respect to the recording
of vendor advertising allowances effective retroactively as of
the beginning of EB fiscal 2003. As a result, EB recorded a
non-cash charge of $4.8 million, net of income tax, in the
first quarter of EB fiscal 2003 for the cumulative effect of the
change in accounting principle on fiscal years prior to EB
fiscal 2003. Prior to this change, EB recognized all vendor
advertising allowances as an offset to selling, general and
administrative expense. Vendor advertising allowances in excess
of advertising expense of $40.9 million and
$35.8 million were reflected as an offset to selling,
general and administrative expense in EB fiscal 2002 and EB
fiscal 2001, respectively. |
|
(5) |
Does not reflect stores operated by other retailers for which EB
has provided management services. |
14
|
|
(6) |
Comparable store sales are based on stores in operation for over
one year. Comparable store sales results for EB fiscal 2001
represents the 52 week period ending January 27, 2001. |
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial
Data of Holdco
The following table shows information about the pro forma
financial condition and results of operations, including per
share data, of Holdco after giving effect to the mergers. The
table sets forth selected unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated statement of operations data as if the mergers had
become effective on February 1, 2004, and selected
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet data as
if the mergers had occurred on April 30, 2005. The
information presented below should be read together with the
historical consolidated financial statements of GameStop and EB,
including the related notes, filed by each of them with the SEC
and together with the consolidated historical financial data for
GameStop and EB and the other unaudited pro forma financial
information, including the related notes, appearing elsewhere in
this joint proxy statement-prospectus. See Where You Can
Find More Information beginning on page 162 and
GSC Holdings Corp. Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Financial Data beginning on page 134.
The unaudited pro forma financial data is not necessarily
indicative of results that actually would have occurred had the
mergers been completed on the dates indicated or that may be
obtained in the future. See also Risk Factors
beginning on page 18 and Information Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements beginning on page 22.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For Fiscal | |
|
|
For Fiscal Year | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
January 29, 2005 | |
|
April 30, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands, except | |
|
|
per share data) | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
Operating Results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
3,832,188 |
|
|
$ |
981,812 |
|
|
|
Net earnings
|
|
|
55,203 |
|
|
|
(1,399 |
) |
|
Per Share Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings per Class A and Class B common
share basic(1)
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
Net earnings per Class A and Class B common
share diluted(1)
|
|
|
0.71 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
|
April 30, 2005 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merchandise inventories, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
584,772 |
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,679,556 |
|
|
Note payable, current portion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,173 |
|
|
Notes payable, long-term portion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
974,347 |
|
|
Total debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
986,520 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The holders of Holdco Class A and Class B common stock
generally have identical rights, except that the holders of
Holdco Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per
share and the holders of Holdco Class B common stock are
entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by
stockholders. Earnings per common share amounts represent per
share amounts for both classes of common stock. |
15
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
(Unaudited)
The following table sets forth certain historical per share data
for GameStop and EB and combined per share data on an unaudited
pro forma condensed consolidated basis. You should read the
information below together with the financial statements and
related notes of GameStop and EB that are incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus and with the
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data
included under GSC Holdings Corp. Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Financial Data beginning on
page 134.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Quarter | |
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended | |
|
Ended | |
GameStop Historical Comparative per Share Data |
|
January 29, 2005 | |
|
April 30, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net earnings per Class A and Class B common
share basic(1)
|
|
$ |
1.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
Net earnings per Class A and Class B common
share diluted(1)
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
Cash dividends per common share
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Book value per common share
|
|
$ |
10.68 |
|
|
$ |
10.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Quarter | |
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended | |
|
Ended | |
EB Historical Comparative per Share Data |
|
January 29, 2005 | |
|
April 30, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net earnings per common share basic
|
|
$ |
2.16 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Net earnings per common share diluted
|
|
$ |
2.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Cash dividends per common share
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Book value per common share
|
|
$ |
14.26 |
|
|
$ |
14.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Quarter | |
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended | |
|
Ended | |
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Comparative per Share Data |
|
January 29, 2005 | |
|
April 30, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net earnings per Class A and Class B common
share basic(2)
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
Net earnings per Class A and Class B common
share diluted(2)
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
Cash dividends per common share
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Book value per common share
|
|
$ |
13.70 |
|
|
$ |
13.83 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The holders of GameStop Class A and Class B common
stock generally have identical rights, except that the holders
of GameStop Class A common stock are entitled to one vote
per share and the holders of GameStop Class B common stock
are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted
on by stockholders. Earnings per common share amounts represent
per share amounts for both classes of common stock. |
|
(2) |
The holders of Holdco Class A and Class B common stock
generally have identical rights, except that the holders of
Holdco Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per
share and the holders of Holdco Class B common stock are
entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by
stockholders. Earnings per common share amounts represent per
share amounts for both classes of common stock. |
16
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
GameStop Unaudited Results for Second Quarter of GameStop
Fiscal 2005
On August 18, 2005, GameStop announced its financial
results for the second quarter of GameStop fiscal 2005. GameStop
reported net earnings for the second quarter of
$7.9 million, compared with net earnings of
$7.7 million in the prior year quarter. Diluted earnings
per Class A and Class B common share increased 7.7%,
to $0.14 per diluted share, as compared to $0.13 per
diluted share in the prior year quarter. GameStop sales
increased 20.3% to $415.9 million in the second quarter of
2005, compared with $345.6 million in the prior year
quarter. Comparable store sales increased 6.2% during the second
quarter of GameStop fiscal 2005.
EB Unaudited Results for Second Quarter of EB Fiscal 2006
On August 29, 2005, EB announced its financial results for
the second quarter of EB fiscal 2006. EB reported net
earnings of $1.6 million, compared with net earnings of
$3.9 million in the prior year quarter. Diluted earnings
per share for the second quarter of EB fiscal 2006 totalled
$0.06 per share, as compared to $0.16 per diluted share in
the prior year quarter. EBs total revenue increased 23.9%
to $448.3 million in the second quarter of EB fiscal 2006,
compared with total revenue of $361.9 million in the prior
year quarter. Comparable store sales increased 2.6% during the
second quarter of EB fiscal 2006.
17
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in or
incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, including the matters addressed under the
caption Information Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements on page 22, you should carefully consider
the following risk factors in deciding whether to vote for
adoption of the merger proposal. Additional risk factors
regarding GameStop and EB can be found in the Annual Reports on
Forms 10-K (as amended) for the fiscal year ended
January 29, 2005 of GameStop and EB filed with the SEC and
available at the SECs Internet site
(http://www.sec.gov).
Because the exchange ratios are fixed, the market value of
Holdco common stock issued to you may be less than the value of
your shares of GameStop common stock or EB common stock.
GameStop stockholders and EB stockholders who receive shares in
the mergers will receive a fixed number of shares of common
stock of Holdco rather than a number of shares with a particular
fixed market value. The market values of GameStop and EB common
stock at the time of the mergers may vary significantly from
their prices on the date the merger agreement was executed, the
date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus or the date on
which GameStop and EB stockholders vote on the mergers. Because
the exchange ratio will not be adjusted to reflect any changes
in the market value of GameStop or EB common stock, the market
value of the Holdco common stock issued in the mergers and the
GameStop and EB common stock surrendered in the mergers may be
higher or lower than the values of such shares on such earlier
dates. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors
that are beyond the control of GameStop and EB, including
changes in their businesses, operations and prospects,
regulatory considerations and general and industry specific
market and economic conditions. Neither GameStop nor EB is
permitted to terminate the merger agreement solely because of
changes in the market price of either partys common stock.
Holdcos significant indebtedness following the
mergers could adversely impact cash availability for growth and
operations and may increase vulnerability to general adverse
economic and industry conditions.
GameStops indebtedness for borrowed money as of
August 30, 2005 was approximately $37.0 million.
EBs indebtedness for borrowed money as of August 30,
2005 was approximately $9.5 million. Holdcos pro
forma total indebtedness, after giving effect to the mergers, is
expected to be approximately $996.5 million. Holdcos
debt service obligations with respect to this increased
indebtedness could have an adverse impact on its earnings and
cash flows for as long as the indebtedness is outstanding.
Holdcos increased indebtedness could have important
consequences to holders of its common stock. For example, it
could:
|
|
|
|
|
make it more difficult for Holdco to pay its debts as they
become due during general adverse economic and market industry
conditions because any related decrease in revenues could cause
Holdcos cash flows from operations to decrease and make it
difficult for Holdco to make its scheduled debt payments; |
|
|
|
limit Holdcos flexibility in planning for, or reacting to,
changes in its business and the industry in which it operates
and, consequently, place Holdco at a competitive disadvantage to
its competitors with less debt; |
|
|
|
require a substantial portion of Holdcos cash flow from
operations to be used for debt service payments, thereby
reducing the availability of its cash flow to fund working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general
corporate purposes; and |
|
|
|
result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in
interest rates since some of Holdcos borrowings are, and
will continue to be, at variable rates of interest. |
Additionally, if the rating of Holdcos indebtedness is
downgraded, Holdcos ability to borrow additional funds
could be limited or the interest rates applicable to
Holdcos indebtedness could increase.
18
There can be no assurance that Holdco will be able to make all
of the principal and interest payments when such payments are
due under Holdcos proposed credit facilities, the
indenture governing the proposed Holdco notes and/or the
proposed bridge facility. For more information see The
Mergers Financing.
The failure to successfully integrate GameStops and
EBs businesses and operations in the expected timeframe
may adversely affect Holdcos future results.
GameStop and EB have operated and, until the completion of the
mergers, will continue to operate independently. Holdco will
face significant challenges in consolidating GameStop and EB
functions, integrating their organizations, procedures and
operations in a timely and efficient manner and retaining key
GameStop and EB personnel. The integration of GameStop and EB
will be costly, complex and time consuming, and management of
Holdco will have to devote substantial resources and efforts to
it.
The integration process and other disruptions from the mergers
could result in the disruption of each companys ongoing
business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures
and policies that adversely affect their ability to maintain
relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and others
with whom they have business dealings or to achieve the
anticipated benefits of the mergers.
We may fail to realize the anticipated synergies, cost
savings and other benefits expected from the mergers.
The success of the mergers will depend, in part, on our ability
to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and cost savings
from combining the businesses of GameStop and EB. Management of
GameStop and EB have estimated that the combined company will
realize approximately $30 million in cost savings and
operating synergies by the end of the fiscal year ending
February 3, 2007 and $50 million annually thereafter
by capitalizing on consolidation and integration of certain
functions as well as through the adoption by Holdco of the best
practices of both GameStop and EB. However, to realize the
anticipated benefits from the mergers, we must successfully
combine the businesses of GameStop and EB in a manner that
permits those cost savings synergies to be realized. In
addition, we must achieve these savings without adversely
affecting our revenues. If we are not able to successfully
achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the
mergers may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer
to realize than expected.
The merger agreement limits GameStops and EBs
ability to pursue alternatives to the mergers.
The merger agreement contains no shop provisions
that, subject to limited exceptions, limit GameStops and
EBs ability to discuss, facilitate or commit to competing
third-party proposals to acquire all or a significant part of
either GameStop or EB. In addition, GameStop and EB have agreed
that if the merger agreement is terminated under certain
circumstances, GameStop or EB will pay the other a termination
fee of $40 million. These provisions might discourage a
potential competing acquiror that might have an interest in
acquiring all or a significant part of GameStop or EB from
considering or proposing an acquisition even if it were prepared
to pay consideration with a higher per share price than that
proposed in the mergers, or might result in a potential
competing acquiror proposing to pay a lower per share price to
acquire GameStop or EB than it might otherwise have proposed to
pay.
The mergers are subject to certain closing conditions
that, if not satisfied or waived, will result in the mergers not
being completed, which may cause the market price of GameStop
common stock or EB common stock to decline.
The mergers are subject to customary conditions to closing,
including the receipt of required approvals of the stockholders
of GameStop and EB. If any condition to the mergers is not
satisfied or, if permissible, waived, the mergers will not be
completed. In addition, GameStop and EB may terminate the merger
agreement in certain circumstances. If GameStop and EB do not
complete the mergers, the market price of GameStop common stock
or EB common stock may fluctuate to the extent that the current
market prices of those shares reflect a market assumption that
the mergers will be completed. GameStop and EB will also be
obligated to pay certain investment banking, financing, legal
and accounting fees and related expenses in connection with the
mergers, whether or not the mergers are completed. In addition,
19
GameStop and EB have each diverted significant management
resources in an effort to complete the mergers and are each
subject to restrictions contained in the merger agreement on the
conduct of its business. If the mergers are not completed,
GameStop and EB will each have incurred significant costs,
including the diversion of management resources, for which it
will have received little or no benefit. Further, in specified
circumstances, GameStop and EB may be required to pay to the
other a termination fee of $40 million if the merger
agreement is terminated. For a detailed description of the
circumstances in which such termination fee will be paid, see
The Mergers The Merger Agreement
Termination on page 89 and
Termination Fees on page 89.
Directors of GameStop and EB may have potential conflicts
of interest in recommending that you vote in favor of the
adoption of the merger agreement.
A number of directors of GameStop and a number of directors of
EB who recommend that you vote in favor of the adoption of the
merger agreement have employment or severance agreements, equity
compensation and other benefit arrangements or other interests
that provide them with interests in the mergers that differ from
yours. In addition, certain directors of EB will continue as
directors of Holdco while other directors will not, and in
either case, Holdco will indemnify and provide insurance for
their services as directors of GameStop and EB prior to the
mergers. Leonard Riggio, a GameStop director, is a significant
beneficial stockholder of GameStop and EBs Chairman, James
J. Kim, is a significant beneficial stockholder of EB. You
should be aware of these interests when you consider your board
of directors recommendation that you vote in favor of the
mergers.
Holdco does not expect to pay dividends for the
foreseeable future, and you must rely on increases in the
trading prices of Holdco stock for returns on your
investment.
Holdco does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable
future. Former GameStop and EB stockholders who become
stockholders of Holdco must rely on increases, if any, in the
trading price of Holdco common stock for any return on their
investment.
The former EB stockholders will have limited voting rights
in the combined company.
The shares of Holdco Class A common stock that the current
stockholders of EB will receive in connection with the EB merger
will be entitled to one vote per share whereas the shares of
Holdco Class B common stock that will be outstanding
following the mergers will be entitled to ten votes per share.
Accordingly, although the former stockholders of EB will own
approximately 27.9% of the outstanding common stock of Holdco
upon the closing of the mergers, their shares of stock will only
represent approximately 5.9% of the combined voting power of
Holdco.
The loss of key personnel may adversely affect
Holdco.
Following the mergers, Holdco will be dependent upon the
contributions of its senior management team, including R.
Richard Fontaine and Daniel A. DeMatteo, and other key employees
for its future success. While Mr. Fontaine and
Mr. DeMatteo have employment agreements with GameStop, if
any of these executives or other key employees, were to cease to
be employed by Holdco, including as a result of the integration
of GameStop and EB following the mergers, Holdco could be
adversely affected.
Former EB stockholders who become stockholders of Holdco
will be governed by the amended and restated certificate of
incorporation and amended and restated bylaws of Holdco.
EB stockholders who receive Holdco common stock in the mergers
will become Holdco stockholders and their rights as stockholders
will be governed by the amended and restated certificate of
incorporation and amended and restated bylaws of Holdco and
Delaware corporate law. As a result, there will be material
differences between the current rights of EB stockholders and
the rights they can expect to have as Holdco stockholders.
20
For example, among other differences, EBs certificate of
incorporation does not provide for a staggered board of
directors but Holdcos certificate of incorporation does,
and thus an acquisition or change in control of Holdco by a
third party that the board, in its judgment, might not have
favored may be more difficult to effect.
Former GameStop stockholders who become stockholders of
Holdco will be governed by the amended and restated certificate
of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws of
Holdco.
GameStop stockholders who receive Holdco common stock in the
mergers will become Holdco stockholders and their rights as
stockholders will be governed by the amended and restated
certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws of
Holdco and Delaware corporate law. As a result, there will be
material differences between the current rights of GameStop
stockholders and the rights they can expect to have as Holdco
stockholders.
For example, among other differences, GameStops
certificate of incorporation (without taking into effect the
amendment to be voted upon in connection with this joint proxy
statement-prospectus) provides that in connection with a merger,
consolidation, etc. the holders of GameStop Class A common
stock and GameStop Class B common stock will receive the
same consideration. Holdcos amended and restated
certificate of incorporation provides that the holders of Holdco
Class A common stock and Holdco Class B common stock
will receive the same consideration, provided that the holders
of Holdco Class B common stock may receive securities that
differ on a per share basis as to voting rights and powers (but
not more than ten to one) than those of the holders of Holdco
Class A common stock.
Market overhang could depress the market price
of Holdco common stock.
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement required to
be filed with the SEC under the registration rights agreement
with the Kim Group, 9.1 million shares of Holdco
Class A common stock will be available to be sold
immediately into the public market. That market
overhang, as well as any sales of such shares, could
depress the market price of the Holdco common stock.
The combined company may be required to make severance
payments to EBs senior officers in connection with the
mergers.
Certain senior officers of EB have the right to terminate their
employment with EB following the mergers. If these EB senior
officers elect to so terminate their employment, EB will be
required to make severance payments in an amount equal to their
current total compensation for a period equal to the greater of
(i) the balance of their employment term under their
employment agreements and (ii) twelve months, and to
continue to provide them with their current benefits during such
period. If all of the EB senior officers who have the right to
these severance payments elect to terminate their employment
following the closing of the mergers, EB will have to make
aggregate severance payments estimated to be up to approximately
$4.4 million to these senior officers.
GameStop and EB may be in default under certain of their
store leases upon the closing of the mergers.
Certain of the store leases for GameStop and EB contain
provisions that require the consent of the landlord before the
tenant can complete a transaction such as the mergers or take
other actions that may be required following the closing of the
mergers. GameStop and EB may be in default under these store
leases upon the closing of the mergers. If the landlords under
these leases attempt to exercise any remedies available to them
following the closing of the mergers, the business, financial
condition and results of operations of the combined company may
be adversely affected.
21
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This joint proxy statement-prospectus contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements may be made directly in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus or they may be made a part of this joint
proxy statement-prospectus by appearing in other documents filed
with the SEC by GameStop, EB and Holdco and incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus. These
statements may include statements regarding the period following
completion of the mergers.
Words such as anticipate, estimate,
expect, project, intend,
plan, believe, target,
objective, goal, should and
words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any
discussion of future operating or financial performance of
GameStop, EB or Holdco or of the mergers identify
forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are
managements present expectations or forecasts of future
events and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the
factors relating to the mergers discussed under the caption
Risk Factors beginning on page 18 above, the
following factors, among others, could cause actual results to
differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements:
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the failure of GameStop and EB stockholders to approve the
transaction; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated
successfully; |
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the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the
transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to
realize than expected; |
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disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to
maintain relationships with customers, employees or
suppliers; and |
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competition and its effect on pricing, spending, third-party
relationships and revenues. Additional factors that could cause
GameStops and EBs results to differ materially from
those described in the forward-looking statements can be found
in the Annual Reports on Forms 10-K (as amended) for the
fiscal year ended January 29, 2005 of GameStop and EB filed
with the SEC and available at the SECs Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov. |
We caution you not to place undue reliance on the
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of
this joint proxy statement-prospectus in the case of
forward-looking statements contained in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, or the dates of the documents incorporated
by reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus in the
case of forward-looking statements made in those incorporated
documents. Except as may be required by law, none of GameStop,
EB or Holdco has any obligation to update or alter these
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
We expressly qualify in their entirety all forward-looking
statements attributable to GameStop, EB or Holdco or any person
acting on our behalf by the cautionary statements contained or
referred to in this section.
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THE GAMESTOP ANNUAL MEETING
Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
This joint proxy statement-prospectus is being furnished to you
in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the GameStop
board of directors in connection with GameStops annual
meeting of stockholders.
This joint proxy statement-prospectus is first being furnished
to GameStop stockholders on or about September 7, 2005.
Date, Time and Place of the GameStop Annual Meeting
The GameStop annual meeting is scheduled to be held as follows:
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Wyndham Anatole Hotel
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas
12:00 p.m., local time
Purpose of the GameStop Annual Meeting
At the GameStop annual meeting, GameStops stockholders
will be asked:
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1. To consider and vote on a proposal to (i) adopt the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 17, 2005,
by and among GameStop, GameStop, Inc., GSC Holdings Corp., Eagle
Subsidiary LLC, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and EB, including the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the GameStop
merger, pursuant to which, among other things, separate
subsidiaries of Holdco will be merged with and into GameStop and
EB, (ii) approve the amendment to GameStops
certificate of incorporation to provide for the payment of the
merger consideration as contemplated by the merger agreement and
(iii) to approve the amendment to the GameStop Amended and
Restated 2001 Incentive Plan to provide for the issuance of
Holdco Class A common stock under the plan. In the proposed
mergers, EB common stockholders will have the right to receive
$38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco Class A
common stock for each share of EB common stock that they own. In
addition, GameStop stockholders will receive one share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of GameStop
Class A common stock that they own and one share of Holdco
Class B common stock for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock that they own. A copy of the merger
agreement is attached as Annex A to the accompanying
joint proxy statement-prospectus. |
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2. To consider and vote on the adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan. |
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3. To elect three members to GameStops board of
directors. |
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4. To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as
GameStops registered independent public accounting firm
for GameStops fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. |
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5. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the GameStop annual meeting or any adjournment or
postponement of the GameStop annual meeting. |
Record Date for the GameStop Annual Meeting
The board of directors of GameStop has fixed the close of
business on August 30, 2005 as the GameStop record date for
determination of GameStop stockholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the GameStop annual meeting of stockholders.
On the GameStop record date, there were 21,949,509 shares
of GameStop Class A common stock and 29,901,662 shares
of GameStop Class B common stock outstanding and entitled
to vote at the
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GameStop annual meeting, held by approximately 31 and
1,410 holders of record, respectively. Shares that are held
in GameStops treasury are not entitled to vote at the
GameStop annual meeting.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of GameStop
As discussed elsewhere in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, GameStops board of directors has
approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the GameStop merger, and has determined that
the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are
advisable and fair to and in the best interests of GameStop and
its stockholders. The GameStop board of directors recommends
that GameStop stockholders vote:
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FOR the proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the GameStop
merger, the amendment to GameStops certificate of
incorporation to provide for the payment of the GameStop merger
consideration as contemplated by the merger agreement and the
amendment to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive
Plan to provide for the issuance of Holdco Class A common
stock under the plan; |
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FOR the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan; |
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FOR the election of the GameStop nominees for directors named in
this joint proxy statement-prospectus; and |
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FOR the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as GameStops
registered independent public accounting firm for
GameStops fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. |
GAMESTOP PROPOSAL 1 THE MERGERS
As discussed elsewhere in this joint proxy statement-prospectus,
GameStop stockholders are considering and voting on a proposal
to adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the GameStop merger, an amendment to
GameStops certificate of incorporation to provide for the
payment of the GameStop merger consideration as contemplated by
the merger agreement and the amendment to the GameStop Amended
and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan to provide for the issuance of
Holdco Class A common stock under the plan. You should
carefully read this entire joint proxy statement-prospectus,
including the full text of the merger agreement, which is
attached as Annex A, and the other documents we
refer you to for a more complete understanding of the mergers.
In addition, we incorporate important business and financial
information about each of GameStop and EB into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus by reference. You may obtain the
information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus without charge by following the
instructions in the section entitled Where You Can Find
More Information which begins on page 162.
Effect of the GameStop Merger; What You Will Receive in the
GameStop Merger
Upon completion of the GameStop merger, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco newly organized to effect the
GameStop merger, will merge with and into GameStop. GameStop
will be the surviving corporation in the GameStop merger and
will thereby become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco.
In the GameStop merger, each outstanding share of GameStop
Class A common stock (other than shares owned by GameStop,
Cowboy Subsidiary LLC or EB) will be converted into one share of
Holdco Class A common stock and each share of GameStop
Class B common stock (other than shares owned by GameStop,
Cowboy Subsidiary LLC or EB) will be converted into one share of
Holdco Class B common stock. The exchange ratio is fixed
and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price changes prior to
the date of the GameStop merger. Each share of GameStop common
stock owned by GameStop, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC or EB will be
cancelled without consideration.
All outstanding GameStop stock options will be converted into
options to purchase the same number of shares of Holdco
Class A common stock, subject to the same terms and
conditions. Holdco shall
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assume the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan, as
amended. As of August 30, 2005, there were approximately
three million shares remaining available for grant pursuant to
this plan.
In connection with the mergers, Article Fourth (b)(v) of
the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of
GameStop relating to the equal treatment of holders of GameStop
Class A common stock and GameStop Class B common stock
in mergers, consolidations, etc., will be amended, subject to
GameStop stockholder approval, to permit the receipt by holders
of GameStop Class B common stock, in any consolidation,
merger, combination or other transaction in which shares of
GameStop common stock are exchanged for other securities or
property, of securities that differ as to voting rights and
powers on a per share basis from the securities received by
holders of GameStop Class A common stock, provided that
such difference shall not exceed ten to one. This amendment is
necessary to allow for the payment of the GameStop merger
consideration in accordance with the terms of the merger
agreement. This amendment requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of GameStop Class A
common stock, voting as a single class, and the affirmative vote
of a majority of the GameStop Class A common stock and
GameStop Class B common stock, voting together as a single
class.
GameStop stockholders who receive Holdco common stock in the
mergers will become Holdco stockholders and their rights as
stockholders will be governed by the amended and restated
certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws of
Holdco and Delaware corporate law. As a result, there will be
material differences between the current rights of GameStop
stockholders and the rights they can expect to have as Holdco
stockholders. The rights pertaining to Holdco common stock and
Holdcos amended and restated certificate of incorporation
and amended and restated bylaws are described under
Description of Holdco Capital Stock Common
Stock on page 141 and the differences between the
rights of Holdco and GameStops stockholders are described
under Comparison of Stockholder Rights on
page 144.
The GameStop board of directors recommends you vote FOR
the merger proposal, and your proxy will be so voted unless you
specify otherwise.
GAMESTOP PROPOSAL 2 ADOPTION OF
HOLDCO 2005 INCENTIVE PLAN
The board of directors of Holdco has approved, subject to the
approval of GameStops stockholders and EBs
stockholders, the adoption of Holdcos 2005 Incentive Plan
(the Incentive Plan or the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan).
Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan
The following is a summary of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan.
This summary is qualified in all respects by reference to the
full text of the Incentive Plan included herein as
Annex K.
General. The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of
awards to key officers, employees, consultants, advisors and
directors of Holdco, its subsidiaries and affiliates selected
from time to time by the Incentive Plan Committee. The purpose
of the Incentive Plan is to assist Holdco in attracting and
retaining selected individuals to serve as directors, officers,
consultants, advisors and employees who will contribute to its
success and to achieve long-term objectives which will inure to
the benefit of all its stockholders through the additional
incentive inherent in the ownership of Holdco Class A
common stock. Awards under the Incentive Plan may take the form
of stock options, including corresponding share appreciation
rights (SARs), restricted stock awards and other share-based
awards.
Options available and outstanding. If approved, the
maximum number of shares that may be the subject of awards under
the Incentive Plan would be 5,000,000 shares of Holdco
Class A common stock. This is in addition to the
approximately 3,000,000 shares of Holdco Class A
common stock that may be issued under the GameStop Amended and
Restated 2001 Incentive Plan, as described in The
Mergers Amendment to GameStop Amended and Restated
2001 Incentive Plan on page 97. Shares are counted
against the maximum number of authorized shares only to the
extent they are actually issued. Thus, shares
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which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or
otherwise, are settled in cash in lieu of shares, or exchanged
for awards not involving shares, shall again be available for
grant. Also, if the option price or tax withholding requirements
of any award is satisfied by tendering shares to Holdco, or if a
SAR is exercised, only the number of shares issued, net of the
shares tendered, will be deemed issued under the Incentive Plan.
The Incentive Plan also imposes annual per-participant award
limits. In any given year, the maximum number of shares with
respect to which options or SARs may be granted to any employee
is 1,000,000 shares, the maximum number of restricted share
awards or other share-based awards that may be granted to any
participant is 1,000,000 shares, and the maximum aggregate
amount awarded or credited with respect to cash-based awards to
any one participant may not exceed $5,000,000.
Incentive Plan Administration. The Holdco Compensation
Committee (the Committee) will administer the Incentive Plan.
Subject to the provisions of the Incentive Plan, the Committee
has authority, in its sole discretion, to grant awards under the
Incentive Plan, to interpret the provisions of the Incentive
Plan and, subject to the requirements of applicable law, to
prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to
the Incentive Plan or any award thereunder as it may deem
necessary or advisable. The Committee may alter, amend, suspend
or terminate the Incentive Plan as it deems advisable, subject
to any requirement for stockholder approval imposed by
applicable law, including Sections 162(m) and 422 of the
Code, or any rule of any stock exchange or quotation system on
which shares are listed or quoted; provided that the Committee
may not amend the Incentive Plan, without the approval of
Holdcos stockholders, to increase the number of shares
that may be the subject of options under the Incentive Plan. In
addition, except to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition
of additional tax or interest under Section 409A of the
Code, no amendment to, or termination of, the Incentive Plan
shall in any way impair the rights of an optionee or a
participant under any award previously granted without such
optionees or participants consent.
Options. The Incentive Plan permits the granting of
incentive stock options meeting the requirements of
Section 422 of the Code, and nonqualified stock
options that do not meet such requirements. The term of
each option is determined by the Committee, but no incentive
stock option may be exercised more than ten years after the date
of grant. Options may also be subject to restrictions on
exercise, such as exercise in periodic installments, as
determined by the Committee. In general, the exercise price for
options must be at least equal to 100% of the fair market value
of the shares on the date of the grant. The exercise price can
be paid in cash, or if approved by the Committee, by tendering
shares owned by the participant, or any combination of the
foregoing. Awards are not transferable except by will or the
laws of descent and distribution and may generally be exercised
only by the participant (or his or her guardian or legal
representative) during his or her lifetime, provided, however,
nonqualified stock options may, under certain circumstances, be
transferable to family members and trusts for the benefit of the
participant or his or her family members.
Share Appreciation Rights. The Incentive Plan provides
that the Committee may grant SARs in connection with the grant
of options. Each SAR must be associated with a specific option
and must be granted at the time of grant of such option. A SAR
is exercisable only to the extent the related option is
exercisable. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the recipient is
entitled to receive from Holdco up to, but no more than, an
amount in shares equal to the excess of (i) the fair market
value of one share on the date of such exercise over
(ii) the exercise price of any related option, multiplied
by the number of shares in respect of which such SAR shall have
been exercised. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the related option,
or the portion thereof in respect of which such SAR is
exercised, will terminate. Upon the exercise of an option
granted in tandem with a SAR, such tandem SAR will terminate.
SARs may be granted only if Holdco shares are traded on an
established securities market at the date of grant.
Restricted Stock. The Committee may award restricted
shares under the Incentive Plan. Restricted shares give a
participant the right to receive shares subject to a risk of
forfeiture based upon certain conditions. The forfeiture
restrictions on the shares may be based upon performance
standards, length of service or other criteria as the Committee
may determine. Until all restrictions are satisfied, lapsed or
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waived, we will maintain custody over the restricted shares but
the participant will be able to vote the shares and will be
entitled to all distributions paid with respect to the shares,
as provided by the Committee. During such restrictive period,
the restricted shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred,
pledged or otherwise encumbered. Upon termination of employment,
the participant forfeits the right to the shares to the extent
the applicable performance standards, length of service
requirements, or other measurement criteria have not been met.
Antidilution Provisions. In general, the Committee may
adjust the number of shares authorized to be issued under the
Incentive Plan and subject to outstanding awards (and the grant
or exercise price thereof) to prevent dilution or enlargement of
rights in the event of any dividend or other distribution,
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination, repurchase or exchange of shares or other
securities, the issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase
shares or other securities, or other similar capitalization
change.
Termination and Amendment. The Incentive Plan will
terminate by its terms and without any action by the board of
directors in 2015. No awards may be made after that date. Awards
outstanding on such termination date will remain valid in
accordance with their terms. In general, the Committee may amend
the Incentive Plan as it shall deem advisable, except that it
may not amend the Incentive Plan to increase the number of
shares authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan without
the consent of Holdco stockholders and it may not alter
outstanding awards without a participants consent unless
necessary to avoid imposition of additional tax or interest
under Code Section 409A.
Treatment of Awards Upon a Change of Control and Related
Transactions. One or more awards may be subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in a written agreement between Holdco
and a participant providing for different terms or provisions
with respect to such awards upon a change of control
of Holdco (as that term may be defined in such written
agreement), provided, that such written agreement may not
increase the maximum amount of such awards.
Awards for Non-U.S. Employees. To comply with the
laws in other countries in which Holdco or its affiliates or
subsidiaries operate or may operate or have employees, officers,
directors, or third-party service providers, the Committee may
establish, among other things, subplans under the Incentive Plan
and modify the terms of the awards made to such employees,
officers, directors or third-party service providers.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of The Incentive
Plan. The following is a brief summary of the principal
federal income tax consequences of awards under the Incentive
Plan. The summary is based upon current federal income tax laws
and interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change
at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. The summary is
not intended to be exhaustive and, among other things, does not
describe state, local or foreign tax consequences.
A participant is not subject to federal income tax either at the
time of grant or at the time of exercise of an incentive stock
option. However, upon exercise, the difference between the fair
market value of the shares and the exercise price is an item of
tax preference subject to the possible application of the
alternative minimum tax. If a participant does not dispose of
shares acquired through the exercise of an incentive stock
option in a disqualifying disposition (i.e., no
disposition occurs within two years from the date of grant of
the incentive stock option nor within one year of the transfer
of the shares to the participant), then the participant will be
taxed only upon the gain, if any, from the sale of such shares,
and such gain will be taxable as gain from the sale of a capital
asset.
Holdco will not receive any tax deduction on the exercise of an
incentive stock option or, if the above holding period
requirements are met, on the sale of the underlying shares. If
there is a disqualifying disposition (i.e., one of the holding
period requirements is not met), the participant will be treated
as receiving compensation subject to ordinary income tax in the
year of the disqualifying disposition and Holdco will be
entitled to a deduction for compensation expense in an amount
equal to the amount included in income by the participant. The
participant generally will be required to include in income an
amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of
the shares at the time of exercise and the
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exercise price. Any appreciation in value after the time of
exercise will be taxed as capital gain and will not result in
any deduction by Holdco.
If nonqualified stock options are granted to a participant,
there are no federal income tax consequences at the time of
grant. Upon exercise of the option, the participant must report
as ordinary income an amount equal to the difference between the
exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the
date of exercise. Holdco will receive a tax deduction in like
amount. Any appreciation in value after the time of exercise
will be taxed as capital gain and will not result in any
deduction by Holdco.
No income will be realized by the participant in connection with
the grant of any SAR. The participant must include in ordinary
income the amount of cash received and the fair market value on
the exercise date of any shares received upon the exercise of a
SAR. Holdco will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount
included in such participants income by reason of the
exercise of any SAR.
Except as described in the following paragraph, a grant of
restricted shares does not constitute a taxable event for either
a participant or Holdco. However, the participant will be
subject to tax, at ordinary income tax rates, based on the fair
market value of the shares when they are no longer subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture or they become transferable.
Holdco will be entitled to take a commensurate deduction at that
time.
A participant may elect to recognize taxable ordinary income at
the time restricted shares are awarded in an amount equal to the
fair market value of the shares at the time of grant, determined
without regard to any forfeiture restrictions. Any such election
must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service within
30 days following the date of grant. If such an election is
made, Holdco will be entitled to a deduction at that time in the
same amount. Future appreciation on the shares will be taxed at
the capital gains rate when the shares are sold. However, if,
after making such an election, the shares are forfeited, the
participant will be unable to claim a deduction.
Pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code, Holdco may not
deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid to an
individual who, on the last day of the taxable year, is either
Holdcos chief executive officer or is among one of the
four other most highly-compensated officers for that taxable
year as reported in Holdcos proxy statement (a Covered
Employee). The limitation on deductions does not apply to
certain types of compensation, including qualified
performance-based compensation. It is intended that awards under
the Incentive Plan made to Covered Employees in the form of
options, performance-based restricted share awards, SARs, and
cash payments under annual incentive awards will constitute
qualified performance-based compensation and, as such, will be
exempt from the $1,000,000 limitation on deductible
compensation, but no assurance can be made in this regard.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, enacted at the end of
2004, added new Section 409A of the Code. Section 409A
imposes additional tax and interest charges on service providers
who receive certain deferred compensation that does not meet the
requirements of Section 409A. Holdco intends that awards
under the Incentive Plan will meet the requirements of
Section 409A, but no assurance can be made in this regard.
Awards made to participants under the Incentive Plan may be
subject to federal, state and local income tax and employment
tax withholding obligations and Holdco will comply with any
requirements to withhold such taxes.
ERISA Status. The Incentive Plan is not subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
The GameStop board of directors recommends you vote FOR
the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, and your proxy
will be so voted unless you specify otherwise.
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GAMESTOP PROPOSAL 3 ELECTION OF GAMESTOP
DIRECTORS
GameStops board of directors currently consists of seven
directors. GameStops certificate of incorporation divides
its board of directors into three classes: Class I, whose
terms will expire at the GameStop annual meeting of stockholders
to be held in 2006, Class II, whose terms will expire at
the GameStop annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2007,
and Class III, whose terms will expire at this years
GameStop annual meeting. Michael N. Rosen and Edward A. Volkwein
are in Class I; R. Richard Fontaine and Stephanie M.
Shern are in Class II; and Daniel A. DeMatteo, Leonard
Riggio and Gerald R. Szczepanski are in Class III and are
nominated for re-election at this years GameStop annual
meeting. At each GameStop annual meeting of stockholders, the
successors to directors whose terms will then expire will be
elected to serve from the time of election and qualification
until the third GameStop annual meeting following election.
In addition, GameStops certificate of incorporation
provides that the authorized number of directors may be changed
only by resolution of the GameStop board of directors and may be
from three to fifteen. Any additional directorships resulting
from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed
among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each
class will consist of one-third of the total number of directors.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee, the GameStop board of directors
has nominated Daniel A. DeMatteo, Leonard Riggio and Gerald R.
Szczepanski, each of whom is currently a member of the GameStop
board of directors, for election as Class III directors. If
elected, such nominees will serve for three-year terms to expire
at GameStops annual meeting of stockholders in 2008 or
until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If the
proposed mergers are consummated, Daniel A. DeMatteo, if he
is re-elected, will become a Class I director whose term
will expire in 2006.
For information regarding the Class III directors nominated
for reelection, and regarding the GameStop board of directors as
a whole, see Information about GameStop
Information about the Board of Directors and Executive Officers
of GameStop on page 99.
The GameStop board of directors recommends you vote FOR
the election of the GameStop nominees for director named above,
and your proxy will be so voted unless you specify otherwise.
GAMESTOP PROPOSAL 4 RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF
GAMESTOPS REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
The GameStop board of directors has appointed the firm of BDO
Seidman, LLP, which firm was engaged as GameStops
registered independent public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ended January 29, 2005, to audit the financial
statements of GameStop for the fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006. A proposal to ratify this appointment is
being presented to the GameStop stockholders at the GameStop
annual meeting. A representative of BDO Seidman will be present
at the GameStop annual meeting and will have the opportunity to
make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
For information regarding audit-related and other fees, see
Information about GameStop GameStop Registered
Independent Public Accounting Firm on page 116.
The GameStop board of directors considers BDO Seidman to be
well qualified and recommends you vote FOR the
ratification, and your proxy will be so voted unless you specify
otherwise.
Votes Required
The presence of a majority of the voting power of the shares of
GameStop common stock entitled to vote at the GameStop annual
meeting must be represented in person or by proxy at the
GameStop annual meeting to constitute a quorum. The adoption of
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the GameStop merger, and the approval of the amendment
to GameStops certificate of incorporation and the
amendment to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive
Plan
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(collectively, the merger proposal) requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of GameStop
Class A common stock, voting as a single class, and the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
GameStop Class A common stock and GameStop Class B
common stock, voting together as a single class. The adoption of
the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of
a majority of the voting power of GameStop common stock voting
on the proposal in person or by proxy at the GameStop annual
meeting. The three nominees for GameStop director receiving the
highest vote totals will be elected as directors of GameStop to
serve until the 2008 GameStop annual meeting of stockholders.
The ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as GameStops
registered independent public accounting firm requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of GameStop
common stock voting on the proposal in person or by proxy at the
GameStop annual meeting. At the GameStop annual meeting, each
holder of GameStop Class A common stock is entitled to one
vote for each share of GameStop Class A common stock, and
each holder of GameStop Class B common stock is entitled to
ten votes for each share of GameStop Class B common stock,
held as of the GameStop record date on all matters properly
submitted to the GameStop stockholders.
Pursuant to a voting agreement, the Riggio Group has agreed to
vote their shares of GameStop common stock in favor of the
adoption of the merger proposal. As of August 30, 2005, the
GameStop record date, the Riggio Group owned approximately
5.3 million shares of GameStop Class B common stock,
which represents approximately 16.4% of the combined voting
power of all classes of GameStops voting stock. The Riggio
Group also holds exercisable options to acquire
4,500,000 shares of GameStop Class A common stock.
These options are not expected to be exercised prior to the
GameStop record date and therefore the Riggio Group is not
expected to have any voting power with respect to the GameStop
Class A common stock.
A complete list of GameStop stockholders entitled to vote at the
GameStop annual meeting will be available for inspection at the
executive offices of GameStop during regular business hours for
a period of no less than ten days before the GameStop annual
meeting.
Adjournment or Postponement
The GameStop annual meeting may be adjourned or postponed by
GameStops chairman and other authorized persons in order
to permit further solicitation of proxies. However, no proxy
that is voted against a proposal described in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus will be voted in favor of an adjournment.
Proxies
All shares of GameStop common stock represented by properly
executed proxies or voting instructions (including those given
through electronic voting through the Internet or by telephone)
received before or at the GameStop annual meeting prior to the
closing of the polls will, unless revoked, be voted in
accordance with the instructions indicated on those proxies or
voting instructions. If no instructions are indicated on a
properly executed proxy card, the shares will be voted FOR
adoption of the GameStop proposals described herein. If you
return a properly executed proxy card or voting instruction card
and have indicated that you have abstained from voting, your
GameStop common stock represented by the proxy will be
considered present at the GameStop annual meeting for purposes
of determining a quorum, but will have the same effect as a vote
against adopting the merger proposal described herein. We urge
you to mark each applicable box on the proxy card or voting
instruction card to indicate how to vote your shares.
If your GameStop shares are held in an account at a broker or
bank, you must instruct the broker or bank on how to vote your
GameStop shares. If an executed proxy card returned by a broker
or bank holding GameStop shares indicates that the broker or
bank does not have discretionary authority to vote on a
particular matter, the shares will be considered present at the
GameStop annual meeting for purposes of determining the presence
of a quorum, but will have the same effect as a vote against
adopting the merger proposal. This is called a broker non-vote.
Your broker or bank will vote your GameStop shares
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over which it does not have discretionary authority only if you
provide instructions on how to vote by following the
instructions provided to you by your broker or bank.
Because the adoption of the merger proposal requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
GameStop Class A common stock, voting as a single class,
and the affirmative vote of a majority of the GameStop
Class A common stock and GameStop Class B common
stock, voting together as a single class, abstentions, failures
to vote and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes
against adopting the merger proposal.
GameStop does not expect that any matter other than the
proposals described herein will be brought before its annual
meeting. If, however, other matters are properly presented, the
persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with their
judgment with respect to those matters, unless you withhold
authority to do so on the proxy card or voting instruction card.
The persons named as proxies may vote for one or more
adjournments of the GameStop annual meeting to permit further
solicitations in favor of the proposals to be considered at
those meetings. However, no proxy that is voted against a
proposal described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus will
be voted in favor of an adjournment.
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by:
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filing a written notice of revocation with the Secretary,
GameStop Corp., 625 Westport Parkway, Grapevine, Texas 76051; |
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delivering a subsequently dated proxy; or |
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appearing in person and voting at the GameStop annual meeting if
you are a holder of record. |
Attendance at the GameStop annual meeting will not in and of
itself constitute revocation of a proxy. If the GameStop annual
meeting is postponed or adjourned, it will not affect the
ability of GameStop stockholders of record as of the GameStop
record date to exercise their voting rights or to revoke any
previously-granted proxy using the methods described above.
Voting Electronically or by Telephone
Because Delaware, the state in which GameStop is incorporated,
permits electronic submission of proxies through the Internet or
by telephone, instead of submitting proxies by mail on the
enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card, GameStop
stockholders of record and many GameStop stockholders who hold
their shares through a broker or bank will have the option to
submit their proxies or voting instructions electronically
through the Internet or by telephone. Please note that there are
separate arrangements for using the Internet and telephone
depending on whether your shares are registered in
GameStops stock records in your name or in the name of a
broker, bank or other holder of record. If you hold your
GameStop shares through a broker, bank or other holder of
record, you should check your proxy card or voting instruction
card forwarded by your broker, bank or other holder of record to
see which options are available.
Stockholders of record of GameStop common stock at the close of
business on August 30, 2005, the GameStop record date, may
submit their proxies:
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through the Internet by visiting a website established for that
purpose at http://www.proxyvotenow.com/gme and following the
instructions; or |
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by telephone by calling the toll-free number 866-407-4408 in the
United States, Puerto Rico or Canada on a touch-tone phone and
following the recorded instructions. |
In order to vote via the telephone or the Internet, please have
in front of you either your proxy card, or if you have consented
to receive your materials electronically, your e-mail
notification advising that materials are available on-line. A
phone number and an Internet website address are contained on
each of
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the documents. Upon entering either the phone number or the
Internet website address, you will be instructed on how to
proceed.
Solicitation of Proxies
To assist in the solicitation of proxies, GameStop has retained
Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. for a fee not to
exceed $9,000 plus reimbursement of expenses. GameStop and its
proxy solicitor will also request banks, brokers and other
intermediaries holding shares of GameStop common stock
beneficially owned by others to send this joint proxy
statement-prospectus to, and obtain proxies from, the beneficial
owners and will, if requested, reimburse the record holders for
their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in so doing.
Solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone
and other electronic means, advertisements and personal
solicitation by the directors, officers or employees of
GameStop. No additional compensation will be paid to
GameStops directors, officers or employees for soliciting
votes in connection with the GameStop annual meeting.
THE EB ANNUAL MEETING
Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
This joint proxy statement-prospectus is being furnished to you
in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the EB board
of directors in connection with EBs annual meeting of
stockholders.
This joint proxy statement-prospectus is first being furnished
to EB stockholders on or about September 7, 2005.
Date, Time and Place of the EB Annual Meeting
The EB annual meeting is scheduled to be held as follows:
Thursday, October 6, 2005
EBs Executive Offices
931 South Matlack Street
West Chester, Pennsylvania
1:00 p.m., local time
Purpose of the EB Annual Meeting
At the EB annual meeting, EBs stockholders will be asked:
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1. To consider and vote on a proposal to adopt the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 17, 2005,
by and among GameStop, GameStop, Inc., GSC Holdings Corp., Eagle
Subsidiary LLC, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and EB, including the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
pursuant to which, among other things, separate subsidiaries of
Holdco will be merged with and into GameStop and EB. In the
proposed mergers, EB common stockholders will have the right to
receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock that
they own. In addition, GameStop stockholders will receive one
share of Holdco Class A common stock for each share of
GameStop Class A common stock that they own and one share
of Holdco Class B common stock for each share of GameStop
Class B common stock that they own. A copy of the merger
agreement is attached as Annex A to the accompanying
joint proxy statement-prospectus. |
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2. To consider and vote on the adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan. |
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3. To elect seven directors as EBs board of directors. |
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4. To consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the
appointment of KPMG LLP as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm for EBs fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006. |
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5. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the EB annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement
of the EB annual meeting. |
Record Date for the EB Annual Meeting
The EB board of directors has fixed the close of business on
August 30, 2005 as the EB record date for determination of
EB stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at EBs
annual meeting of stockholders.
On the EB record date, there were 25,383,744 shares of EB
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the EB annual
meeting, held by approximately 41 holders of record. Shares
that are held in EBs treasury are not entitled to vote at
the EB annual meeting.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of EB
As discussed elsewhere in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, EBs board of directors has approved
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the EB merger, and has determined that the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable
and fair to and in the best interests of EB and its
stockholders. The EB board of directors recommends that EB
stockholders vote:
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FOR the proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger; |
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FOR the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan; |
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FOR the election of the EB nominees for director named in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus; and |
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FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as EBs registered
independent public accounting firm for EBs fiscal year
ending January 28, 2006. |
EB PROPOSAL 1 THE MERGERS
As discussed elsewhere in this joint proxy statement-prospectus,
EB stockholders are considering and voting on a proposal to
adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the EB merger. You should carefully read this
entire joint proxy statement-prospectus, including the full text
of the merger agreement, which is attached as
Annex A, and the other documents we refer you to for
a more complete understanding of the mergers. In addition, we
incorporate important business and financial information about
each of GameStop and EB into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus by reference. You may obtain the
information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy
statement-prospectus without charge by following the
instructions in the section entitled Where You Can Find
More Information which begins on page 162.
Effect of the EB Merger; What You Will Receive in the EB
Merger
Upon completion of the EB merger, Eagle Subsidiary LLC, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco newly organized to effect the
EB merger, will merge with and into EB. EB will be the surviving
corporation in the EB merger and will thereby become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco.
If the EB merger is completed, EB common stockholders will
receive $38.15 in cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock that
they own. Upon completion of the mergers, current holders of EB
common stock will, as a group, own approximately 27.9% of the
outstanding common stock of the combined company, which equals
approximately 5.9% of the combined voting power of Holdco.
Holdco will not issue fractional shares of Holdco common stock
in exchange for shares of EB. Holders of EB common stock that
would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share of Holdco
common stock will instead receive an amount in cash equal to
such fraction multiplied by
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the average of the closing sale prices of GameStop Class A
common stock on the ten trading days prior to the date on which
the EB merger is completed.
Each outstanding EB stock option will be exchanged for the right
to receive cash in an amount equal to (1) $38.15
plus (2) .78795 multiplied by the average of the
closing prices of GameStop Class A common stock for the ten
trading days prior to the closing date minus (3) the
exercise price per share of such stock option minus
(4) any applicable tax withholding.
The rights pertaining to Holdco common stock will be different
from the rights pertaining to EB common stock because the
amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended
and restated bylaws of Holdco in effect immediately after the
mergers are completed will be different from those of EB. A
further description of the rights pertaining to Holdco common
stock and Holdcos amended and restated certificate of
incorporation and amended and restated bylaws which will be in
effect immediately after the mergers are completed is further
described under Description of Holdco Capital
Stock Common Stock on page 141 and
Comparison of Stockholder Rights beginning on
page 144.
The EB board of directors recommends you vote FOR the
adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the EB merger, and your proxy
will be so voted unless you specify otherwise.
EB PROPOSAL 2 ADOPTION OF
HOLDCO 2005 INCENTIVE PLAN
The Holdco board of directors has approved, subject to the
approval of EBs stockholders and GameStops
stockholders, the adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan. A
copy of the Incentive Plan is included as Annex K to
this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan
For a description of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, see
The GameStop Annual Meeting GameStop
Proposal 2 Adoption of Holdco 2005 Incentive
Plan on page 25.
The EB board of directors recommends you vote FOR the
adoption of the Holdco 2005 Incentive Plan, and your proxy will
be so voted unless you specify otherwise.
EB PROPOSAL 3 ELECTION OF EB DIRECTORS
EBs certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that
its directors serve for a term of one year and until their
successors are elected.
The EB board of directors has nominated for election as EB
directors:
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Dean S. Adler, |
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Jeffrey W. Griffiths, |
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James J. Kim, |
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Susan Y. Kim, |
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Louis J. Siana, |
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Alfred J. Stein, and |
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Stanley (Mickey) Steinberg. |
Each nominee is currently a member of the EB board of directors.
If elected, these nominees will serve for a term of one year
which expires at EBs annual meeting of stockholders in
2006, until their successors are duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier resignation.
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The EB board of directors has no reason to believe that any of
the nominees will not serve if elected, but if any nominee
should subsequently become unavailable to serve as a director,
the persons named as proxies may, in their discretion, vote for
a substitute nominee designated by the EB board of directors or,
alternatively, the EB board of directors may reduce the number
of directors to be elected at the EB annual meeting.
For information regarding the seven nominees for EBs board
of directors, see Information about EB
Information about the Board of Directors and Executive Officers
of EB beginning on page 119.
The EB board of directors recommends you vote FOR the
election of the EB nominees for director named above, and your
proxy will be so voted unless you specify otherwise.
EB PROPOSAL 4 RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF
EBS REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The EB board of directors has appointed the firm of KPMG LLP,
which firm was engaged as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended
January 29, 2005, to audit the financial statements of EB
for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2006. A proposal to
ratify this appointment is being presented to the EB
stockholders at the EB annual meeting. A representative of KPMG
will be present at the EB annual meeting and will have the
opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond
to appropriate questions.
For information regarding audit-related and other fees, see
Information about EB EB Registered Independent
Public Accounting Firm on page 132.
The EB board of directors considers KPMG to be well qualified
and recommends you vote FOR the ratification, and your
proxy will be so voted unless you specify otherwise.
Votes Required
The presence of a majority of the outstanding shares of EB
common stock entitled to vote at the EB annual meeting must be
represented in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting to
constitute a quorum. The adoption of the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of EB common stock. The adoption of the Holdco 2005
Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of EB common stock voting on the proposal
in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting. The seven
nominees for EB director receiving the highest vote totals will
be elected as directors of EB to serve until the next EB annual
meeting of stockholders or their earlier resignation. The
ratification of KPMG LLP as EBs registered independent
public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of EB common stock voting on
the proposal in person or by proxy at the EB annual meeting. At
the EB annual meeting, each holder of EB common stock is
entitled to one vote for each share of EB common stock held as
of the EB record date on all matters properly submitted to the
EB stockholders.
Pursuant to a voting agreement, subject to certain limitations,
the Kim Group has agreed to vote its shares of EB common stock
in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. As of
August 30, 2005, the EB record date, the Kim Group
beneficially owned approximately 11.6 million shares of EB
common stock which represents approximately 45.6% of the
outstanding shares of EB common stock entitled to vote at the EB
annual meeting.
A complete list of EB stockholders entitled to vote at the EB
annual meeting will be available for inspection at the executive
offices of EB during regular business hours for a period of no
less than ten days before the EB annual meeting.
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Adjournment or Postponement
The EB annual meeting may be adjourned or postponed by EBs
chairman and other authorized persons in order to permit further
solicitation of proxies. However, no proxy that is voted against
a proposal described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus
will be voted in favor of an adjournment.
Proxies
All shares of EB common stock represented by properly executed
proxies or voting instructions (including those given through
electronic voting through the Internet or by telephone) received
before or at the EB annual meeting prior to the closing of the
polls will, unless revoked, be voted in accordance with the
instructions indicated on those proxies or voting instructions.
If no instructions are indicated on a properly executed proxy
card, the shares will be voted FOR adoption of the proposals
described herein. If you return a properly executed proxy card
or voting instruction card and have indicated that you have
abstained from voting, your EB common stock represented by the
proxy will be considered present at the EB annual meeting for
purposes of determining a quorum, but will have the same effect
as a vote against adopting the merger agreement as described
herein. We urge you to mark each applicable box on the proxy
card or voting instruction card to indicate how to vote your
shares.
If your EB shares are held in an account at a broker or bank,
you must instruct the broker or bank on how to vote your EB
shares. If an executed proxy card returned by a broker or bank
holding EB shares indicates that the broker or bank does not
have discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter, the
shares will be considered present at the EB annual meeting for
purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will have
the same effect as a vote against adopting the merger agreement.
This is called a broker non-vote. Your broker or bank will vote
your EB shares over which it does not have discretionary
authority only if you provide instructions on how to vote by
following the instructions provided to you by your broker or
bank.
Because the adoption of the merger agreement requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of EB
common stock, abstentions, failures to vote and broker non-votes
will have the same effect as votes against adopting the merger
agreement.
EB does not expect that any matter other than the proposals
described herein will be brought before its annual meeting. If,
however, other matters are properly presented, the persons named
as proxies will vote in accordance with their judgment with
respect to those matters, unless you withhold authority to do so
on the proxy card or voting instruction card.
The persons named as proxies may vote for one or more
adjournments of the EB annual meeting to permit further
solicitations in favor of the proposals to be considered at
those meetings. However, no proxy that is voted against a
proposal described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus will
be voted in favor of an adjournment.
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by:
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filing a written notice of revocation with the Secretary,
Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp., 931 South Matlack
Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382, if you are an EB
stockholder; |
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delivering a subsequently dated proxy; or |
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appearing in person and voting at the EB annual meeting if you
are a holder of record. |
Attendance at the EB annual meeting will not in and of itself
constitute revocation of a proxy. If the EB annual meeting is
postponed or adjourned, it will not affect the ability of EB
stockholders of record as of the EB record date to exercise
their voting rights or to revoke any previously-granted proxy
using the methods described above.
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Voting Electronically or by Telephone
Because Delaware, the state in which EB is incorporated, permits
electronic submission of proxies through the Internet or by
telephone, instead of submitting proxies by mail on the enclosed
proxy card or voting instruction card, EB stockholders of record
and many EB stockholders who hold their shares through a broker
or bank will have the option to submit their proxies or voting
instructions electronically through the Internet or by
telephone. Please note that there are separate arrangements for
using the Internet and telephone depending on whether your
shares are registered in EBs stock records in your name or
in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record. If you
hold your EB shares through a broker, bank or other holder of
record, you should check your proxy card or voting instruction
card forwarded by your broker, bank or other holder of record to
see which options are available.
Stockholders of record of EB common stock at the close of
business on August 30, 2005, the EB record date, may submit
their proxies:
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through the Internet by visiting a website established for that
purpose at http://www.eproxyvote.com/ELBO and following the
instructions; or |
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by telephone by calling the toll-free number 877-779-8683 in the
United States, Puerto Rico or Canada on a touch-tone phone and
following the recorded instructions. |
In order to vote via the telephone or the Internet, please have
in front of you either your proxy card, or if you have consented
to receive your materials electronically, your e-mail
notification advising that materials are available on-line. A
phone number and an Internet website address are contained on
each of the documents. Upon entering either the phone number or
the Internet website address, you will be instructed on how to
proceed.
Solicitation of Proxies
To assist in the solicitation of proxies, EB has retained
Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. for a fee not to
exceed $9,000 plus reimbursement of expenses. EB and its proxy
solicitor will also request banks, brokers and other
intermediaries holding shares of EB common stock beneficially
owned by others to send this joint proxy statement-prospectus
to, and obtain proxies from, the beneficial owners and will, if
requested, reimburse the record holders for their reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses in so doing. Solicitation of proxies by
mail may be supplemented by telephone and other electronic
means, advertisements and personal solicitation by the
directors, officers or employees of EB. No additional
compensation will be paid to EBs directors, officers or
employees for soliciting votes in connection with the EB annual
meeting.
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THE MERGERS
Background of the Mergers
On several isolated occasions prior to January 2005,
representatives of EB approached Leonard Riggio, a director of
GameStop and Chairman of Barnes & Noble, about the
possibility of either combining EB and GameStop or EB acquiring
a controlling interest in GameStop from Barnes & Noble.
In each case, the contacts were preliminary and did not result
in any negotiations regarding a transaction involving EB or
GameStop or any discussions of significant economic terms with
respect to any transaction involving either of the two companies.
On January 10, 2005, R. Richard Fontaine, GameStops
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and John R. Panichello,
EBs Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,
met while attending the same social function. Mr. Fontaine
and Mr. Panichello briefly discussed whether a combination
of GameStop and EB might be beneficial for the stockholders of
both companies. Messrs. Fontaine and Panichello agreed to
further examine independently the benefits of such a combination.
On January 12, 2005, representatives of Merrill Lynch,
EBs financial advisor, met with Mr. Riggio. At the
meeting, the Merrill Lynch representatives indicated that EB was
willing to consider purchasing GameStop, either for
consideration consisting entirely of cash or some combination of
cash and EB common stock. The Merrill Lynch representatives and
Mr. Riggio agreed that Merrill Lynch would have discussions
with James J. Kim, EBs Chairman, with the aim of
developing a proposal to present to GameStop.
On February 9, 2005, Messrs. Fontaine and Riggio met
with Mr. Kim and representatives of Merrill Lynch and Keane
Advisors, LLC, an additional EB financial advisor, to discuss in
general terms a possible purchase of GameStop by EB. No proposal
was made at that time, although EB continued to express an
interest in developing one that would be mutually acceptable.
On February 10, 2005, representatives of Merrill Lynch
further discussed with Mr. Riggio a possible transaction
between GameStop and EB.
On February 14, 2005, Mr. Fontaine met with
Mr. Kim to discuss the possible benefits of a combination
and the roles Mr. Fontaine might be expected to assume with
the combined company. Mr. Fontaine met later that day with
a representative of Keane Advisors to discuss similar matters.
On February 24, 2005, Mr. Riggio had a conference call
with representatives of Merrill Lynch to further discuss a
possible transaction between GameStop and EB.
On March 1, 2005, Messrs. Kim and Panichello, along
with Jeffrey W. Griffiths, EBs President and Chief
Executive Officer and a member of EBs board of directors,
attended an industry marketing event where they met with Daniel
A. DeMatteo, GameStops Vice Chairman (then President) and
Chief Operating Officer. They discussed the benefits of a
combination and the roles Mr. DeMatteo might be expected to
assume with the combined company.
During the first two weeks of March 2005, GameStop considered an
unrelated alternative acquisition while awaiting a proposal from
EB. Mr. Riggio indicated to representatives of Merrill
Lynch at this time that he would expect that any proposal EB
might make to GameStop would reflect a substantial premium to
GameStop stockholders to the then-current trading price of
GameStop common stock.
On March 14, 2005, Citigroup Global Markets,
GameStops financial advisor, and Merrill Lynch met to
discuss possible terms of a transaction between GameStop and EB.
Although Merrill Lynch indicated that EB preferred to be the
purchaser in any combination of the two companies, Merrill Lynch
did not propose any transaction that GameStop management
considered to provide an acceptable market premium to
GameStops stockholders. As a result, it was subsequently
determined that discussions would cease so that each company
could pursue its own opportunities independently. During this
time, GameStop continued to consider an alternative acquisition.
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On March 29, 2005, Messrs. Fontaine, DeMatteo and
Riggio, together with GameStops financial advisor, met to
discuss GameStops strategic growth alternatives.
GameStops financial advisor was authorized to contact EB
with a proposal for the acquisition of EB by GameStop.
On March 31, 2005, GameStops financial advisor and
Merrill Lynch met to discuss the following GameStop proposal:
GameStop would acquire all of EBs outstanding common stock
for $38.15 in cash and 0.78795 of a share of GameStop
Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock.
Based upon the then-current trading price of GameStop
Class A common stock, the proposal had a value of
$54.50 per share of EB common stock (with the consideration
consisting of approximately 70% cash and 30% GameStop
Class A common stock), reflecting an approximately 30%
premium to the then-current trading price of EB common stock.
GameStops proposal also provided that GameStops
board of directors would control the combined company and that
Messrs. Fontaine and DeMatteo would become Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman and Chief Operating
Officer, respectively, of the combined company. Citigroup
indicated that GameStop had requested a prompt response from EB
so that GameStop would be in a position to determine whether to
pursue the alternative time-sensitive acquisition that it was
considering and that GameStop was prepared to work toward
announcing a transaction with EB by April 18, 2005. Merrill
Lynch agreed to communicate GameStops proposal and provide
EBs response as soon as practicable.
On April 2, 2005, a representative of Merrill Lynch
contacted GameStops financial advisor and stated that,
subject to the completion of satisfactory due diligence, EB was
prepared to move forward with the transaction proposed by
GameStop. Merrill Lynch also indicated that EB would require
that Mr. Kim and an independent director to be selected by
EB become members of the board of directors of the combined
company. GameStops financial advisor and Merrill Lynch
also discussed the desirability of obtaining, in connection with
the proposed transaction, agreements from each companys
significant stockholders (the Kim Group in the case of EB and
the Riggio Group in the case of GameStop) to vote in favor of
the transaction.
On or about April 6, 2005, representatives of the companies
held discussions regarding structural aspects of the proposed
transaction, including the use of Holdco, as a new holding
company, to acquire both GameStop (solely for Holdco stock) and
EB (for cash and Holdco stock). EBs representatives also
indicated that the Kim Group would require registration rights
with respect to the shares of Holdco stock it would receive in
the transaction as a condition to entering into the Kim Group
voting agreement given that, unlike the shares of Holdco
Class A common stock to be received by other EB
stockholders, those shares would not be freely transferable. In
addition, GameStops representatives indicated to certain
of EBs representatives that one of GameStops
conditions to proceeding with a transaction would be that
Mr. Kim enter into a non-competition agreement in favor of
GameStop.
On April 7, 2005, GameStops and EBs
representatives had a conference call to discuss the respective
roles and responsibilities of the parties in proceeding with the
proposed transaction.
On April 8, 2005, GameStop and EB executed a mutual
confidentiality agreement pursuant to which they each agreed to
use the confidential information provided to it by the other
solely in connection with evaluating the proposed transaction
and to keep all such information confidential.
Following the signing of the mutual confidentiality agreement,
and continuing through April 17, 2005, the parties and
their representatives exchanged information in response to their
respective due diligence requests and asked and answered
questions with respect to the exchanged materials. During that
period, through their counsel, the parties also prepared and
negotiated the relevant transaction documents, including the
merger agreement, the Kim Group voting agreement, the Riggio
Group voting agreement, the lender financing commitments and
forms of the non-competition agreement and the registration
rights agreement.
On April 11 and April 12, 2005, Mr. Fontaine, together
with a representative of Keane Advisors, met with members of
EBs senior management to discuss their views with respect
to the proposed transaction and their willingness to continue
employment with the combined company.
39
On April 11, 2005, the GameStop board of directors met
telephonically to discuss the terms of the proposed merger
agreement and the related financing, the merits of the
transaction and the status of the negotiations and due diligence
efforts. At this meeting, Citigroup reviewed with the GameStop
board of directors financial aspects of the proposed
transaction, and Bryan Cave reviewed with the board of directors
legal matters pertaining to the proposed transaction. After
discussion, the board of directors directed GameStop management
to continue to negotiate a final form of merger agreement and
related transaction documents, including lender financing
commitments, on the terms discussed at the meeting. The board of
directors agreed to meet again on April 15, 2005 for a
further update on the status of the negotiations and due
diligence efforts and, if appropriate, to consider approval of
the transaction.
On April 12, 2005, the EB board of directors met at
EBs executive offices to discuss the terms of the proposed
merger agreement, the merits of the transaction and the status
of the negotiations and due diligence efforts. Merrill Lynch
reviewed with the EB board of directors financial aspects of the
proposed transaction, and Klehr Harrison reviewed with the EB
board of directors legal matters pertaining to the proposed
transaction. After discussion, the board of directors directed
EB management to continue to negotiate a final form of merger
agreement and related transaction documents on the terms
discussed at the meeting. The EB board of directors agreed to
meet again on or prior to April 17, 2005 for a further
update on the status of the negotiations and due diligence
efforts and, if appropriate, to consider approval of the
transaction.
On or about April 12, 2005, EB retained Peter J. Solomon
Company as an additional financial advisor to provide a second
fairness opinion in connection with the possible business
combination transaction with GameStop in light of the
anticipated role of Merrill Lynch to assist in arranging
financing for the transaction. The EB board of directors
selected Peter J. Solomon Company as a result of its
qualifications, reputation and experience, particularly in the
retail sector.
On April 15, 2005, the GameStop board of directors met
telephonically to receive an update on the status of the
negotiations and due diligence findings. At this meeting,
Citigroup reviewed with the board of directors its financial
analysis of the proposed EB merger consideration. Bryan Cave
reviewed with the board of directors the changes made to the
merger agreement and other transaction documents since the last
board of directors meeting. The board of directors agreed to
meet on April 17, 2005 once the merger agreement was
finalized, with the expectation that the board of directors
would consider approval of the final form of the merger
agreement at that meeting.
On April 17, 2005, the GameStop board of directors met
telephonically to receive a final update on the status of the
negotiations and due diligence findings. At this meeting,
Citigroup rendered to the board of directors its oral opinion,
confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated April 17,
2005, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and
subject to the matters described in its opinion, the EB merger
consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to
GameStop. Bryan Cave reviewed with the board of directors the
final changes made to the merger agreement and other transaction
documents since the last board of directors meeting. The board
of directors authorized and directed GameStops management
to execute and deliver to EB the final form of merger agreement
and related transaction documents presented to the board of
directors at the meeting and resolved to recommend the adoption
of the merger agreement to GameStops stockholders.
GameStop exchanged with its lenders executed counterpart
signature pages of their financing commitments.
Also on April 17, 2005, following the GameStop board of
directors meeting, the EB board of directors met telephonically
to receive a final update on the status of the negotiations and
the due diligence findings. Merrill Lynch rendered to the EB
board of directors its oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a
written opinion dated April 17, 2005, to the effect that,
as of that date and based on and subject to the assumptions
made, matters described and qualifications and limitations in
its written opinion, the merger consideration to be received in
the EB merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to
EBs stockholders other than GameStop, its affiliates and
the Kim Group. Peter J. Solomon Company rendered to the EB
board of directors its oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a
written opinion dated April 17, 2005, to the effect that,
as of that date and based on and subject to the assumptions
made, matters described and
40
qualifications and limitations in its written opinion, the
merger consideration proposed to be received by the holders of
EB common stock in the EB merger was fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of EB common stock, excluding the
Kim Group. Klehr Harrison reviewed with the board of directors
the final changes made to the merger agreement and other
transaction documents since the last board of directors meeting.
The board of directors authorized and directed EBs
management to execute and deliver to GameStop the final form of
the merger agreement and related transaction documents presented
to the board of directors at the meeting and resolved to
recommend the adoption of the merger agreement to EBs
stockholders. Following the meeting, executed counterpart
signature pages of the merger agreement and the Kim Group and
Riggio Group voting agreements were exchanged by the parties.
On April 18, 2005, prior to the opening of trading on the
NYSE and the NASDAQ National Market, GameStop and EB issued a
joint press release announcing the execution of the merger
agreement.
GameStops Reasons for the GameStop Merger;
Recommendation of the GameStop Merger by the GameStop Board of
Directors
The GameStop board of directors believes that the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including
the GameStop merger, the amendment to GameStops
certificate of incorporation to provide for the payment of the
GameStop merger consideration as contemplated by the merger
agreement and the amendment to the GameStop Amended and Restated
2001 Incentive Plan to provide for the issuance of Holdco
Class A common stock under the plan, are advisable and fair
to and in the best interests of GameStop and its stockholders.
Accordingly, the GameStop board of directors has approved the
merger proposal and recommends that the GameStop stockholders
vote FOR adoption of the merger proposal.
As described above under Background of the Mergers,
the GameStop board of directors consulted with GameStops
senior executive officers and GameStops legal and
financial advisors in connection with its evaluation of the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. In
reaching its decision, the GameStop board of directors
considered a variety of factors, including the following:
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the transaction will create one of the leading video game
retailers in the world, effectively doubling GameStops
size to over 4,000 stores with estimated pro forma combined
sales of over $3.8 billion in GameStop fiscal 2004,
increasing the ability of Holdco to compete successfully in the
highly competitive interactive entertainment industry on a
global basis; |
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the transaction will significantly expand GameStops
international operations, a targeted growth area for GameStop,
from 25 stores in Ireland and the United Kingdom generating less
than 2% of GameStops revenues as of January 29, 2005
to 545 stores in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland,
Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom
generating approximately 16% of Holdcos revenues on a pro
forma basis as of January 29, 2005, providing Holdco with a
strong platform for further international growth; |
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as an industry leader of substantial size, Holdco is expected to
be well-positioned to capitalize on the new video game cycle
anticipated to commence with the release in late 2005 and 2006
of next generation video game systems and related software; |
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the cost savings and operating synergies expected to be realized
by Holdco through consolidation and integration of certain
functions as well as through the adoption of best practices from
both GameStop and EB, which are estimated to exceed
$30 million in GameStop fiscal 2006 and $50 million
annually thereafter; |
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the anticipated significant accretive affect of the transaction
on GameStops earnings per share in the fiscal year ending
February 3, 2007 and thereafter; |
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the recent and historical information concerning GameStops
and EBs respective businesses, financial performance and
stock trading prices; |
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the similarity in operating strategies between GameStop and EB,
which is expected to facilitate the combination of the two
companies; |
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the results of the due diligence review of EBs business
and operations conducted by GameStops senior management
and legal advisors; |
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the competitive pressures placed on GameStops business by
Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target and other big-box retailers, by other
specialty retailers expanding their video game businesses such
as Blockbuster/Game Rush and Hollywood Video/Game Crazy, by
internet sellers and renters of video games, and by the
emergence of additional channels of video game distribution such
as internet downloads and interactive on-demand television; |
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GameStops board of directors will constitute seven of the
nine members of Holdcos board of directors and will
control the business of the combined company; |
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R. Richard Fontaine, GameStops Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, and Daniel A. DeMatteo, GameStops Vice
Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, will be the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief
Operating Officer, respectively, of Holdco; |
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in addition to Messrs. Fontaine and DeMatteo, Holdco will
have available to it the combined management talent of GameStop
and EB; |
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the agreement by James J. Kim to not compete with Holdco for
three years following the mergers, and to not interfere with
Holdco customers or suppliers or solicit Holdco employees for
two years following the mergers; |
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as then calculated EBs stockholders would receive only
27.6% (5.7% by vote) of the outstanding common stock of Holdco,
and the remaining 72.4% (94.3% by vote) of the outstanding
common stock of Holdco would be received by GameStops
stockholders; |
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the limited and customary conditions to be met in connection
with GameStops financing commitments with its lenders to
fund the cash portion of the EB merger consideration; |
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because the limited conditions under which GameStops
lenders can terminate their financing commitments are
substantially the same as those that would allow GameStop to
terminate the merger agreement without GameStops payment
of a termination fee, it is not expected that GameStop will be
obligated to consummate the merger agreement without sufficient
lender financing commitments in place; |
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because the stock portion of the EB merger consideration is a
fixed number of Holdco shares, Holdco will not need to increase
the amount of shares it issues to EB stockholders if the value
of GameStops common stock decreases after the date of the
merger agreement; |
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the Holdco stock to be issued to GameStop stockholders in the
GameStop merger is expected to be received tax-free by GameStop
stockholders; |
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the terms of the merger agreement, including the
representations, warranties and covenants of each of the parties
and the conditions to their respective obligations, are believed
to be reasonable and customary in transactions of this type; |
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the conditions required to be satisfied prior to completion of
the mergers, such as the receipt of stockholder approval and
antitrust clearance, are expected to be fulfilled and the
corresponding likelihood that the mergers will be consummated; |
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the terms of the merger agreement provide that, under certain
circumstances, and subject to certain conditions more fully
described in the section entitled The Merger
Agreement No Solicitations by GameStop of
Alternative Transactions beginning on page 87,
GameStop is permitted to furnish information to and conduct
negotiations with a third party in connection with an
unsolicited proposal for a business combination or acquisition
of GameStop and the GameStop board of |
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directors can terminate the merger agreement for such a proposal
or change its recommendation prior to the GameStop stockholder
approval of the merger agreement in certain circumstances; |
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the limited circumstances in which the EB board of directors may
terminate the merger agreement or change or modify its
recommendation to its stockholders to approve the merger
agreement, and that EB agreed to pay a termination fee of
$40 million to GameStop in the event that the EB board of
directors terminates the merger agreement or changes or modifies
its recommendation in certain circumstances, as described in the
section entitled The Merger Agreement
Termination Fees on page 89; |
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the fact that the Kim Group, holders of approximately 46.7% of
the then outstanding shares of EB common stock, have entered
into a voting agreement and irrevocable proxy pursuant to which
they agreed to vote in favor of the adoption of the merger
agreement at the EB stockholders meeting; and |
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Citigroups opinion, dated April 17, 2005, to the
GameStop board as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view and as of the date of the opinion, to GameStop of the EB
merger consideration, as more fully described below under the
caption Opinion of GameStops Financial Advisor. |
In addition to these factors, the GameStop board of directors
also considered the potential adverse impact of other factors
weighing negatively against the proposed transaction, including
the following:
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Holdco is expected to incur indebtedness of approximately
$950 million in connection with the mergers, which debt may
adversely impact Holdcos results of operations following
the mergers; |
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the risk that the mergers might not be completed, including the
effect of the pendency of the mergers and such failure to be
completed may have on: |
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the trading price of GameStops common stock; |
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GameStops operating results, including the expenses
associated with the transaction; |
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GameStops ability to expand in Europe and other
international markets; and |
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GameStops ability to make other acquisitions. |
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the possibility of significant costs and delays resulting from
seeking antitrust clearance necessary for completion of the
mergers; |
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the possibility that the pendency of the mergers will result in
loss of business, supplier relationships or key personnel at EB; |
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the challenges of combining the businesses, operations and
workforces of GameStop and EB and realizing the anticipated cost
savings and operating synergies; |
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the management time, effort and expense associated with the
integration of the two companies, and the risk that such
diversion will have an adverse effect on Holdcos business
and results of operations; |
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the risks associated with substantially increasing
GameStops international operations, including those
resulting from currency exchange rate fluctuations, economic
downturns, international incidents or government instability; |
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because the stock portion of the EB merger consideration is a
fixed number of shares of Holdco Class A common stock, the
consideration received by EB stockholders could be substantially
more than GameStop intended to pay if the trading price of
GameStop Class A common stock increases significantly after
the date of execution of the merger agreement, and the merger
agreement does not provide GameStop with a price-based
termination right or other similar protection for GameStop or
its stockholders; |
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the possible effects on the long-term stock price and financial
results of Holdco if the benefits and synergies expected of the
mergers are not obtained or are obtained only in part or on a
delayed basis; |
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the market overhang effect on Holdcos stock
price created by the registration pursuant to the registration
rights agreement of approximately 9.1 million shares of
Holdco Class A common stock owned by the Kim Group, as
described in the section entitled Risk Factors on
page 18; |
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the limitations on GameStop imposed in the merger agreement on
certain activities as described in the section entitled
The Merger Agreement Conduct of Business
Pending the Mergers on page 90, and on the
solicitation by GameStop of alternative business combinations
prior to the completion of the mergers; |
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the requirement that GameStop must pay to EB a termination fee
of $40 million if the merger agreement is terminated under
circumstances specified in the merger agreement, as described in
the section entitled The Merger Agreement
Termination Fees beginning on page 89; |
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EB must obtain the approval of its stockholders in order to
adopt the merger agreement; and |
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the risks described in the section entitled Risk
Factors beginning on page 18. |
The GameStop board of directors also considered the interests
that certain executive officers and directors of GameStop have
with respect to the mergers, as described in the section
entitled Interests of Directors and Executive Officers in
the Mergers on page 68.
The GameStop board of directors concluded that the positive
factors significantly outweighed the negative factors described
above. This discussion of the information and factors considered
by the GameStop board of directors includes material positive
and negative factors considered by the GameStop board of
directors, but it is not intended to be exhaustive and may not
include all of the factors considered by the GameStop board of
directors. In reaching its determination to approve and
recommend the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, the GameStop board of directors did not quantify or
assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors
that it considered in reaching its determination that the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are
advisable and fair to and in the best interests of GameStop and
its stockholders. Rather, the GameStop board of directors viewed
its recommendation as being based on the totality of the
information presented to it and all of the factors considered by
it. In addition, in considering the factors described above,
individual members of the GameStop board of directors may have
given different weights to different factors.
After considering this information, the GameStop board of
directors approved the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, and recommended that GameStop stockholders
adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the GameStop merger, the amendment to
GameStops certificate of incorporation to provide for the
payment of the GameStop merger consideration as contemplated by
the merger agreement and the amendment to the GameStop Amended
and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan to provide for the issuance of
Holdco Class A common stock under the plan.
EBs Reasons for the EB Merger; Recommendation of the EB
Merger by the EB Board of Directors
The EB board of directors believes that the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of EB and
its stockholders. Accordingly, the EB board of directors has
approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, and recommends that the EB stockholders vote FOR
adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the EB merger.
As described above under Background of the Mergers,
the EB board of directors, prior to and in reaching its decision
at its meeting on April 17, 2005 to adopt the merger
agreement and the transactions
44
contemplated thereby, consulted with EBs senior executive
officers and EBs financial and legal advisors and
considered a variety of factors weighing positively in favor of
the EB merger, including the following:
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the value to be received by holders of EB common stock in the EB
merger, including the fact that, based on the closing price of
EBs common stock and GameStop Class A common stock on
April 15, 2005 (the last trading day before the
announcement of the signing of the merger agreement), the value
of the EB merger consideration represented a premium of
approximately 34.2% over the closing price of EBs common
stock on April 15, 2005 and 32.6% over the average closing
price of EBs common stock for the 30 trading days ending
April 15, 2005; |
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the strategic nature of the transaction, which will combine
EBs and GameStops respective businesses to create
one of the leading video game retailers in the world, with pro
forma combined sales of over $3.8 billion for the fiscal
year ended January 29, 2005, all of which should provide
the combined company with the opportunity to become a stronger
global competitor in the interactive entertainment industry; |
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the EB board of directors analysis and understanding of
managements operating plans for EB in the context of the
competitive conditions in the interactive entertainment industry
given the competitive pressures on EBs business by
Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target and other big-box retailers, by other
retailers expanding their video game businesses such as
Blockbuster/Game Rush and Hollywood Video/Game Crazy, by the
internet and other channels of video game distribution such as
interactive on-demand television, and the EB board of
directors analysis of the business, operations, financial
performance, financial condition, earnings and prospects of EB
on a stand-alone basis, together with the EB board of
directors belief, based on its analysis and understanding,
that Holdco, with its greater size and scale, would be better
positioned to compete effectively in the interactive
entertainment industry; |
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the fact that the initial approximately 70/30 split of cash and
stock in the EB merger consideration affords EB stockholders
both the opportunity to participate in the growth and
opportunities of the combined company through the stock
component of the EB merger consideration and to receive cash for
the value of their shares through the cash component of the EB
merger consideration; |
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because the stock portion of the EB merger consideration is a
fixed number of shares of Holdco Class A common stock, the
opportunity for the EB stockholders to benefit from any increase
in the trading price of GameStop Class A common stock
between the announcement of the mergers and the completion of
the mergers, as well as any increase in the trading price of
Holdco Class A common stock after completion of the mergers; |
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the fact that there are limited conditions to be met in
connection with GameStop obtaining financing to fund the cash
portion of the EB merger consideration; |
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the fact that as then calculated EB stockholders as a group
would own, on a fully-diluted basis, approximately 27.6% of the
outstanding Holdco common stock immediately following the
mergers; |
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the recent and historical information concerning EBs and
GameStops respective businesses and financial performance; |
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the results of the due diligence review of GameStops
business and operations conducted by EBs senior management
and EBs legal advisors; |
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the EB board of directors understanding of the anticipated
cost savings and operating synergies available to the combined
company from the mergers, after consultation with EBs
financial advisors, through consolidation and integration of
certain functions and the adoption of best practices from both
GameStop and EB across the combined company, which is expected
to positively enhance the combined companys earnings and
create value for stockholders; |
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the EB board of directors analysis of other strategic
alternatives for EB, including continued growth as an
independent company and the potential to acquire or combine with
third parties; |
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the expected qualification of the mergers as a transaction
described in Section 351 of the Code, resulting in the
consideration to be received by the EB stockholders not being
subject to federal income tax except to the extent of the lesser
of the cash consideration received in, or the gain realized upon
completion of, the EB merger, as described in the section
entitled Material United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences beginning on page 72; |
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the belief that the terms of the merger agreement, including the
parties representations, warranties and covenants and the
conditions to their respective obligations, are reasonable; |
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the fact that the conditions required to be satisfied prior to
completion of the mergers, such as the receipt of stockholder
approval and antitrust clearance, are expected to be fulfilled
and the corresponding likelihood that the mergers will be
consummated; |
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the fact that James J. Kim and one additional person chosen by
EBs board of directors who is considered independent under
the rules of the NYSE will be appointed to the Holdco board of
directors, which is expected to provide a degree of continuity
and involvement by EB in the combined company following the
mergers; |
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the fact that the terms of the merger agreement provide that,
under certain circumstances, and subject to certain conditions
more fully described in the section entitled The Merger
Agreement No Solicitations by EB of Alternative
Transactions beginning on page 85, EB is permitted to
furnish information to and conduct negotiations with a third
party in connection with an unsolicited proposal for a business
combination or acquisition of EB that may reasonably be expected
to lead to a company superior proposal and the EB board of
directors can terminate the merger agreement for a company
superior proposal or change its recommendation prior to
stockholder approval of the merger agreement in certain
circumstances; |
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the fact that there are limited circumstances in which the
GameStop board of directors may terminate the merger agreement
or change or modify its recommendation to its stockholders to
approve the merger agreement, and that GameStop agreed to pay a
termination fee of $40 million to EB in the event that the
GameStop board of directors terminates the merger agreement or
changes or modifies its recommendation in certain circumstances,
as described in the section entitled The Merger
Agreement Termination Fees on page 89; |
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the fact that the Riggio Group, holders of approximately 16.4%
of the combined voting power as then calculated, have entered
into a voting agreement and irrevocable proxy pursuant to which
they agreed to vote their shares of GameStop common stock in
favor of the adoption of the merger agreement at the GameStop
annual meeting; |
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Merrill Lynchs opinion described in the section entitled
Opinions of EBs Financial Advisors beginning
on page 55, including its analysis rendered orally on and
confirmed in writing as of April 17, 2005, to the effect
that, as of the date of such opinion, and based on and subject
to various assumptions made, matters considered, limitations and
qualifications described in its written opinion, the
consideration proposed to be received by holders of EB common
stock (other than GameStop, its affiliates and the Kim Group) in
the EB merger was fair from a financial point of view to such
holders; and |
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Peter J. Solomon Company, L.P.s opinion described in the
section entitled Opinions of EBs Financial
Advisors beginning on page 62, including its analysis
rendered orally on and confirmed in writing as of April 17,
2005, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and
based on and subject to various assumptions made, matters
considered, limitations and qualifications described in its
written opinion, the consideration proposed to be received by
holders of EB common stock in the EB merger was fair, from a
financial point of view, to such holders, excluding the Kim
Group. |
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In addition to these factors, the EB board of directors also
considered the potential adverse impact of other factors
weighing negatively against the proposed transaction, including,
without limitation, the following:
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the fact that Holdco will incur indebtedness of approximately
$950 million in connection with the mergers, which debt may
adversely impact Holdcos operations following the mergers; |
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the risk that the mergers might not be completed, including the
effect of the pendency of the mergers and such failure to be
completed may have on: |
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the trading price of EBs common stock; |
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EBs operating results, including the expenses associated
with the transaction; |
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EBs ability to expand in Europe and other international
markets; |
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EBs ability to attract and retain key personnel; and |
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EBs ability to retain customers and maintain sales; |
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the possibility of significant costs and delays resulting from
seeking antitrust clearance necessary for completion of the
proposed mergers; |
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because the stock portion of the EB merger consideration is a
fixed number of shares of Holdco Class A common stock, the
EB stockholders could be adversely affected by a decrease in the
trading price of GameStop Class A common stock after the
date of execution of the merger agreement, and the merger
agreement does not provide EB with a price-based termination
right or other similar protection for EB or its stockholders; |
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because the stock portion of the EB merger consideration is a
fixed number of shares of Holdco Class A common stock, and
not shares of Holdco Class B common stock which shall
contain super voting rights similar to GameStop Class B
common stock, the stock consideration to be received by
EBs stockholders in the merger as then calculated would
represent only 5.7% of the combined voting power of
Holdcos common stock following the mergers; |
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the risk that the financial results and the stock price of the
combined company might decline in the short-term; |
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the possible effects on the long-term stock price and financial
results of the combined company if the benefits and synergies
expected of the mergers are not obtained on a timely basis or at
all; |
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the limitations imposed in the merger agreement on the
solicitation by EB of alternative business combinations prior to
the completion of the mergers; |
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the requirement that EB must pay to GameStop a termination fee
of $40 million if the merger agreement is terminated under
circumstances specified in the merger agreement, as described in
the section entitled The Merger Agreement-Termination
Fees beginning on page 89; |
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the challenges of combining the businesses, operations and
workforces of GameStop and EB and realizing the anticipated cost
savings and operating synergies; |
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the fact that GameStop must obtain the approval of its
stockholders, including a majority of its Class A common
stock, in order to adopt the merger agreement; and |
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|
the risks described in the section entitled Risk
Factors beginning on page 18. |
The EB board of directors also considered the interests that
certain executive officers and directors of EB have with respect
to the mergers, as described in the section entitled
Interests of Directors and Executive Officers in the
Mergers on page 68.
The EB board of directors concluded that the positive factors
significantly outweighed the negative factors described above.
This discussion of the information and factors considered by the
EB board of
47
directors includes material positive and negative factors
considered by the EB board of directors, but it is not intended
to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors
considered by the EB board of directors. In reaching its
determination to approve and recommend the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, the EB board of directors
did not find it useful to and did not quantify or assign any
relative or specific weights to the various factors that it
considered in reaching its determination that the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, are
advisable and fair to and in the best interests of EB and its
stockholders. Rather, the EB board of directors viewed its
position and recommendation as being based on an overall
analysis and on the totality of the information presented to and
factors considered by it. In addition, in considering the
factors described above, individual members of the EB board of
directors may have given different weights to different factors.
After considering this information, the EB board of directors
approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, and recommended that EB stockholders adopt the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including
the EB merger.
Opinion of GameStops Financial Advisor
GameStop has retained Citigroup as GameStops financial
advisor in connection with the mergers. In connection with this
engagement, GameStop requested that Citigroup evaluate the
fairness, from a financial point of view, to GameStop of the EB
merger consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger
agreement. On April 17, 2005, at a meeting of the GameStop
board of directors held to evaluate the mergers, Citigroup
rendered to the GameStop board an oral opinion, which was
confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated the same date,
to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to
the matters described in its opinion, the EB merger
consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to
GameStop.
In arriving at its opinion, Citigroup:
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reviewed the merger agreement; |
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held discussions with senior officers, directors and other
representatives and advisors of GameStop and senior officers and
other representatives and advisors of EB concerning
GameStops and EBs businesses, operations and
prospects; |
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examined publicly available business and financial information
relating to GameStop and EB; |
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|
examined financial forecasts and other information and data
relating to EB which were provided to or discussed with
Citigroup by the managements of GameStop and EB, including
adjustments to the forecasts and other information and data
relating to EB prepared by GameStops management; |
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reviewed information prepared by GameStops management
relating to the potential strategic implications and operational
benefits, including their amount, timing and achievability,
anticipated by GameStops management to result from the
mergers; |
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|
reviewed the financial terms of the mergers as described in the
merger agreement in relation to, among other things, current and
historical market prices of GameStop Class A common stock
and EB common stock, and GameStops and EBs
historical and projected earnings and other operating data,
capitalization and financial condition; |
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considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial
terms of other transactions which Citigroup considered relevant
in evaluating the mergers; |
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analyzed financial, stock market and other publicly available
information relating to the businesses of other companies whose
operations Citigroup considered relevant in evaluating those of
GameStop and EB; |
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reviewed the potential pro forma projected earnings per share of
the combined company relative to the projected earnings per
share of GameStop on a standalone basis based on financial
forecasts |
48
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and other information and data provided to or discussed with
Citigroup by the managements of GameStop and EB; and |
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conducted other analyses and examinations and considered other
financial, economic and market criteria as Citigroup deemed
appropriate in arriving at its opinion. |
In rendering its opinion, Citigroup assumed and relied, without
assuming any responsibility for independent verification, on the
accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information
and data publicly available or provided to or otherwise reviewed
by or discussed with it and on the assurances of the managements
of GameStop and EB that they were not aware of any relevant
information that was omitted or remained undisclosed to
Citigroup. With respect to financial forecasts and other
information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or
discussed with Citigroup, including adjustments to the forecasts
and other information and data relating to EB prepared by
GameStops management and the potential strategic
implications and operational benefits anticipated by
GameStops management to result from the mergers, Citigroup
was advised by the managements of GameStop and EB that the
forecasts and other information and data were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the managements of GameStop and EB as
to the future financial performance of GameStop and EB and the
potential strategic implications and operational benefits and
other matters covered by such forecasts and other information
and data. Citigroup assumed, with GameStops consent, that
the financial results, including potential strategic
implications and operational benefits, reflected in the
forecasts and other information and data would be realized in
the amounts and at the times projected. Citigroup also assumed,
with GameStops consent, that the mergers would be
consummated in accordance with its terms, without waiver,
modification or amendment of any material term, condition or
agreement and that, in the course of obtaining the necessary
regulatory or third party approvals, consents, releases and
waivers for the mergers, no delay, limitation, restriction or
condition would be imposed that would have an adverse effect on
GameStop, EB or Holdco or on the contemplated benefits of the
mergers. Citigroup further assumed, with GameStops
consent, that each of the GameStop merger and the EB merger
would qualify for federal income tax purposes as a transaction
described in Section 351 of the Code, as amended.
Citigroup did not express any opinion as to what the value of
Holdco common stock actually would be when issued pursuant to
the mergers or the prices at which Holdco common stock, GameStop
common stock or EB common stock would trade at any time.
Citigroup did not make, and was not provided with, an
independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or
liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of GameStop, EB or Holdco,
and did not make any physical inspection of the properties or
assets of GameStop, EB or Holdco. Citigroup did not express any
view as to, and its opinion did not address, GameStops
underlying business decision to effect the mergers, the relative
merits of the mergers as compared to any alternative business
strategies that might exist for GameStop or the effect of any
other transaction in which GameStop might engage.
Citigroups opinion was necessarily based on information
available to Citigroup, and financial, stock market and other
conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed to
Citigroup, as of the date of its opinion. Except as described
above, GameStop imposed no other instructions or limitations on
Citigroup with respect to the investigations made or procedures
followed by Citigroup in rendering its opinion.
The full text of Citigroups written opinion, dated
April 17, 2005, which describes the assumptions made,
procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the
review undertaken, is attached to this joint proxy
statement-prospectus as Annex G and is incorporated
into this joint proxy statement-prospectus by reference.
Citigroups opinion was provided to the GameStop board of
directors in connection with its evaluation of the EB merger
consideration and relates only to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, to GameStop of the EB merger consideration.
Citigroups opinion does not address any other aspect of
the mergers and does not constitute a recommendation to any
stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote or act on any
matters relating to the proposed mergers.
In preparing its opinion, Citigroup performed a variety of
financial and comparative analyses, including those described
below. The summary of these analyses is not a complete
description of the analyses underlying Citigroups opinion.
The preparation of a financial opinion is a complex analytical
49
process involving various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the
application of those methods to the particular circumstances
and, therefore, a financial opinion is not readily susceptible
to summary description. Citigroup arrived at its ultimate
opinion based on the results of all analyses undertaken by it
and assessed as a whole, and did not draw, in isolation,
conclusions from or with regard to any one factor or method of
analysis for purposes of its opinion. Accordingly, Citigroup
believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and
that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing
on information presented in tabular format, without considering
all analyses and factors or the narrative description of the
analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the
processes underlying its analyses and opinion.
In its analyses, Citigroup considered industry performance,
general business, economic, market and financial conditions and
other matters existing as of the date of its opinion, many of
which are beyond the control of GameStop and EB. No company,
business or transaction used in those analyses as a comparison
is identical to GameStop, EB or the mergers, and an evaluation
of those analyses is not entirely mathematical. Rather, the
analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning
financial and operating characteristics and other factors that
could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of
the companies, business segments or transactions analyzed.
The estimates contained in Citigroups analyses and the
valuation ranges resulting from any particular analysis are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future
results or values, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than those suggested by its analyses. In addition,
analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do
not necessarily purport to be appraisals or to reflect the
prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold.
Accordingly, the estimates used in, and the results derived
from, Citigroups analyses are inherently subject to
substantial uncertainty.
The type and amount of consideration payable in the EB merger
was determined through negotiation between GameStop and EB and
the decision to enter into the mergers was solely that of
GameStops board of directors. Citigroups opinion was
only one of many factors considered by the GameStop board of
directors in its evaluation of the mergers and should not be
viewed as determinative of the views of the GameStop board of
directors or management with respect to the mergers or the
consideration payable in the mergers.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses
presented to the GameStop board of directors in connection with
Citigroups opinion. The financial analyses summarized
below include information presented in tabular format. In order
to fully understand Citigroups financial analyses, the
tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The
tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the
financial analyses. Considering the data below without
considering the full narrative description of the financial
analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying
the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of
Citigroups financial analyses. For purposes of the
following summary of Citigroups financial analyses, the
term implied per share value of the EB merger
consideration refers to the implied aggregate value of the
cash consideration payable in the EB merger of $38.15 per
share and the stock consideration issuable in the EB merger
based on the exchange ratio provided for in the EB merger of
0.78795 and the per share closing price of GameStop Class A
common stock on April 14, 2005 of $20.91.
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Selected Companies Analysis |
Citigroup reviewed financial and stock market information of EB,
GameStop and the following twelve selected publicly held
companies in the specialty retailing industry:
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Advance Auto Parts, Inc. |
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Barnes & Noble, Inc. |
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Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. |
50
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Best Buy Co., Inc. |
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Blockbuster Inc. |
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Borders Group, Inc. |
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The Home Depot, Inc. |
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Linens N Things, Inc. |
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Lowes Companies, Inc. |
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Office Depot, Inc. |
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PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. |
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Staples, Inc. |
Citigroup reviewed, among other things, closing stock prices as
a multiple of calendar years 2005 and 2006 estimated earnings
per share (EPS). Citigroup then applied a range of selected
multiples of calendar years 2005 and 2006 estimated EPS derived
from GameStop and the selected companies to EBs estimated
EPS for the fiscal years ending January 28, 2006 (EB fiscal
2006) and February 3, 2007 (EB fiscal 2007). Multiples for
GameStop and the selected companies were based on closing stock
prices as of April 14, 2005 and estimated financial data of
research analysts as compiled by First Call Corporation (a
financial research company), commonly referred to as First Call
estimates. Estimated financial data for EB were based on
internal estimates of EBs management as adjusted by
GameStops management. This analysis indicated the
following implied per share equity reference ranges for EB, as
compared to the implied per share value of the EB merger
consideration:
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Implied per Share | |
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Implied per Share | |
Equity Reference | |
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Value of EB | |
Range for EB | |
|
Merger Consideration | |
| |
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| |
EB Fiscal 2006 | |
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EB Fiscal 2007 | |
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| |
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| |
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$ |
43.73 - $48.87 |
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$ |
47.98 - $54.38 |
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$ |
54.63 |
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Precedent Transactions Analysis |
Citigroup reviewed the transaction value multiples paid in the
following 36 selected transactions in the specialty retailing
industry announced since October 1998:
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Date Announced |
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Acquiror |
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Target |
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March 2005
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Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Bain Capital
Partners LLC, Vornado Realty Trust |
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Toys R Us, Inc. |
January 2005
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Saunders Karp & Megrue |
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Bobs Discount Furniture, Inc. |
December 2004
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Oak Hill Capital Partners, L.P. |
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Duane Reade Inc. |
November 2004
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The Dress Barn, Inc. |
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Maurices Incorporated |
November 2004
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Bain Capital Partners, LLC |
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S. Rossy Inc. and Dollar A.M.A. Inc. (Dollarama
business) |
November 2004
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Jones Apparel Group, Inc. |
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Barneys New York, Inc. |
October 2004
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The Childrens Place Retail Stores, Inc. |
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The Disney Store North America |
September 2004
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Management-led Investor Group |
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Eastern Mountain Sports, Inc. |
July 2004
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Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., Sun Capital
Partners, Inc. and Lubert-Adler and Klaff Partners, L.P. |
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Target Corporation (Mervyns business unit) |
July 2004
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Bridgepoint Capital Limited |
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Pets at Home Limited |
June 2004
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Dicks Sporting Goods, Inc. |
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Galyans Trading Company, Inc. |
May 2004
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Castle Harlan, Inc. |
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Caribbean Restaurants LLC |
April 2004
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Crescent Capital Investments, Inc. |
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Loehmanns Holdings Inc. |
April 2004
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Wasserstein & Co., L.P. |
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Bear Creek Corporation |
April 2004
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Weston Presidio |
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Nebraska Book Company, Inc. |
51
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Date Announced |
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Acquiror |
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Target |
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February 2004
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Genesco Inc. |
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Hat World Corporation |
January 2004
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Sun Capital Partners, Inc. |
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Anchor Blue |
November 2003
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CVC Capital Partners Ltd., Texas Pacific Group |
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Debenhams PLC |
October 2003
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Apollo Management, L.P. |
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General Nutrition Companies, Inc. |
September 2003
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TBC Corporation |
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National Tire & Battery |
July 2003
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Boise Cascade Corporation |
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OfficeMax, Inc. |
June 2003
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Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. |
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Christmas Tree Shops, Inc. |
June 2003
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Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. |
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Greenbacks, Inc. |
February 2003
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Gart Sports Company |
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The Sports Authority, Inc. |
May 2002
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The Blackstone Group LP |
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The Columbia House Company |
August 2001
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Best Buy Co., Inc. |
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Future Shop, Ltd. |
August 2001
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Advance Auto Parts, Inc. |
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Discount Auto Parts, Inc. |
June 2001
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Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. |
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Sound Advice, Inc. |
February 2001
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Luxottica Group S.p.A. |
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Sunglass Hut International, Inc. |
December 2000
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Best Buy Co., Inc. |
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Musicland Stores Corporation |
August 2000
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Zale Corporation |
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Piercing Pagoda, Inc. |
May 2000
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Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Babbages Etc.
LLC) |
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Funco, Inc. |
May 2000
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Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., Texas
Pacific Group |
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PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. |
November 1999
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Three Cities Research, Inc. |
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Garden Ridge Corporation |
October 1999
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Barnes & Noble, Inc. |
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Babbages Etc. LLC |
October 1998
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Trans World Entertainment Corporation |
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Camelot Music Holdings, Inc. |
Citigroup reviewed enterprise values in the selected
transactions, calculated as the equity value implied for the
target company based on the consideration payable in the
selected transaction, plus net debt, minority interests and
preferred stock, less investments in unconsolidated affiliates,
as a multiple of latest twelve months estimated earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).
Citigroup then applied a range of selected latest twelve months
EBITDA multiples derived from the selected transactions to EB
fiscal 2006 estimated EBITDA, with particular focus on the Bain
Capital Partners, LLC/ Dollarama L.P., Weston Presidio/ Nebraska
Book Company, Inc., and Dicks Sporting Goods, Inc./
Galyans Trading Company, Inc. transactions given that they were
recent transactions involving target companies generally with
growth characteristics similar to those of EB. Multiples for the
selected transactions were based on publicly available financial
information at the time of announcement of the relevant
transaction. Estimated financial data for EB were based on
internal estimates of EBs management as adjusted by
GameStops management. This analysis indicated the
following implied per share equity reference range for EB, as
compared to the implied per share value of the EB merger
consideration:
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Implied per Share |
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Implied per Share | |
Equity Reference |
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Value of EB | |
Range for EB |
|
Merger Consideration | |
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$50.97 - $61.98
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$ |
54.63 |
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Discounted Cash Flow Analysis |
Citigroup performed a discounted cash flow analysis of EB to
calculate the estimated present value of the standalone
unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that EB could generate over
EB fiscal 2007 through the fiscal year ending January 30,
2010 (EB fiscal 2010). Estimated financial data for EB were
based on internal estimates of EBs management as adjusted
by GameStops management. Citigroup calculated a range of
estimated terminal values by applying a range of EBITDA terminal
value multiples of 7.0x to 8.0x to EB fiscal 2010 estimated
EBITDA. The present value of the cash flows and terminal values
were calculated using discount rates ranging from 10.5% to
11.5%. This analysis indicated the following implied
52
per share equity reference range for EB, as compared to the
implied per share value of the EB merger consideration:
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Implied per Share |
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Implied per Share | |
Equity Reference |
|
Value of EB | |
Range for EB |
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Merger Consideration | |
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$90.04 - $103.43
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$ |
54.63 |
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|
GameStop Trading Multiples Analysis |
Citigroup reviewed closing stock prices of GameStop, EB and the
publicly held companies in the specialty retailers industry
referred to above under EB Analyses Selected
Companies Analysis as a multiple of calendar years 2005
and 2006 estimated EPS and also reviewed price-to-earnings
ratios of GameStop, EB and the selected companies as a multiple
of estimated long-term earnings growth rates for calendar years
2005 and 2006. Citigroup reviewed enterprise values, calculated
as the equity value implied by the closing stock price, plus net
debt, minority interests and preferred stock, less investments
in unconsolidated affiliates, as a multiple of latest twelve
months EBITDA and calendar year 2005 estimated EBITDA. Citigroup
then compared the multiples derived for the selected companies
and EB with corresponding multiples implied for GameStop based
on the weighted average closing price of GameStop Class A
common stock and GameStop Class B common stock on
April 14, 2005. Multiples were based on First Call
estimates and closing stock prices as of April 14, 2005.
This analysis indicated the following implied high, low, mean
and median multiples for the selected companies and EB, as
compared to corresponding multiples implied for GameStop based
on the weighted average closing price of GameStop Class A
common stock and GameStop Class B common stock on
April 14, 2005:
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Implied | |
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Implied | |
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Implied Multiples for | |
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Multiples | |
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Multiples | |
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Selected Companies | |
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for EB | |
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for GameStop | |
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High | |
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Low | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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Closing Stock Price as Multiple of:
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EPS
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Calendar year 2005
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29.7 |
x |
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14.0 |
x |
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18.0 |
x |
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16.6 |
x |
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17.1 |
x |
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15.1x |
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Calendar year 2006
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18.3 |
x |
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12.5 |
x |
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14.6 |
x |
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14.2 |
x |
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14.8 |
x |
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12.9x |
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Price-to-Earnings Ratio as Multiple of:
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Long-Term Earnings Growth Rate
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Calendar year 2005
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1.9 |
x |
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0.9 |
x |
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1.2 |
x |
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1.1 |
x |
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1.0 |
x |
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0.9x |
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Calendar year 2006
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1.3 |
x |
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0.8 |
x |
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1.0 |
x |
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1.0 |
x |
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0.9 |
x |
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0.8x |
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Enterprise Value as Multiple of:
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EBITDA
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Latest twelve months
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12.3 |
x |
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5.4 |
x |
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8.4 |
x |
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8.5 |
x |
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7.5 |
x |
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7.6x |
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Calendar year 2005
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11.3 |
x |
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5.3 |
x |
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7.6 |
x |
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7.5 |
x |
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6.4 |
x |
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6.3x |
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Citigroup also reviewed historical closing prices of GameStop
Class A common stock from April 15, 2002 to
April 14, 2005 as a multiple of GameStops forward
twelve months estimated EPS based on First Call estimates.
Citigroup noted that the average forward twelve months estimated
EPS multiple for GameStop over the one-year and three-year
periods ended April 14, 2005 was 15.0x and 16.0x,
respectively, as compared to the forward twelve months estimated
EPS multiple for GameStop based on the closing price of GameStop
Class A common stock on April 14, 2005 of 15.1x.
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|
Pro Forma Accretion/ Dilution Analysis |
Citigroup analyzed the potential pro forma effect of the mergers
on the combined companys estimated EPS for the fiscal
years ending January 28, 2006 through January 30,
2010, after giving effect to potential synergies anticipated by
GameStops management to result from the mergers, relative
to GameStops estimated EPS during such period on a
standalone basis. Estimated financial data for
53
GameStop were based on internal estimates of the management of
GameStop. Estimated financial data for EB were based on internal
estimates of EBs management as adjusted by GameStops
management. This analysis suggested that the mergers could be
accretive to the combined companys estimated EPS relative
to GameStops estimated EPS on a standalone basis in each
of the periods observed. The actual results achieved by the
combined company may vary from projected results and the
variations may be material.
In rendering its opinion, Citigroup also reviewed and considered
other factors, including:
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the relationship between movements in GameStop common stock and
EB common stock; |
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|
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the implied per share values of the EB merger consideration
based on illustrative closing prices of GameStop Class A
common stock at 10% levels above and below the closing price of
GameStop Class A common stock on April 14, 2005; |
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|
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the premiums implied for EB based on the EB merger consideration
relative to the closing price of EB common stock on
April 14, 2005 and on the average closing price for EB
common stock over the 20-day period ended April 14,
2005; and |
|
|
|
the premiums implied for EB based on selected implied
transaction multiples for EB relative to corresponding trading
multiples for GameStop based on the weighted average closing
price of GameStop Class A common stock and GameStop
Class B common stock on April 14, 2005. |
Under the terms of Citigroups engagement, GameStop has
agreed to pay Citigroup for its financial advisory services in
connection with the mergers an aggregate fee of between
$7 million and $8 million. GameStop also has agreed to
reimburse Citigroup for expenses incurred by Citigroup in
performing its services, including reasonable fees and expenses
of its legal counsel, and to indemnify Citigroup and related
persons against liabilities, including liabilities under the
federal securities laws, arising out of its engagement.
In the ordinary course of business, Citigroup and its affiliates
may actively trade or hold the securities of GameStop and EB for
their own account or for the account of customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in
those securities. Citigroup and its affiliates in the past have
provided, and currently are providing, services to GameStop and
its affiliates unrelated to the mergers, for which services
Citigroup and its affiliates have received, and expect to
receive, compensation, including having acted as GameStops
financial advisor in 2004 in connection with GameStops
repurchase of a portion of the shares of GameStop Class B
common stock held by Barnes & Noble, an affiliate of
Leonard Riggio, who is a director and stockholder of GameStop,
and the subsequent distribution of the remaining shares of
GameStop Class B common stock held by Barnes &
Noble to its stockholders, and having acted as financial advisor
to Barnes & Noble in 2004 in connection with its
acquisition of barnesandnoble.com inc. Citigroup and its
affiliates also in the past have provided services to EB and its
affiliates unrelated to the mergers, for which services
Citigroup and its affiliates have received compensation,
including having acted as lead manager in 2003 and 2004 for
equity and debt securities financings, and as sole bookrunner in
2003 for an equity securities financing, of affiliates of James
Kim, who is Chairman of the Board of EB. An affiliate of
Citigroup also will be acting as administrative agent and will
be a lender under, and Citigroup will be acting as lead
bookrunner for, bank and debt or equity securities financings
contemplated to be undertaken by GameStop in connection with the
mergers, for which services Citigroup and its affiliates expect
to receive compensation. In addition, Citigroup and its
affiliates, including Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates, may
maintain relationships with GameStop, EB and their respective
affiliates.
GameStop selected Citigroup as its financial advisor in
connection with the mergers based on Citigroups
reputation, experience and familiarity with GameStop, EB and
their respective businesses. Citigroup is an internationally
recognized investment banking firm which regularly engages in
the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection
with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
54
competitive bids, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted
securities, private placements and valuations for estate,
corporate and other purposes.
Opinions of EBs Financial Advisors
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated |
EB engaged Merrill Lynch to act as its financial advisor in
connection with the proposed mergers, and to render an opinion
as to whether the consideration to be received pursuant to the
EB merger is fair from a financial point of view to the holders
of the common stock of EB (other than GameStop, its affiliates
and the Kim Group) (the Public Holders).
On April 17, 2005, Merrill Lynch delivered its oral opinion
to the board of directors of EB, subsequently confirmed in
writing as of the same date, that, as of that date, and based
upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters considered,
and qualifications and limitations set forth, in the written
opinion (which are described below), the consideration of
(i) $38.15 in cash and (ii) 0.78795 shares of
Holdco Class A common stock to be received per share of the
EB common stock pursuant to the EB merger was fair, from a
financial point of view, to the Public Holders.
The full text of the written opinion of Merrill Lynch, which
sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered, and
qualifications and limits on the scope of review undertaken by
Merrill Lynch, is attached to this joint proxy
statement-prospectus as Annex H and is incorporated
into this joint proxy statement-prospectus by reference. The
following summary of the material provisions of Merrill
Lynchs opinion is qualified by reference to the full text
of the opinion. Stockholders are urged to read and consider the
entire opinion carefully.
The opinion is addressed to EBs board of directors and
addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the consideration to be received by the Public Holders pursuant
to the EB merger, as of the date of the opinion. The opinion
does not address the merits of the underlying decision by EB to
engage in the EB merger and does not constitute, nor should it
be construed as, a recommendation to any stockholder as to how
the stockholder should vote with respect to the EB merger or any
related matter. Merrill Lynch was not asked to address, and its
opinion did not address, the fairness to, or any other
consideration of, the holders of any class of securities,
creditors or other constituencies of EB, other than the Public
Holders. Although Merrill Lynch provided advice to EB during
negotiations among the parties, the consideration to be received
by the Public Holders was determined by GameStop and EB and was
approved by EBs board of directors. Merrill Lynch did not
determine or recommend the amount of consideration to be paid in
the transaction. In addition, as described above, Merrill
Lynchs fairness opinion was among several factors taken
into consideration by EBs board of directors in making its
determination to approve the merger agreement and the EB merger.
Consequently, Merrill Lynchs analyses described below
should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of
EBs board of directors to approve the merger agreement or
to recommend the EB merger to EBs stockholders.
In arriving at its opinion, Merrill Lynch, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
Reviewed certain publicly available business and financial
information relating to GameStop and EB that Merrill Lynch
deemed to be relevant; |
|
|
|
Reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts,
relating to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets,
liabilities and prospects of GameStop and EB, as well as the
amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and
synergies (the Expected Synergies) expected to result from the
mergers, and furnished to Merrill Lynch by each of GameStop and
EB; |
|
|
|
Conducted discussions with members of senior management of
GameStop and EB concerning the matters described in the first
and second clauses above, as well as their respective businesses
and prospects before and after giving effect to the mergers and
the Expected Synergies; |
55
|
|
|
|
|
Reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for EBs
common stock and GameStops common stock and compared them
with those of certain publicly traded companies that Merrill
Lynch deemed to be relevant; |
|
|
|
Reviewed the results of operations of GameStop and EB and
compared them with those of certain publicly traded companies
that Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant; |
|
|
|
Compared the proposed financial terms of the mergers with the
financial terms of certain other transactions that Merrill Lynch
deemed to be relevant; |
|
|
|
Participated in certain discussions and negotiations among
representatives of GameStop and EB and their financial and legal
advisors; |
|
|
|
Reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the mergers; |
|
|
|
Reviewed an April 17, 2005 draft of the merger agreement; |
|
|
|
Reviewed an April 17, 2005 draft of the Kim Group voting
agreement; |
|
|
|
Reviewed an April 16, 2005 draft of the Riggio Group voting
agreement; |
|
|
|
Reviewed an April 17, 2005 form of the registration rights
agreement; |
|
|
|
Reviewed an April 16, 2005 form of the non-competition
agreement; and |
|
|
|
Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and took into
account such other matters as Merrill Lynch deemed necessary,
including Merrill Lynchs assessment of general economic,
market and monetary conditions. |
In preparing its opinion, Merrill Lynch assumed and relied on
the accuracy and completeness of all information supplied or
otherwise made available to it, discussed with or reviewed by or
for it, or publicly available. Merrill Lynch did not assume any
responsibility for independently verifying such information or
undertake any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the
assets or liabilities of GameStop or EB, was not furnished with
any such evaluation or appraisal, and did not evaluate the
solvency or fair value of GameStop or EB under any state or
federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
matters. In addition, Merrill Lynch did not assume any
obligation to conduct any physical inspection of the properties
or facilities of GameStop or EB. With respect to the financial
forecast information and the Expected Synergies furnished to or
discussed with Merrill Lynch by GameStop or EB, Merrill Lynch
assumed that such information had been reasonably prepared and
reflected the best currently available estimates and judgment of
EBs or GameStops management as to the expected
future financial performance of GameStop or EB, as the case may
be, and the Expected Synergies. Merrill Lynch further assumed
that the exchange of GameStop Class A common stock,
GameStop Class B common stock and EB common stock for
Holdco Class A common stock and Holdco Class B common
stock, as applicable, pursuant to the mergers, taken together,
shall qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of
the Code. Merrill Lynch also assumed that the final forms of the
merger agreement, the Kim Group voting agreement, the Riggio
Group voting agreement, the registration rights agreement and
the non-competition agreement would be substantially similar to
the last drafts reviewed by it.
The opinion of Merrill Lynch is necessarily based upon market,
economic and other conditions as they existed and could be
evaluated on, and on the information made available to Merrill
Lynch as of, the date of its opinion. Merrill Lynch assumed that
in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or other
consents or approvals (contractual or otherwise) for the
mergers, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements
or amendments or modifications, will be imposed that will have a
material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of the
mergers.
In connection with the preparation of its opinion, Merrill Lynch
was not authorized by EB or EBs board of directors to
solicit, nor did it solicit, third-party indications of interest
for the acquisition of all or any part of EB.
56
At the board of directors meeting of EB held on April 17,
2005, Merrill Lynch presented certain financial and comparative
analyses accompanied by written materials in connection with the
delivery of its opinion. The following is a summary of the
material financial and comparative analyses performed by Merrill
Lynch in arriving at its opinion. However, it does not purport
to be a complete description of the analyses performed by
Merrill Lynch or of its presentations to EBs board of
directors. Some of the summaries of financial analyses include
information presented in tabular format. In order to understand
fully the financial analyses performed by Merrill Lynch, the
tables must be read together with the accompanying text of each
summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete
description of the financial and comparative analyses, including
the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, and
if viewed in isolation could create a misleading or incomplete
view of the financial and comparative analyses performed by
Merrill Lynch.
Management Case and Street Case. For purposes of the
analyses discussed below, Merrill Lynch used a set of
projections provided by EB management (the management case). For
the street case, Merrill Lynch used available Wall Street
research estimates which assumed lower sales growth and lower
operating margins than in the management case.
Merger Consideration. Merrill Lynchs analysis is
based on share price information as of April 14, 2005. As
of April 14, 2005 the implied merger consideration was
$54.63, calculated based on (i) $38.15 in cash per share
plus (ii) 0.78795 shares multiplied by the GameStop
Class A common stock closing share price of $20.91 as of
April 14, 2005 (the $54.63 per share merger
consideration). The closing share price of GameStop Class A
common stock on April 15, 2005 (the last trading day prior
to the April 17, 2005 meeting of EBs board of
directors) was $21.61, which implies a per share merger
consideration of $55.18.
Historical Share Price Performance. Merrill Lynch
reviewed the historical performance of EBs common stock
based on a historical analysis of trading prices for the three
years ending April 14, 2005. The following table reflects
the implied premium that the $54.63 per share merger
consideration represents to the various closing prices and
average closing prices at various points in time prior to the
public announcement of GameStops merger proposal:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price | |
|
Implied Premium | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
April 14, 2005
|
|
$ |
40.86 |
|
|
|
33.7 |
% |
5-Day Trading Average
|
|
$ |
42.19 |
|
|
|
29.5 |
% |
30-Day Trading Average
|
|
$ |
41.57 |
|
|
|
31.4 |
% |
90-Day Trading Average
|
|
$ |
39.29 |
|
|
|
39.0 |
% |
1-Year Trading Average
|
|
$ |
33.40 |
|
|
|
63.6 |
% |
3-Year Trading Average
|
|
$ |
27.58 |
|
|
|
98.1 |
% |
52-Week High
|
|
$ |
47.02 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
% |
52-Week Low
|
|
$ |
23.60 |
|
|
|
131.5 |
% |
Research Analyst Price Targets. Based on publicly
available Wall Street research analyst views, target prices of
EB range from $44.00 to $52.00 per share. Merrill Lynch
compared this range to the $54.63 per share merger
consideration.
Analysis of Selected Comparable Publicly Traded
Companies. Using publicly available information concerning
historical and projected financial results, Merrill Lynch
compared financial and operating information and ratios for EB
with the corresponding financial and operating information for
the selected group of publicly traded companies that Merrill
Lynch deemed to be reasonably comparable to EB. The following
companies were selected as the primary comparable companies to
EB.
Specialty Hardline Retailers
|
|
|
|
|
Barnes & Noble, Inc. |
|
|
|
Best Buy Co., Inc. |
|
|
|
Borders Group, Inc. |
57
|
|
|
|
|
Circuit City Stores, Inc. |
|
|
|
Guitar Center, Inc. |
|
|
|
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. |
|
|
|
RadioShack Corp. |
Video Rental Chains
|
|
|
|
|
Blockbuster, Inc. |
|
|
|
Movie Gallery, Inc. |
There are few public companies which are directly comparable to
EB. The video game industry is highly fragmented. Other than
specialty retailers, industry players include mass merchants,
toy retailers, consumer electronics stores and video rental
chains. Merrill Lynch selected these comparable companies
because they are publicly traded companies with operating
profiles that Merrill Lynch deemed reasonably similar to that of
EB. For each of the comparable companies, Merrill Lynch
calculated enterprise value as of April 14, 2005 as a
multiple of last twelve months earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization (LTM EBITDA) and current
stock price as a multiple of 2005 estimated earnings per share
(2005E P/ E multiple).
Based on reported financial results, the enterprise value as a
multiple of LTM EBITDA analysis resulted in a range of multiples
from 5.1x to 11.7x, with a mean of 7.6x for Specialty Hardline
Retailers and 5.3x for Video Rental Chains, as of April 14,
2005, as compared to the 7.5x multiple for EB pre-announcement
and the 10.6x multiple implied by the $54.63 per share
merger consideration. Based on its analysis of the multiples
calculated for the comparable companies, including qualitative
judgments involving non-mathematical considerations, Merrill
Lynch determined the relevant range to be 6.5x to 8.5x LTM
EBITDA, for an implied equity value range for EB of $36.50 to
$45.25 per share.
Based on the street case, 2005E P/ E multiple analysis resulted
in a range of multiples from 11.6x to 28.6x, with a mean of
17.9x for Specialty Hardline Retailers and 21.5x for Video
Rental Chains, as of April 14, 2005. Based on its analysis
of the multiples calculated for the comparable companies,
including qualitative judgments involving non-mathematical
considerations, Merrill Lynch determined the relevant range to
be 16.0x to 20.0x 2005E P/ E, for an implied equity value range
for EB of $38.50 to $48.00 per share based on street case
and $42.25 to $52.75 based on management case.
None of the selected comparable companies are identical to EB.
Accordingly, a complete analysis of the results of the foregoing
calculations cannot be limited to a quantitative review of the
results and involves complex considerations and judgments
concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the selected comparable companies, and other
factors that could affect the public trading dynamics of the
selected comparable companies, as well as those of EB.
58
Analysis of Selected Comparable Transactions. Using
publicly available information concerning past transactions,
Merrill Lynch compared the proposed financial terms of the EB
merger with the financial terms of certain other transactions
that Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant:
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Target |
|
Acquiror |
|
|
|
|
|
3/17/2005
|
|
Toys R Us, Inc. |
|
Bain, KKR and Vornado |
12/2/2004
|
|
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. |
|
Moulin International Holdings Ltd. & Golden Gate
Private Equity |
11/19/2004
|
|
Hollywood Entertainment Corp. |
|
Movie Gallery, Inc. |
6/21/2004
|
|
Galyans Trading Company, Inc. |
|
Dicks Sporting Goods, Inc. |
3/31/2004
|
|
InterTAN, Inc. |
|
Circuit City Stores Inc. |
7/14/2003
|
|
OfficeMax, Inc. |
|
Boise Cascade Holdings LLC |
2/20/2003
|
|
The Sports Authority, Inc. |
|
Gart Sports Co. |
8/14/2001
|
|
Future Shop Ltd. |
|
Best Buy Co., Inc. |
12/8/2000
|
|
K.B. Toys, Inc. |
|
Bain Capital, Inc. |
12/7/2000
|
|
Musicland Stores Corp. |
|
Best Buy Co., Inc. |
5/17/2000
|
|
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. |
|
Leonard Green & Partners/TPG |
5/4/2000
|
|
Funco, Inc. |
|
Barnes & Noble, Inc. |
1/23/2000
|
|
CompUSA, Inc. |
|
Grupo Sanborns SA de CV |
1/15/2000
|
|
Micro Warehouse, Inc. |
|
Freeman Spogli & Co. |
10/28/1999
|
|
Babbages Etc. LLC |
|
Barnes & Noble, Inc. |
The comparable transaction analysis resulted in a range of
transaction values as a multiple of LTM EBITDA from 4.3x to
10.7x, with a mean of 7.2x. Based on the analysis, including
qualitative judgments involving non-mathematical considerations,
Merrill Lynch determined the relevant range to be 7.5x to 9.5x
LTM EBITDA for an implied equity value range for EB of $41.00 to
$49.75 per share.
No transaction used in the analysis above is identical to the
proposed transaction. A complete analysis involves complex
considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial
and operating characteristics of the companies involved in these
transactions and other facts that could affect the transaction
multiples in such comparable transactions to which the proposed
transaction is being compared; mathematical analysis (such as
determining the mean) is not by itself a meaningful method of
using selected transaction data. In addition, Merrill
Lynchs analysis did not take into account different market
or other conditions during the periods in which the selected
transactions occurred.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Merrill Lynch performed
discounted cash flow analyses of EB for three and five years
ending January 31, 2007 and 2009, respectively. Merrill
Lynch based these discounted cash flow analyses upon street case
and management case projections. Merrill Lynch calculated a net
present value for unlevered free cash flow during the projected
periods (i.e.,three and five years) using discount rates
from 13.0% to 16.0%. Merrill Lynch calculated terminal values on
January 31, 2007 and January 31, 2009 with two
methodologies, EBITDA Multiple Method and Perpetuity Growth
Method. For the EBITDA Multiple Method, Merrill Lynch assumed
EBITDA multiples ranging from 6.0x to 8.0x. For the Perpetuity
Growth Method, Merrill Lynch assumed perpetuity growth rates
ranging from 2.0% to 3.0%. The analyses resulted in the
following implied per share equity value ranges for EB:
|
|
|
|
|
Street case projections: |
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA Multiple Method: $39.00 to $51.25 (3-Year); $41.25 to
$55.00 (5-Year) |
|
|
|
Perpetuity Growth Method: $25.00 to $32.25 (3-Year); $30.00 to
$39.25 (5-Year) |
59
|
|
|
|
|
Management case projections: |
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA Multiple Method: $49.00 to $65.50 (3-Year); $63.25 to
$86.75 (5-Year) |
|
|
|
Perpetuity Growth Method: $33.00 to $44.00 (3-Year); $47.50 to
$65.50 (5-Year) |
The projections of terminal value EBITDA multiples and
perpetuity growth rates were based upon Merrill Lynchs
judgment and expertise as well as its review of publicly
available business and financial information and the respective
financial and business characteristics of EB and the comparable
companies.
Present Value of Future Stock Prices Assuming Status Quo.
Using both the street case and management case projections,
Merrill Lynch applied EBs current 2005E P/ E multiple,
which is 17.0x for street case and 15.5x for management case, in
each case, as of April 14, 2005, to the projected 2005-2009
earnings assuming status quo to calculate an estimated future
stock price in each of the aforementioned years. Merrill Lynch
estimated the implied range of values to current stockholders as
of April 14, 2005 by discounting these estimated future
stock prices at an estimated 16% equity cost of capital. The
following table reflects the theoretical implied range of values
obtained by Merrill Lynch for the various scenarios using
projections provided by EB:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Street Case | |
|
Management Case | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Status Quo
|
|
$ |
40.75 - $45.75 |
|
|
$ |
41.00 - $70.25 |
|
Historical Implied Exchange Ratio. Merrill Lynch analyzed
the historical implied exchange ratio between EB common stock
and GameStop Class A common stock between April 14,
2002 and April 14, 2005. The historical implied exchange
ratio was calculated by dividing the average price of EB common
stock by the average price of GameStop Class A common stock
for the indicated historical time periods. For comparative
purposes, Merrill Lynch has adjusted the stock portion of the
exchange ratio of 0.78795 to include the exchange ratio implied
from the cash portion of the merger consideration, which implies
an adjusted exchange ratio of 2.612, calculated by dividing the
offer price of $54.63 by the GameStop Class A common stock
price of $20.91 as of April 14, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
Historical Time Period |
|
Exchange Ratio | |
|
|
| |
Close as of April 14, 2005
|
|
|
1.954 |
x |
Average over one month
|
|
|
1.958 |
|
Average over three months
|
|
|
1.932 |
|
Average over six months
|
|
|
1.876 |
|
Average over one year
|
|
|
1.790 |
|
Average over two years
|
|
|
1.719 |
|
Average over three years
|
|
|
1.627 |
|
Relative Valuation Analysis. Merrill Lynch calculated a
range of implied exchange ratios by comparing theoretical values
of EB common stock and GameStop Class A common stock. The
exchange ratio is calculated by dividing the theoretical value
of EB common stock by the theoretical value of GameStop
Class A common stock. Merrill Lynch multiplied these
exchange ratios by the GameStop Class A common stock
closing price of $20.91 as of April 14, 2005 to determine
the implied per share equity values of EB.
Merrill Lynch calculated the theoretical value of GameStop
Class A common stock based on projections provided by
GameStop management (GameStop management case). Merrill Lynch
did not assume any responsibility for independently verifying
such information nor did it undertake any independent evaluation
or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities of GameStop.
The methodologies that
60
Merrill Lynch used to determine the theoretical values of
GameStop and EB, as well as the implied exchange ratios and the
implied per share equity values of EB, are detailed in the table
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied per Share Value | |
|
Implied Exchange | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Ratio | |
|
Implied Offer Price | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
EB | |
|
GameStop | |
|
Low EB | |
|
High EB | |
|
Low EB | |
|
High EB | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
to High | |
|
to Low | |
|
to High | |
|
to Low | |
Methodology |
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
GameStop | |
|
GameStop | |
|
GameStop | |
|
GameStop | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Public Comparables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 EBITDA
|
|
$ |
36.50 |
|
|
$ |
45.25 |
|
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
$ |
24.00 |
|
|
|
1.521 |
x |
|
|
2.321 |
x |
|
$ |
31.75 |
|
|
$ |
48.50 |
|
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (3-Year)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EB Street Case/ GameStop Management Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perpetuity Growth
|
|
$ |
25.00 |
|
|
$ |
32.25 |
|
|
$ |
15.50 |
|
|
$ |
20.50 |
|
|
|
1.220 |
x |
|
|
2.081 |
x |
|
$ |
25.50 |
|
|
$ |
43.50 |
|
|
EBITDA Multiple
|
|
|
39.00 |
|
|
|
51.25 |
|
|
|
21.50 |
|
|
|
28.25 |
|
|
|
1.381 |
|
|
|
2.384 |
|
|
|
28.75 |
|
|
|
49.75 |
|
EB Management Case/ GameStop Management Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perpetuity Growth
|
|
$ |
33.00 |
|
|
$ |
44.00 |
|
|
$ |
15.50 |
|
|
$ |
20.50 |
|
|
|
1.610 |
x |
|
|
2.839 |
x |
|
$ |
33.75 |
|
|
$ |
59.25 |
|
|
EBITDA Multiple
|
|
|
49.00 |
|
|
|
65.50 |
|
|
|
21.50 |
|
|
|
28.25 |
|
|
|
1.735 |
|
|
|
3.047 |
|
|
|
36.25 |
|
|
|
63.75 |
|
Research Targets
|
|
$ |
44.00 |
|
|
$ |
52.00 |
|
|
$ |
25.00 |
|
|
$ |
30.00 |
|
|
|
1.467 |
x |
|
|
2.080 |
x |
|
$ |
30.75 |
|
|
$ |
43.50 |
|
Pro Forma Acquisition Analysis. Merrill Lynch prepared
pro forma analyses for the financial impact of the mergers using
management case for both GameStop and EB. Based on such
analyses, Merrill Lynch determined that the proposed transaction
would be accretive to GameStops stockholders, after
synergies, in each of the calendar years 2006 and 2007.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses underlying the Merrill Lynch opinion
or the presentations made by Merrill Lynch to EBs board of
directors. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex
process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis
or summary description. Merrill Lynch believes that selecting
any portion of its analyses or of the summary set forth above,
without considering the analyses as a whole, would create an
incomplete view of the process underlying Merrill Lynchs
opinion. In arriving at its opinion, Merrill Lynch considered
the results of all its analyses and did not attribute any
particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it,
but rather made qualitative judgments as to the significance or
relevance of each analysis and factor. The analyses performed by
Merrill Lynch include analyses based upon forecasts or future
results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
those underlying Merrill Lynchs analyses. The analyses do
not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
EBs or GameStops common stock may trade at any time
after announcement of the mergers or how the Holdco common stock
may trade following consummation of the mergers. The analyses
were prepared solely for the purposes of Merrill Lynch providing
its opinion to the EB board of directors. The matters considered
by Merrill Lynch in its analyses were based on numerous
macroeconomic, operating and financial assumptions with respect
to industry performance, general business and economic
conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond
EBs, GameStops or Merrill Lynchs control, and
involve the application of complex methodologies and educated
judgments. In addition, no company utilized as a comparison in
the analyses described above is identical to GameStop or EB, and
none of the transactions utilized as a comparison is identical
to the mergers. Because the analyses are inherently subject to
uncertainty, neither Merrill Lynch nor any other person assumes
responsibility if future results or actual values are materially
different from those forecasted. Merrill Lynch has no obligation
to update its opinion to take into account events occurring
after the date that its opinion was delivered to EBs board
of directors. Circumstances could develop prior to consummation
of the proposed transaction that, if known at the time Merrill
Lynch rendered its opinion, would have altered its opinion.
The board of directors of EB selected Merrill Lynch as its
financial advisor because of Merrill Lynchs reputation as
an internationally recognized investment banking and advisory
firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the
mergers and because Merrill Lynch is familiar with EB and its
business. As part of its investment banking and advisory
business, Merrill Lynch is continually engaged in
61
the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection
with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for
corporate and other purposes.
Under the terms of a letter agreement dated April 7, 2005,
pursuant to which EB engaged Merrill Lynch as its financial
advisor, EB agreed to pay $10.0 million to Merrill Lynch
for its services, $200,000 of which was paid upon the
announcement of the entry by EB into the merger agreement, and
the remainder of which is contingent upon consummation of the
proposed transactions. In the event that EB receives a
break-up or similar fee or payment, EB agreed to pay
Merrill Lynch a fee of 10% of all such amounts less any fee
previously paid to Merrill Lynch pursuant to the letter
agreement. The aggregate amount of all fees under the letter
agreement may not exceed $10.0 million. In addition to any
fees payable to Merrill Lynch under the letter agreement, EB
agreed to reimburse Merrill Lynch for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with providing its
services and rendering its opinion, including the reasonable
fees of its legal counsel. Subject to certain exceptions, EB
also agreed to indemnify Merrill Lynch and related parties
against various liabilities, including liabilities arising under
the federal securities laws or related to or arising out of the
mergers or the engagement of Merrill Lynch.
With the consent of the board of directors of EB, Merrill Lynch
and certain of its affiliates are acting as initial lender and
joint book-running lead arranger for a senior credit facility,
and are engaged as joint book-running managing underwriter,
placement agent, or initial purchaser, in each case along with
certain other financial institutions, to provide financing to
GameStop in connection with the mergers. Merrill Lynch and its
affiliates will receive underwriting, commitment and other fees
in connection with such financing. The financing fee Merrill
Lynch and its affiliates will receive is contingent upon, among
other factors, the structure of the financing, and credit
ratings of the facilities. See The Mergers
Financing on page 97.
In addition, Merrill Lynch has, in the past, provided financial
advisory and financing services to GameStop and EB and/or their
affiliates and may continue to do so and has received, and may
receive, fees for the rendering of such services. Except as
described above, Merrill Lynch has not received any fees from
EB, GameStop and/or their affiliates during the last two years.
In the ordinary course of its business, Merrill Lynch may
actively trade shares of EB common stock and other securities of
EB, as well as common stock of GameStop and other securities of
GameStop, for Merrill Lynchs own account and for the
accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold
a long or short position in such securities.
|
|
|
Peter J. Solomon Company, L.P. |
In April 2005, EB engaged Peter J. Solomon Company, L.P.
(PJSC) to act as its financial advisor with respect to
rendering a fairness opinion regarding the consideration
proposed to be received by the holders of EB common stock in the
EB merger. On April 17, 2005, PJSC rendered its oral
opinion telephonically to EBs board of directors, which
opinion was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion
(PJSCs opinion) to the effect that, based upon and subject
to various considerations set forth in such opinion, as of
April 17, 2005, the consideration proposed to be received
by the holders of EB common stock in connection with the EB
merger was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of
EB common stock, other than the Kim Group.
The full text of PJSCs opinion, which sets forth
assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered,
limitations on and scope of the review by PJSC in rendering
PJSCs opinion, is attached to this joint proxy
statement-prospectus as Annex I and is incorporated
by reference into this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
PJSCs opinion was directed only to the fairness of the
consideration proposed to be received by the holders of EB
common stock, other than the Kim Group, in the EB merger from a
financial point of view, was provided to EBs board of
directors in connection with its evaluation of the mergers, did
not address any other aspect of the mergers and did not, and
does not, constitute a recommendation to any holder of EB common
stock as to how any stockholder should vote or act on any matter
with respect to the mergers. The summary of PJSCs opinion
set forth in this joint proxy
62
statement-prospectus is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of such opinion. Holders of EB common
stock are urged to read PJSCs opinion carefully and in its
entirety. PJSC has consented to the use of PJSCs opinion
in this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
In connection with PJSCs opinion, PJSC:
|
|
|
|
|
reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and
other information of GameStop and EB; |
|
|
|
reviewed certain internal financial statements and other
financial and operating data concerning GameStop and EB prepared
by the management of GameStop and EB, respectively; |
|
|
|
reviewed certain financial projections for GameStop and EB,
including certain potential benefits of the proposed business
combination, prepared by the management of GameStop and EB,
respectively; |
|
|
|
discussed the past and current operations, financial condition
and prospects of GameStop and EB with the management of GameStop
and EB, respectively; |
|
|
|
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity of EB common
stock and GameStop common stock; |
|
|
|
compared the financial performance and condition of GameStop and
EB and the reported prices and trading activity of EB common
stock and GameStop common stock with that of certain other
comparable publicly traded companies; |
|
|
|
reviewed publicly available information regarding the financial
terms of certain transactions comparable, in whole or in part,
to the mergers; |
|
|
|
participated in certain discussions among representatives of
each of GameStop and EB; |
|
|
|
reviewed the draft merger agreement dated as of April 16,
2005 and the draft Kim Group and Riggio Group voting agreements
dated as of April 17, 2005; and |
|
|
|
performed such other analyses as PJSC deemed appropriate. |
PJSC assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of
the information reviewed by PJSC for the purposes of its opinion
and PJSC did not assume any responsibility for independent
verification of such information. With respect to the financial
projections, including the estimates made by EBs
management and GameStops management of certain potential
benefits of the mergers, PJSC assumed that the financial
projections were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of the future
financial performance of GameStop and EB, respectively. PJSC did
not conduct a physical inspection of the facilities or property
of GameStop or EB. PJSC did not assume any responsibility for
any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or
liabilities of GameStop or EB, nor was PJSC furnished with any
such valuation or appraisal. Furthermore, PJSC did not consider
any tax effects of the mergers or the transaction structure on
any person or entity.
PJSC assumed that the final form of the merger agreement and the
voting agreements would be substantially the same as the last
draft of each agreement reviewed by PJSC. PJSC also assumed that
the mergers would be consummated in accordance with the terms of
the merger agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment
of any material term, condition or agreement, and that, in the
course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party
approvals, consents and releases for the mergers, no delay,
limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would
have a material adverse effect on GameStop or EB or the
contemplated benefits of the mergers. PJSC further assumed that
all representations and warranties set forth in the merger
agreement and the voting agreements were true and correct and
that all parties to the merger agreement and the voting
agreements will comply with all covenants of such party
thereunder. PJSC also assumed that Holdco Class A common
stock and Holdco Class B common stock have identical
powers, preferences and rights, except that holders of Holdco
Class A common stock will have one vote per share and
holders of Holdco Class B common stock will have ten votes
per share, in each case on matters for which the stockholders of
Holdco are entitled to vote.
63
PJSCs opinion was necessarily based on economic, market
and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to PJSC as of, April 15, 2005. In particular,
PJSC did not express any opinion as to the prices at which
shares of EB common stock, GameStop common stock or Holdco
common stock would trade at any future time. Furthermore,
PJSCs opinion did not address EBs underlying
business decision to undertake any part of the mergers.
In arriving at PJSCs opinion, PJSC was not authorized to
solicit, and did not solicit, interest from any party with
respect to a merger or other business combination transaction
involving EB or any of its assets. No limitations were imposed
by EBs board of directors upon PJSC with respect to
investigations made or procedures followed by PJSC in rendering
PJSCs opinion.
The following summarizes the significant financial analyses
performed by PJSC and reviewed with EBs board of directors
on April 17, 2005 in connection with the delivery of
PJSCs opinion. The financial analyses summarized below
include information presented in tabular format. In order to
fully understand PJSCs financial analyses, the tables must
be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone
do not constitute a complete description of the financial
analyses. Considering the data in the tables below without
considering the full narrative description of the financial
analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying
the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of
PJSCs financial analyses.
|
|
|
Historical Share Price Analysis EB |
PJSC reviewed the closing prices and trading volumes of EB
common stock on the NASDAQ National Market from April 14,
2000 to April 14, 2005 (two trading days prior to the
rendering of PJSCs opinion) to obtain background
information and perspective with respect to the historical share
price of EB common stock. During the twelve months ended
April 14, 2005, the high closing price for EB common stock
was $47.02 per share and the low closing price was
$23.60 per share. In addition, during the twelve months
ended April 14, 2005, the average closing price for EB
common stock was $33.40 per share and the median closing
price was $33.10 per share. During the period from
April 14, 2000 to April 14, 2005, the high closing
price for EB common stock was $47.02 per share and the low
closing price was $12.05 per share.
PJSC analyzed the implied value per share of the EB merger
consideration of $54.63 for each outstanding share of EB common
stock, which we refer to herein as the implied per share merger
consideration, which was determined based on the merger
consideration of $38.15 in cash and the 0.78795 shares of
GameStop Class A common stock valued at $20.91 based on the
closing price of GameStop Class A common stock on
April 14, 2005, to derive premiums over the median price of
EB common stock for the specified time periods below. PJSC
derived premiums over the median price of EB common stock for
periods prior to April 14, 2005 (two trading days prior to
the rendering of PJSCs opinion). The derived premiums were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium to | |
Time Periods Prior to April 14, 2005: |
|
Median | |
|
|
| |
7 Days Prior
|
|
|
28.6 |
% |
30 Days Prior
|
|
|
28.9 |
|
60 Days Prior
|
|
|
36.3 |
|
90 Days Prior
|
|
|
42.2 |
|
180 Days Prior
|
|
|
40.7 |
|
Last 1 Year Prior
|
|
|
65.0 |
|
Last 3 Years Prior
|
|
|
101.1 |
|
Last 5 Years Prior
|
|
|
102.3 |
|
PJSC also reviewed the relative performance from
February 12, 2002 (the date of GameStops initial
public offering) to April 14, 2005 of (1) EB common
stock, (2) GameStop Class A common stock and
(3) the Standard & Poors 500 Index. During
the period from April 14, 2004 to April 14, 2005 (two
64
trading days prior to the rendering of PJSCs opinion), the
price of EB common stock increased 43.8%, the price of GameStop
Class A common stock increased 16.8% and the S&P 500
Index increased 3.0%. During the period from February 12,
2002 to April 14, 2005, the price per share of EB common
stock increased 11.0%, the price per share of GameStop
Class A common stock increased 16.2% and the S&P 500
Index increased 4.9%.
|
|
|
Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Comparable
Companies |
PJSC reviewed and compared selected financial data of EB with
similar data using publicly available information of the
following publicly traded companies, which, based on PJSCs
experience with companies in the specialty retail entertainment
industry, PJSC deemed comparable to EB: GameStop,
Barnes & Noble, Borders Group, Inc., Blockbuster Inc.,
Guitar Center, Inc., Movie Gallery, Inc., RadioShack Corporation
and Trans World Entertainment Corporation. These companies are
referred to herein as the comparable companies.
PJSC calculated and compared various financial multiples and
ratios, including, among other things: (1) the most recent
stock price per share as a multiple of EPS, for the fiscal years
2004, 2005 and 2006 (ended January 31 of the following year)
based upon (i) the closing stock prices as of
April 14, 2005 and the mean estimate of Wall Street
analysts estimates for EPS as reported by First Call
Investment Research on April 14, 2005 (two trading days
prior to the date of rendering of PJSCs opinion) for the
comparable companies and (ii) EPS for EB based on
(a) actual 2004 EPS of EB and (b) a set of projections
of EB prepared by EBs management, which we refer to herein
as the Management Projections; and (2) enterprise value
(which represents total equity value plus book values of total
debt, preferred stock and minority interests less cash) as a
multiple of net sales, earnings before interest and taxes
(EBIT), and EBITDA for the comparable companies over the latest
twelve months (LTM) and in this case referred to as fiscal
year 2004 (FY 2004).
Based on this data, as of April 14, 2005, PJSC developed a
summary valuation analysis based on a range of trading valuation
multiples and ratios for certain of the comparable companies and
EB. This analysis resulted in the following ranges of multiples
and ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied Ratios | |
|
|
| |
FY 2004
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value as a Ratio of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
|
|
|
45.0% - 60.0 |
% |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
5.5x - 7.5 |
x |
|
EBIT
|
|
|
8.5x - 11.0 |
x |
Equity Value as a Ratio of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2004 Net Income
|
|
|
14.0x - 19.5 |
x |
Projected Data
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Value as a Ratio of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2005 Net Income
|
|
|
14.5x - 18.0 |
x |
|
FY 2006 Net Income
|
|
|
13.0x - 15.5 |
x |
PJSC calculated the implied equity value per share of EB common
stock using the range of multiples and ratios applied to EB
financial statistics, both excluding and including a
control premium. For these purposes, PJSC used a
control premium of 25%, which is the approximate mean premium
paid (to the closing price one week prior to announcement) in
all announced United States mergers and acquisitions
transactions valued between $500 million and
$2.0 billion since April 14, 2002, as reported by
Thomson Financial Mergers & Acquisitions.
Based on the foregoing, this analysis yielded a range of values
from $33.00 to $45.00 per share for EB common stock
excluding a control premium and a range of values from $41.25 to
$56.25 per share of EB common stock including a control
premium, compared to the implied per share merger consideration
of $54.63.
65
|
|
|
Analysis of Selected Comparable Transactions |
Using publicly available information, PJSC reviewed certain
mergers and acquisitions transactions in the specialty retail
entertainment industry which PJSC believed were comparable to
the mergers. The list of transactions reviewed were (including
the acquiror and target in the transaction, respectively):
|
|
|
|
|
Transaction |
|
Date Announced | |
|
|
| |
(i) GameStop/ Barnes & Noble
|
|
|
October 2004 |
|
(ii) Barnes & Noble/ Funco, Inc.
|
|
|
May 2000 |
|
(iii) Barnes & Noble/ Babbages Etc. LLC
|
|
|
October 1999 |
|
(iv) Highfields Capital Management, LP/ Circuit City Stores,
Inc.
|
|
|
February 2005 |
|
(v) Movie Gallery, Inc./ Hollywood Entertainment Corporation
|
|
|
January 2005 |
|
(vi) Circuit City Stores, Inc./ InterTAN, Inc.
|
|
|
March 2004 |
|
(vii) Best Buy Co., Inc./ Musicland Stores Corporation
|
|
|
December 2000 |
|
(viii) Trans World Entertainment Corporation/ Camelot Music
Holdings, Inc.
|
|
|
October 1998 |
|
These transactions are referred to herein as the comparable
transactions.
PJSC calculated the multiples of net sales, EBITDA and EBIT paid
in these selected comparable transactions. PJSC calculated the
implied equity values per share for EB common stock using this
range of multiples and ratios applied to financials of EB for
fiscal year 2004. This analysis resulted in the following ranges
of multiples and ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2004 |
|
Implied Ratios | |
|
|
| |
Enterprise Value as a Ratio of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
|
|
|
45.0% - 75.0 |
% |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
6.5x - 10.5 |
x |
|
EBIT
|
|
|
7.5x - 14.0 |
x |
Equity Value as a Ratio of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2004 Net Income
|
|
|
12.5x - 18.0 |
x |
Based on the foregoing, this analysis yielded a range of values
from $36.00 to $54.00 per share of EB common stock,
compared to the implied per share merger consideration of $54.63.
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis |
PJSC performed a discounted cash flow analysis to calculate the
net present value per share of EB common stock based on a set of
projections referred to as the Management Projections. In
performing its discounted cash flow analysis, PJSC considered
various assumptions that it deemed appropriate based on a review
with the management of EBs prospects and risks. For these
purposes, PJSC utilized various discount rates ranging from
13.0% to 16.0% and EBITDA terminal value multiples ranging from
6.0x to 8.0x to apply to forecasted EBITDA for the fiscal year
2007.
Based on the foregoing, this analysis yielded a range of net
present values from $50.00 to $65.00 per share of EB common
stock, compared to the implied per share merger consideration of
$54.63.
|
|
|
Historical Share Price Analysis
GameStop |
PJSC reviewed the closing prices and trading volumes of GameStop
Class A common stock on the NYSE from February 12,
2002 (the date of GameStops initial public offering) to
April 14, 2005 (two trading days prior to the rendering of
PJSCs opinion). During the twelve months ended
April 14, 2005, the high closing price for the GameStop
Class A common stock was $23.50 per share and the low
closing price was $14.54 per share. In addition, during the
twelve months ended April 14, 2005, the average closing
price for GameStop Class A common stock was $18.56 per
share and the median closing price was
66
$18.85 per share. During the period from February 12,
2002 to April 14, 2005, the high closing price for GameStop
Class A common stock was $24.21 per share and the low
closing price was $7.59 per share.
|
|
|
Relative Contribution Analysis |
PJSC calculated the relative net sales, EBITDA, EBIT and net
income contributions of GameStop and EB based on actual
historical results and projected results based on projections
prepared by management of GameStop and EB, respectively. PJSC
compared the actual net income contribution of each company for
fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the projected net income
contribution of each company for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and
2007 to the equity value contributions of each company to the
combined company based on the implied per share merger
consideration for EB common stock and the closing price for
GameStop Class A common stock as of April 14, 2005.
This analysis indicated net income contributions of EB for all
periods analyzed ranging from 37.0% to 49.1%, compared to the
equity value contribution of EB at the implied per share merger
consideration of 54.4%. PJSC also compared the actual net sales,
EBITDA and EBIT contribution of each company for fiscal years
2002, 2003 and 2004 and the projected net sales, EBITDA and EBIT
contribution of each company for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and
2007 to the enterprise value contributions of each company to
the combined company based on the implied per share merger
consideration for EB common stock and the closing price for
GameStop Class A common stock as of April 14, 2005.
This analysis indicated net sales, EBITDA and EBIT contributions
of EB for all periods analyzed ranging from 35.5% to 52.1%,
compared to the enterprise value contribution of EB at the
implied per share merger consideration of 54.1%.
|
|
|
Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis |
PJSC compared the historical per share prices of EB common stock
and GameStop Class A common stock for the one-year period
prior to April 14, 2005 in order to determine the implied
average exchange ratio that existed for the period. This
analysis indicated an average exchange ratio of 1.790x for the
one-year period prior to April 14, 2005, compared to the
implied exchange ratio in the merger of 2.612x shares of
GameStop Class A common stock for each share of EB common stock
(as of April 14, 2005 and assuming an all-stock transaction).
|
|
|
Pro Forma Merger Analysis |
PJSC analyzed the pro forma impact of the mergers on
GameStops EPS in fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008 (ended
January 31 of the following year). PJSC compared the projected
stand-alone earnings per share of GameStop Class A common
stock based on GameStops managements projections of
GameStop, on a stand-alone basis, to the pro forma earnings per
share of the common stock of the combined company based on the
management projections of GameStop and the management
projections of EB. This analysis was performed both with and
without synergies in 2006, 2007 and 2008 based on guidance from
the management of EB. This analysis indicated that, excluding
synergies, the mergers would be dilutive in 2006 and accretive
in 2007 and 2008 to holders of GameStop Class A common
stock. Including the synergies, this analysis indicated that the
mergers would be accretive on an earnings per share basis in
2006, 2007 and 2008 to holders of GameStop Class A common
stock.
In arriving at PJSCs opinion, PJSC performed a variety of
financial analyses, the material portions of which are
summarized above. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex process involving various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial analyses and the
application of those methods to the particular circumstances
and, therefore, such an opinion is not necessarily susceptible
to a partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its
opinion, PJSC did not attribute any particular weight to any
analysis or factor considered by it, but rather made qualitative
judgments as to significance and relevance of each analysis and
factor. Accordingly, PJSC believes that its analysis must be
considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analysis, without considering all such analyses, could create an
incomplete view of the process underlying PJSCs opinion.
67
In performing its analyses, PJSC relied on numerous assumptions
made by the management of GameStop and EB and made numerous
judgments of its own with regard to current and future industry
performance, general business and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of GameStop and
EB. Actual values will depend upon several factors, including
changes in interest rates, dividend rates, market conditions,
general economic conditions and other factors that generally
influence the price of securities. The analyses performed by
PJSC are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual
future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than suggested by such analyses. Such analyses were
prepared solely as a part of PJSCs analysis of the
fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration
proposed to be received by the holders of EB common stock in
connection with the EB merger and were provided to EBs
board of directors in connection with the delivery of
PJSCs opinion. The analyses do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses
or securities might actually be sold, which are inherently
subject to uncertainty. Because such analyses are inherently
subject to uncertainty, neither of EB nor PJSC, nor any other
person, assumes responsibility for their accuracy. With regard
to the comparable public company analysis and the comparable
transactions analysis summarized above, PJSC selected comparable
public companies on the basis of various factors for reference
purposes only; however, no public company or transaction
utilized as a comparison is fully comparable to EB or the
mergers. Accordingly, an analysis of the foregoing was not
mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the comparable companies and other factors
that could affect the acquisition or public trading value of the
comparable companies and transactions to which EB and the
mergers were being compared.
The consideration in the mergers was determined through
arms-length negotiations between GameStop and EB and was
approved by EBs board of directors. PJSC did not recommend
any specific merger consideration to EB or that any given merger
consideration constituted the only appropriate merger
consideration for the mergers. In addition, as described
elsewhere in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, PJSCs
opinion was one of many factors taken into consideration by
EBs board of directors in evaluating the mergers.
Consequently, the PJSC analyses described above should not be
viewed as determinative of the opinion of EBs board of
directors or management with respect to the mergers.
As part of its investment banking activities, PJSC is regularly
engaged in the evaluation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and
valuations for corporate or other purposes. EBs board of
directors selected PJSC to deliver an opinion with respect to
the consideration proposed to be received by the holders of EB
common stock in connection with the EB merger on the basis of
such experience.
The financial advisory services PJSC provided to EB in
connection with the mergers were limited to the delivery of
PJSCs opinion.
Under the terms of PJSCs engagement, EB agreed to pay PJSC
a customary transaction fee of $500,000, all of which was
payable upon the delivery of PJSCs opinion. EB has also
agreed to reimburse PJSC for its out-of-pocket expenses,
including fees and disbursements of its counsel, incurred in
connection with its engagement. In addition, EB agreed to
indemnify PJSC and its affiliates, counsel and other
professional advisors, and the respective directors, officers,
controlling persons, agents and employees of each of the
foregoing, against certain liabilities and expenses arising out
of PJSCs engagement. PJSC has not received any other
compensation during the last two years for providing investment
banking services to GameStop or EB. During the past two years,
PJSC provided financial advisory services to Barnes &
Noble and/or its affiliates in connection with the sale of
shares of GameStop common stock in a private sale and the
spin-off of shares of GameStop common stock to Barnes &
Nobles stockholders, for which services PJSC received a
customary fee.
Interests of Directors and Executive Officers in the
Mergers
Interests of GameStop Directors and Executive Officers.
In considering the recommendation of the board of directors of
GameStop to vote for the proposal to adopt the merger agreement
and the
68
transactions contemplated thereby, including the GameStop
merger, the amendment to the GameStop Amended and Restated 2001
Incentive Plan, the amendment to GameStops certificate of
incorporation and the other proposals at the annual meeting,
stockholders of GameStop should be aware that members of the
GameStop board of directors and members of GameStops
executive management have relationships, agreements or
arrangements that provide them with interests in the mergers
that may be in addition to or differ from those of
GameStops stockholders. The GameStop board of directors
was aware of these relationships, agreements and arrangements
during its deliberations on the merits of the mergers and in
making its decision to recommend to the GameStop stockholders
that they vote to adopt the merger proposal.
Interests of GameStops Controlling Stockholders. In
connection with the merger agreement, the Riggio Group entered
into a voting agreement and irrevocable proxy with GameStop and
EB, pursuant to which, the Riggio Group has agreed (1) to
vote their shares of GameStop common stock in favor of the
adoption of the merger agreement and (2) not to transfer or
otherwise dispose of any of their shares of GameStop common
stock until the termination of the voting agreement which occurs
upon the earlier of the termination of the merger agreement or
the day after the effective date of the mergers.
As of August 30, 2005, the GameStop record date, the Riggio
Group owned approximately 5.3 million shares of GameStop
Class B common stock, which represents approximately 16.4%
of the combined voting power of all classes of GameStops
voting stock. The Riggio Group also holds exercisable options to
acquire 4,500,000 shares of GameStop Class A common
stock. These options are not expected to be exercised prior to
the GameStop record date and therefore the Riggio Group is not
expected to have any voting power with respect to the GameStop
Class A common stock. Further information about the
interests of GameStops controlling stockholders can be
found at Risk Factors Directors of GameStop
and EB may have potential conflicts of interest in recommending
that you vote in favor of adoption of the merger agreement
on page 20, and further information about the voting
agreement can be found under The Riggio Group Voting
Agreement on page 95.
Other GameStop Share Ownership. R. Richard Fontaine, the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GameStop, holds
exercisable options to acquire approximately 4.2% of the
outstanding GameStop Class A common stock. Daniel A.
DeMatteo, the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of
GameStop, holds exercisable options to acquire approximately
4.2% of the outstanding GameStop Class A common stock.
GameStop Management Positions. R. Richard Fontaine, the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GameStop, will be the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Holdco. Daniel A.
DeMatteo, the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of
GameStop, will be the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer
of Holdco. It is expected that other GameStop executive officers
will hold executive officer positions at Holdco, to be
determined and announced on or about the date of the mergers.
For further information, see Holdco Board of Directors and
Management After the Mergers below.
For additional information about options held by certain
GameStop directors and executives, see Information about
GameStop Information about the Directors and
Executive Officers of GameStop on page 99 and for
additional information on the effect of the GameStop merger on
stock options held by GameStop directors and executives, see
Treatment of Stock Options on page 78.
Holdco Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the merger
agreement, all the members of the current GameStop board will be
among the nine initial directors of the Holdco board of
directors after the mergers. James J. Kim, the current Chairman
of the Board of EB, and Stanley (Mickey) Steinberg, a current
director of EB, will also serve on the board of directors of
Holdco. GameStop directors (other than employees), Mr. Kim
and Mr. Steinberg are expected to be compensated for
serving on the Holdco board of directors in accordance with a
customary director compensation policy. For further information,
see Holdco Board of Directors and Management after the
Mergers below.
Indemnification and Insurance. The merger agreement
provides that, upon completion of the mergers, Holdco will, to
the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold
harmless, and provide
69
advancement of expenses to, all past and present officers,
directors and employees of GameStop and its subsidiaries to the
same extent those persons were entitled to indemnification or
advancement of expenses under GameStops certificate of
incorporation, bylaws and indemnification agreements.
The merger agreement also provides that Holdco will maintain for
a period of six years after completion of the mergers the
current directors and officers liability insurance
policies maintained by GameStop, or policies with a
substantially comparable insurer of at least the same coverage
and amounts containing terms and conditions that are no less
advantageous to the insured, with respect to claims arising from
facts or events that occurred on or before the completion of the
mergers, although Holdco will not be required to make total
premium payments in excess of 300% of the annual premiums
currently paid by GameStop for directors and
officers liability insurance.
Interests of EB Directors and Executive Officers. In
considering the recommendation of the board of directors of EB
to vote for the proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the EB merger,
stockholders of EB should be aware that members of the EB board
of directors and members of EBs management team have
relationships, agreements or arrangements that provide them with
interests in the mergers that may be in addition to or differ
from those of EBs stockholders. The EB board of directors
was aware of these relationships, agreements and arrangements
during its deliberations on the merits of the mergers and in
making its decision to recommend to the EB stockholders that
they vote to adopt the merger agreement.
EB Management Positions. Certain EB executive officers
may become executive officers of Holdco. It is expected that
Holdco will determine and announce which executive officers of
EB will become executive officers of Holdco on or about the date
of the mergers.
EB Stock Options and Restricted Shares. Upon completion
of the mergers, each outstanding EB stock option will be
exchanged for the right to receive cash in an amount equal to
(1) $38.15 plus (2) .78795 multiplied by the
average of the closing prices of GameStop Class A common
stock for the ten trading days prior to the closing date
minus (3) the exercise price per share of such stock
option minus (4) any applicable tax withholding.
Assuming that no options are granted or exercised after the date
of this joint proxy statement-prospectus and assuming that the
average of the ten trading day closing prices of GameStop
Class A common stock prior to the closing of the mergers is
$21.61, EBs directors and executive officers will be paid
an aggregate of approximately $31.0 million for their
outstanding options to purchase EB common stock.
For additional information about options held by certain EB
directors and executives, see Information About
EB Information About Directors and Executive
Officers of EB on page 119 and for additional
information on the effect of the EB merger on stock options held
by EB directors and executives, see Treatment of Stock
Options on page 78.
EB Bonus Program. In connection with the execution of the
merger agreement, a $10 million bonus program was
established for certain of EBs employees who remain
employed with EB through the completion of the mergers. To be
eligible for a bonus under the program, an EB employee must be
an EB home office associate who has worked for EB for at least
one year as of August 1, 2005 and must be employed by EB on
the date of the closing of the mergers. In June 2005, the
EB compensation committee adopted and approved a merger
bonus plan pursuant to the program and approved awards to
238 employees in the aggregate amount of $9.8 million
under the bonus plan. The EB compensation committee, in
consultation with James J. Kim, EBs Chairman of the Board,
determined the bonus amounts payable under the plan based upon
an employees position and/or years of service with EB.
70
Under the merger bonus plan, the eight senior officers of EB are
eligible to receive an aggregate of $4.1 million under the
merger bonus plan, with the five named executive officers (as
defined in Item 402 of Regulation S-K) of EB being
eligible to receive the following awards:
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Jeffrey W. Griffiths
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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$ |
800,000 |
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John R. Panichello
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Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
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$ |
800,000 |
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James A. Smith
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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$ |
600,000 |
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Seth P. Levy
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Senior Vice President, Logistics and Chief Information Officer |
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$ |
400,000 |
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Steven R. Morgan
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Senior Vice President, President of Stores- North America |
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$ |
400,000 |
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Holdco Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the merger
agreement, James J. Kim (currently Chairman of the Board of EB)
will be among the nine initial directors of the Holdco board of
directors after the mergers. Also pursuant to the merger
agreement, EBs board of directors has appointed Stanley
(Mickey) Steinberg (currently a director of EB) to serve on the
board of directors of Holdco. EB directors (other than
employees) who serve on the Holdco board of directors are
expected to be compensated for their services in that capacity
in accordance with a customary director compensation policy. For
further information, see Holdco Board of Directors and
Management after the Mergers below.
Indemnification and Insurance. The merger agreement
provides that, upon completion of the mergers, Holdco will, to
the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold
harmless, and provide advancement of expenses to, all past and
present officers, directors and employees of EB and its
subsidiaries to the same extent those persons were entitled to
indemnification or advancement of expenses under EBs
certificate of incorporation, bylaws and indemnification
agreements.
The merger agreement also provides that Holdco will maintain for
a period of six years after completion of the mergers the
current directors and officers liability insurance
policies maintained by EB or policies with a substantially
comparable insurer of at least the same coverage and amounts
containing terms and conditions that are no less advantageous to
the insured, with respect to claims arising from facts or events
that occurred on or before the completion of the mergers,
although Holdco will not be required to make total premium
payments in excess of 300% of the annual premiums currently paid
by EB for directors and officers liability insurance.
Holdco Board of Directors and Management after the Mergers
Holdco Board of Directors. The board of directors of
Holdco after the mergers will have at least nine members,
consisting of the current GameStop board of directors, James J.
Kim and Stanley (Mickey) Steinberg. The GameStop directors will
generally remain in their current classes and serve out their
remaining terms, although to make the three classes equal, one
of the Class III directors being elected at the GameStop
annual meeting (Daniel A. DeMatteo, if he is re-elected) will
become a Class I director whose term will expire in 2006.
Mr. Kim will be in the class of directors whose term
expires in 2007 and Mr. Steinberg will be in the class of
directors whose term expires in 2008.
For more information on the members of the GameStop board of
directors who will be members of the Holdco board of directors,
see Information about GameStop Information
about the Board of Directors and Executive Officers of
GameStop on page 99. For more information on James J.
Kim and
71
Stanley (Mickey) Steinberg, see Information about
EB Information about the Board of Directors and
Executive Officers of EB on page 119.
Committees of the Holdco Board of Directors. Upon
completion of the mergers, the board of directors of Holdco will
initially have the following three committees: Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee. Each of these committees will comply with the
independence requirements of the NYSE.
The table below reflects the membership for each committee upon
the completion of the mergers:
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Nominating | |
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and | |
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Corporate | |
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Audit | |
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Compensation | |
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Governance | |
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Leonard Riggio
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X |
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Stephanie Shern
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X |
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Gerald R. Szczepanski
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X |
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X |
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X |
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Edward A. Volkwein
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X |
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X |
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X |
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Management. Holdcos senior management that has been
designated as of the date of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus and their ages as of August 30, 2005
are as follows:
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Name |
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Age | |
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Title |
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R. Richard Fontaine
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63 |
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Daniel A. DeMatteo
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57 |
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Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer |
It is expected that additional management of Holdco will be
determined and announced on or near the date of the mergers.
Information on the members of the senior management team of
Holdco who will also serve as directors of Holdco is provided
above under Holdco Board of Directors and Management after
the Mergers.
Compensation of Directors and Other Management. Holdco
has not yet paid any compensation to its directors, executive
officers or other managers. The form and amount of the
compensation to be paid to each of Holdcos directors,
executive officers and other managers will be determined by the
Holdco board of directors as soon as practicable immediately
prior to or following the completion of the mergers.
Information concerning the compensation paid to, and the
employment agreements with, the GameStop Chief Executive Officer
and the other four most highly compensated executive officers of
GameStop for the 2004 fiscal year is contained in
Information about GameStop Information about
the Board of Directors and Executive Officers of GameStop
on page 99. Information concerning the compensation paid
to, and the employment agreements with, R. Richard Fontaine, the
current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GameStop, and
Daniel A. DeMatteo, the current Vice Chairman and Chief
Operating Officer, is contained in Information about
GameStop Information about the Board of Directors
and Executive Officers of GameStop on page 99 and
Information about GameStop
GameStop Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions on page 113. Information concerning the
compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the other
four most highly compensated executive officers of EB for the
2004 fiscal year is contained in Information about
EB Information about the Board of Directors and
Executive Officers of EB on page 119.
Registered Independent Public Accounting Firm. It is
expected that upon completion of the mergers, BDO Seidman, LLP
will act as Holdcos registered independent public
accounting firm for Holdcos fiscal year ending
January 28, 2006.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a discussion of the material United States
federal income tax consequences of the mergers to
U.S. holders of GameStop common stock and U.S. holders
of EB common stock, in each case
72
who hold such stock as a capital asset. The following discussion
was prepared based on consultation with both Bryan Cave LLP,
counsel to GameStop, and Klehr, Harrison, Harvey,
Branzburg & Ellers LLP, counsel to EB. In the opinion
of Bryan Cave LLP, as it relates to GameStop and
U.S. holders of GameStop common stock, and Klehr, Harrison,
Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers LLP, as it relates to EB and
U.S. holders of EB common stock, the following discussion,
to the extent it constitutes matters of law or legal conclusions
(assuming the facts, representations and assumptions upon which
the discussion is based are accurate), is accurate in all
material respects. The discussion is based on the Code, Treasury
regulations thereunder, and administrative rulings and court
decisions in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are
subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.
For purposes of this discussion, the term
U.S. holder means:
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a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United
States or any of its political subdivisions; |
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a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a
court within the United States with respect to its
administration and is subject to the control of one or more
United States persons with respect to all of its substantial
decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under
applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a
United States person; or |
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an estate that is subject to United States federal income tax on
its income regardless of its source. |
If a partnership holds GameStop common stock or EB common stock,
the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the
status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If
a U.S. holder is a partner in a partnership holding
GameStop common stock or EB common stock, the U.S. holder
should consult its tax advisors.
This discussion is not a complete description of all the
consequences of the mergers and, in particular, may not address
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to
stockholders subject to special treatment under United States
federal income tax law (including, for example,
non-U.S. holders, financial institutions, dealers in
securities, insurance companies or tax-exempt entities, 401(k)
plans, holders who acquired GameStop common stock or EB common
stock pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option or
right or otherwise as compensation, and holders who hold
GameStop common stock or EB common stock as part of a hedge,
straddle or conversion transaction). This discussion does not
address the tax consequences of any transaction other than the
mergers. Also, this discussion does not address United States
federal income tax considerations applicable to holders of
options or warrants to purchase GameStop, EB or Holdco common
stock, or holders of debt instruments convertible into GameStop,
EB or Holdco common stock. In addition, no information is
provided herein with respect to the tax consequences of the
mergers under applicable state, local or non-United States laws,
or under any proposed Treasury regulations that have not taken
effect as of the date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
HOLDERS OF GAMESTOP COMMON STOCK OR EB COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO
CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES
OF THE MERGERS TO THEM, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF UNITED STATES
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
The obligations of GameStop and EB to consummate the mergers are
conditioned on the receipt of opinions of their respective tax
counsel, Bryan Cave LLP (as to GameStop) and Klehr, Harrison,
Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers LLP (as to EB), dated the
effective date of the mergers (each, a Tax Opinion), to the
effect that the exchange of EB common stock and GameStop common
stock for Holdco common stock pursuant to the mergers, taken
together, will be treated for United States income tax purposes
as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code. Each
of the Tax Opinions will be subject to customary qualifications
and assumptions, including that the mergers will be completed
according to the terms of the merger agreement. In rendering the
Tax Opinions, each counsel may require and rely upon
representations
73
and covenants including those contained in the certificates of
officers of GameStop, EB, Holdco and others. Although the merger
agreement allows each of GameStop and EB to waive this condition
to closing, neither GameStop nor EB currently anticipates doing
so. In the unlikely event that either GameStop or EB does waive
this condition, then the party waiving such condition will
inform its stockholders of this decision and ask the affected
stockholders to vote on the mergers taking this into
consideration if there are any material adverse changes in the
U.S. federal income tax consequences to such stockholders.
The Tax Opinions are not binding on the IRS or the courts, and
the parties do not intend to request a ruling from the IRS with
respect to the mergers. Accordingly, there can be no assurance
that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions set forth in the
Tax Opinions or that a court will not sustain such a challenge.
The following discussion assumes that the exchange of EB common
stock and GameStop common stock for Holdco common stock pursuant
to the mergers, taken together, will constitute an exchange
described in Section 351 of the Code. The following
discussion is not binding on the IRS.
Federal Income Tax Consequences to GameStop Stockholders
Because a holder of GameStop common stock will receive solely
Holdco common stock in exchange for its GameStop common stock in
the GameStop merger, the holder of GameStop common stock will
not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange. The aggregate tax
basis of the Holdco common stock the holder of GameStop common
stock receives will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the
GameStop common stock the holder surrenders, and the holding
period of the Holdco common stock will include the holders
holding period of the GameStop common stock surrendered.
Federal Income Tax Consequences to EB Stockholders
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Exchange of EB Common Stock for a Combination of Holdco
Common Stock and Cash |
The tax consequences of the EB merger to holders of EB common
stock could be different from those described below if persons
who own at least 50% of the vote or value of the outstanding EB
common stock immediately before the acquisition own at least 50%
of the vote or value of the outstanding Holdco common stock
immediately after the transaction. For such overlapping
ownership to occur it would be necessary for the holders of EB
common stock to own more than 30.6% of the total value of
GameStops outstanding common stock immediately prior to
the mergers, which would convert into more than 22.4% of the
value of Holdco common stock in the mergers, in addition to the
approximately 27.6% of Holdco common stock to be received by the
EB stockholders in exchange for their EB common stock. In that
event, cash received by a holder of EB common stock in the
transaction might be treated as a dividend rather than capital
gain. The IRS has indicated, however, that, in the case of a
minority stockholder in a publicly held corporation whose
relative stock interest is minimal and who exercises no control
over the corporations affairs, a minimal reduction in the
percentage of stock owned by such stockholder will avoid
dividend treatment. Accordingly, cash received by such a holder
of EB common stock whose percentage interest in Holdco common
stock is less than the holders percentage interest in EB
common stock prior to the transaction should not be treated as
constituting a dividend. For purposes of determining such
percentages, stock owned by certain persons related to the
holder or which the holder can acquire pursuant to the exercise
of options would be treated as owned by the holder. The
discussion below is based upon the understanding that no such
overlapping ownership will occur.
74
The material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a
U.S. holder of EB common stock who receives both cash and
Holdco common stock in the EB merger are determined under
Section 351 of the Code, in general, as follows:
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gain will be recognized on the exchange of EB common stock for a
combination of cash and Holdco common stock pursuant to the EB
merger equal to the lesser of: |
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(i) the excess of the sum of the fair market value of the
Holdco common stock and the amount of cash received by the
U.S. holder of EB common stock in the EB merger over the
U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in its EB common
stock surrendered in the EB merger, and |
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(ii) the amount of cash received by the U.S. holder in
the EB merger; |
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no loss will be recognized by a U.S. holder of EB common
stock who receives a combination of cash and Holdco common stock
in the EB merger; |
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the aggregate adjusted basis of the Holdco common stock received
in the EB merger will be equal to the aggregate adjusted basis
of the EB common stock surrendered, reduced by the amount of
cash the U.S. holder of EB common stock receives and
increased by the amount of gain that the U.S. holder of EB
common stock recognizes; |
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the holding period of the Holdco common stock received in the EB
merger should include the holding period of the EB common stock
exchanged for such Holdco common stock; and |
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in the case of a U.S. holder who acquired different blocks
of EB common stock at different times and at different prices,
any gain or loss will be determined separately with respect to
each block of EB common stock, and the cash received will be
allocated pro rata to each such block of stock, and such a
holder should consult with its tax advisor regarding the manner
in which the above rules would apply to such U.S. holder. |
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Cash In Lieu of Fractional Shares |
The receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of Holdco
common stock by a U.S. holder of EB common stock may be
treated as if the holder received the fractional shares in the
EB merger and then received the cash in a redemption of the
fractional shares, in which case the holder should generally
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
amount of such cash received and the holders adjusted tax
basis allocable to such fractional share. It is possible,
however, that the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares
may be treated as cash received in exchange for EB common stock
as described above under Exchange of EB Common Stock for a
Combination of Holdco Common Stock and Cash.
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Taxation of Capital Gain or Loss |
Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder in connection with
the EB merger will generally constitute capital gain or loss,
and any such capital gain or loss will constitute long-term
capital gain or loss if the U.S. holders holding
period with respect to its EB common stock is greater than one
year as of the date of the EB merger. For non-corporate
U.S. holders, this long-term capital gain generally will be
taxed at a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 15%. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limits.
Backup withholding may apply with respect to the cash
consideration received by holders of EB common stock, unless
such holder:
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is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories
and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or |
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provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies as
to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and that such
holder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident
alien) and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of
the backup withholding rules. |
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A holder of EB common stock who provides Holdco (or the exchange
agent) with an incorrect taxpayer identification number may be
subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amounts withheld
under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or
a credit against the holders federal income tax liability,
provided that the holder furnishes certain required information
to the IRS.
Reporting Requirements
U.S. holders of EB common stock or GameStop common stock
receiving Holdco common stock as a result of the mergers will be
required to attach to their income tax returns for the taxable
year in which the closing of the transaction occurs, and
maintain a permanent record of, a complete statement of all the
facts relating to the exchange of stock in connection with the
transaction. The facts to be disclosed by a U.S. holder
include the U.S. holders basis in the EB common stock
or the GameStop common stock, as the case may be, transferred to
Holdco, the number of shares of Holdco common stock received in
the transaction, the fair market value per share (as of the
exchange date) of each class of Holdco common stock received in
the transaction and, in the case of a holder of EB common stock,
the amount of cash received in the transaction.
This discussion under Material United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences does not address tax consequences
that may vary with, or are contingent on, individual
circumstances. Moreover, it does not address any non-income tax
or any foreign, state or local tax consequences of the mergers.
Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of
the mergers to you will depend upon the facts of your particular
situation. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to consult with a
tax advisor to determine the particular federal, state, local,
or foreign income or other tax consequences to you of the
mergers.
Accounting Treatment
The business combination will be accounted for as a
purchase by GameStop of EB, as that term is used
under GAAP, for accounting and financial reporting purposes.
GameStop and EB have determined that the business combination
will be accounted for as an acquisition by GameStop of EB. In
identifying GameStop as the acquiring entity, the companies took
into account the relative outstanding share ownership, the
composition of the governing body of the combined entity and the
designation of certain senior management positions. As a result,
the historical financial statements of GameStop will become the
historical financial statements of Holdco. The assets (including
identifiable intangible assets) and liabilities (including
executory contracts and other commitments) of EB as of the
effective time of the mergers will be recorded at their
respective fair market values and added to those of GameStop.
Any excess of purchase price over the net fair values of
EBs assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill (excess
purchase price). Any excess of the fair value of EBs net
assets over the purchase price will be allocated as a pro rata
reduction of the amounts that would otherwise have been assigned
to certain of EBs non-current assets acquired. Financial
statements of Holdco issued after the mergers will reflect such
fair values and will not be restated retroactively to reflect
the historical financial position or results of operations of
EB. The results of operations of EB will be included in the
results of operations of Holdco beginning on the effective date
of the mergers. See GSC Holdings Corp. Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Financial Data beginning on
page 134 for more information.
Regulatory Approvals
U.S. Antitrust Clearance. Under the HSR Act, and the
rules promulgated thereunder by the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC), the mergers could not be consummated until notifications
have been given and certain information has been furnished to
the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the United States
Department of Justice (the Antitrust Division) and specified
waiting period requirements had been satisfied. The HSR Act
waiting period expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
June 8, 2005. Both before and after the expiration of the
HSR waiting period, the FTC and the Antitrust Division retain
the authority to challenge the mergers on antitrust grounds. In
addition, each state in which GameStop or EB operates may also
seek to review the mergers. It is possible that some of these
authorities may seek to challenge the mergers.
76
Italy. Under the Italian Law No. 287 of 10 October,
1990, GameStop and EB are required to file a notification with
respect to the proposed mergers. The Italian Competition
Authority (the Authority) may order the parties not to proceed
with the transaction until its review is completed. The
Authority must either commence an investigation or notify the
parties of its decision not to investigate within 30 days
of receiving a formal notification. GameStop and EB filed a
formal notification with the Authority and received notification
from the Authority that it would not investigate the proposed
mergers.
Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates; Dividends;
Withholding
Conversion and Exchange of Shares. The conversion of
GameStop shares and EB shares into the right to receive the
applicable merger consideration will occur automatically at the
effective time of the mergers. The exchange agent will, as soon
as reasonably practicable after the effective time of the
mergers, exchange certificates representing GameStop and EB
shares for the applicable merger consideration to be received in
the mergers pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.
Letter of Transmittal. Promptly after the completion of
the mergers, the exchange agent will send a letter of
transmittal to those persons who were record holders of GameStop
shares holding certificated shares at the effective time of the
GameStop merger and record holders of EB shares holding
certificated shares at the effective time of the EB merger. This
mailing will contain instructions on how to surrender
certificates representing GameStop shares and EB shares in
exchange for the applicable merger consideration the holder is
entitled to receive under the merger agreement. When you deliver
your GameStop stock certificates or EB stock certificates to the
exchange agent along with a properly executed letter of
transmittal and any other required documents, your stock
certificates will be cancelled. If you hold GameStop or EB
shares in book-entry form, your book-entry shares will
automatically be exchanged for book-entry shares of Holdco (and
in the case of EB stockholders, the right to receive cash) and
you will not receive a letter of transmittal. Whether you hold
GameStop or EB shares in certificated or book-entry form, unless
you request otherwise, Holdco will not issue new certificates
and your shares of Holdco common stock will be in book-entry
form.
DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR GAMESTOP OR EB STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR
EXCHANGE UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS AND
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
If a certificate for GameStop common stock or EB common stock
has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will
issue the applicable merger consideration properly payable under
the merger agreement upon compliance by the applicable
stockholder with the replacement requirements established by the
exchange agent.
Fractional Shares. You will not receive fractional shares
of Holdcos common stock in connection with the EB merger.
Instead, each holder of EB shares exchanged in the EB merger who
would otherwise have received a fraction of a share of Holdco
common stock will receive cash in an amount determined by
multiplying the fractional interest to which such holder would
otherwise be entitled by the average of the closing prices for a
share of GameStop Class A common stock as reported on the
NYSE for the ten trading days immediately prior to the closing
date of the mergers. Because each share of GameStop Class A
common stock and GameStop Class B common stock is being
exchanged for a share of Holdco Class A common stock and
Holdco Class B common stock, respectively, on a one-for-one
basis, no fractional shares will arise as a result of that
exchange.
Dividends and Distributions. Until GameStop stock
certificates or book-entry shares or EB stock certificates or
book-entry shares are surrendered for exchange, any dividends or
other distributions declared after the effective time of the
mergers with respect to shares of Holdco common stock into which
GameStop shares or EB shares may have been converted will accrue
but will not be paid. Holdco will pay to former GameStop
stockholders and EB stockholders any unpaid dividends or other
distributions, without interest, only after they have duly
surrendered their stock certificates or book-entry shares. After
the effective time of the mergers, there will be no transfers on
the stock transfer books of GameStop or EB of any GameStop
shares or EB shares, respectively. If GameStop stock
certificates or book-entry shares or
77
EB stock certificates or book-entry shares are presented for
transfer after the completion of the mergers, they will be
cancelled and exchanged for the applicable merger consideration
into which such certificates or book-entry shares have been
converted pursuant to the merger agreement.
Withholding. Holdco or the exchange agent will be
entitled to deduct and withhold from the merger consideration
payable to any GameStop stockholder or EB stockholder the
amounts it is required to deduct and withhold under the Code or
any provision of any state, local or foreign tax law. If the
exchange agent withholds any amounts, these amounts will be
treated for all purposes of the mergers as having been paid to
the stockholders from whom they were withheld.
Treatment of Stock Options
Upon the completion of the GameStop merger, each option held by
directors and executives of GameStop to purchase shares of
GameStop Class A common stock (whether vested or unvested)
will be converted into the right to purchase the same number of
shares of Holdco Class A common stock at an exercise price
per share equal to the exercise price per share of the GameStop
Class A common stock subject to the option before the
conversion and will continue to be governed by its applicable
terms. Substantially all of the GameStop stock options are held
by GameStop directors and GameStop employees.
Upon completion of the mergers, each outstanding EB stock option
will be exchanged for the right to receive cash in an amount
equal to (1) $38.15 plus (2) .78795 multiplied
by the average of the closing prices of GameStop
Class A common stock for the ten trading days prior to the
closing date of the mergers minus (3) the exercise
price per share of such stock option minus (4) any
applicable tax withholding.
Restrictions on Sales of Shares by Affiliates of GameStop and
EB
The shares of Holdco common stock to be issued in connection
with the mergers will be registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and will be freely transferable under the
Securities Act, except for shares of Holdco common stock issued
to any person who is deemed to be an affiliate of
GameStop or EB at the time of the applicable annual meeting.
Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates include individuals
or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under the
common control of either GameStop or EB and may include our
executive officers and directors, as well as our significant
stockholders. Affiliates may not sell their shares of Holdco
common stock acquired in connection with the mergers except
pursuant to:
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an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
covering the resale of those shares; |
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an exemption under paragraph (d) of Rule 145
under the Securities Act; or |
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any other applicable exemption under the Securities Act. |
Both GameStop and EB expect that each of their affiliates will
agree with Holdco that the affiliate will not transfer any
shares of stock received in the mergers except in compliance
with the Securities Act. This joint proxy statement-prospectus
does not cover resales of Holdco common stock by affiliates of
GameStop, EB or Holdco.
Under the registration rights agreement, once the registration
statement required thereunder is declared effective by the SEC,
the Kim Group will be free to sell their shares in Holdco
without restriction. For further information, see Risk
Factors Market overhang could depress
the market price of Holdco Class A common stock on
page 21.
78
Stock Exchange Listing and Stock Prices
We have applied for the following shares of Holdco to be quoted
on the NYSE upon the completion of the mergers:
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Holdco common stock to be issued in the mergers; and |
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Holdco common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
GameStop stock options and Holdco stock options. |
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
high and low sale prices per share of GameStop Class A
common stock, GameStop Class B common stock and EB common
stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape and on the NASDAQ
National Market, respectively.
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GameStop | |
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GameStop | |
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Class A | |
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Class B | |
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EB | |
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Common Stock | |
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Common Stock | |
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Common Stock | |
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Fiscal Quarter |
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High | |
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Low | |
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High | |
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Low | |
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High | |
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Low | |
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For the Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2004
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First Quarter
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$ |
13.00 |
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7.59 |
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19.57 |
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11.96 |
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Second Quarter
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$ |
14.85 |
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11.55 |
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27.42 |
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18.08 |
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Third Quarter
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$ |
18.92 |
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12.66 |
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34.80 |
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24.77 |
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Fourth Quarter
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$ |
18.57 |
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14.30 |
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28.07 |
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19.60 |
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For the Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 2005
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First Quarter
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$ |
18.65 |
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16.29 |
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29.94 |
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24.87 |
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Second Quarter
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$ |
18.18 |
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14.54 |
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28.40 |
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23.25 |
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Third Quarter
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$ |
20.23 |
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14.87 |
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35.37 |
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23.50 |
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Fourth Quarter
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$ |
23.50 |
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18.68 |
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24.00 |
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18.75 |
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43.75 |
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33.74 |
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For the Fiscal Year Ending January 28, 2006
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First Quarter
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$ |
25.70 |
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18.53 |
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25.20 |
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18.65 |
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56.80 |
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34.51 |
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Second Quarter
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$ |
36.17 |
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24.62 |
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33.76 |
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23.08 |
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66.15 |
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55.54 |
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Third Quarter (through September 1, 2005)
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$ |
35.14 |
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28.60 |
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32.50 |
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26.55 |
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65.33 |
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60.21 |
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Rights of Dissenting Stockholders
Appraisal rights are statutory rights that enable stockholders
to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger,
and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value for their
shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead
of receiving the consideration offered to stockholders in
connection with the extraordinary transaction. Appraisal rights
are not available in all circumstances, and exceptions to these
rights are provided under the Delaware law, the state of
incorporation of GameStop and EB. As a result of these
exceptions, stockholders of GameStop are not entitled to
appraisal rights in connection with the GameStop merger. If the
EB merger is consummated, holders of shares of EB common stock
are entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 of the
DGCL, provided that they comply with the conditions established
by Section 262.
Section 262 is reprinted in its entirety as
Annex J to this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
The following discussion is not a complete statement of the law
relating to appraisal rights and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to Annex J. This discussion and
Annex J should be reviewed carefully by any holder
who wishes to exercise statutory appraisal rights or who wishes
to preserve the right to do so, as failure to comply with the
procedures set forth herein or therein will result in the loss
of appraisal rights.
A record holder of shares of EB common stock who makes the
demand described below with respect to such shares, who
continuously is the record holder of such shares through the
effective time of the EB merger, who otherwise complies with the
statutory requirements of Section 262 and who neither votes
in favor of the EB merger nor consents thereto in writing will
be entitled to an appraisal by the Delaware
79
Court of Chancery of the fair value of his or her shares of EB
common stock. All references in this summary of appraisal rights
to a stockholder or holders of shares of EB
common stock are to the record holder or holders of shares
of EB common stock. Except as set forth herein, stockholders of
EB will not be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with
the EB merger.
Under Section 262, where a merger is to be submitted for
approval at a meeting of stockholders, such as the EB annual
meeting, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting a
constituent corporation must notify each of the holders of its
stock for whom appraisal rights are available that such
appraisal rights are available and include in each such notice a
copy of Section 262. This joint proxy statement-prospectus
shall constitute such notice to the record holders of EB common
stock.
Holders of shares of EB common stock who desire to exercise
their appraisal rights must not vote in favor of the EB merger
and must deliver a separate written demand for appraisal to EB
prior to the vote by the stockholders of EB common stock on the
EB merger. A demand for appraisal must be executed by or on
behalf of the EB stockholder of record and must reasonably
inform EB of the identity of the EB stockholder of record and
that such stockholder intends thereby to demand appraisal of the
EB common stock. A proxy or vote against the EB merger will not
by itself constitute such a demand. Within ten days after the
effective time, EB must provide notice of the effective time to
all EB stockholders who have complied with Section 262 and
who have not voted in favor of or consented to the EB merger.
An EB stockholder who elects to exercise appraisal rights should
mail or deliver his or her written demand to:
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Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. |
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Attn: Secretary |
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931 South Matlack Street |
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West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382 |
A person having a beneficial interest in shares of EB common
stock that are held of record in the name of another person,
such as a broker, fiduciary, depositary or other nominee, must
act promptly to cause the record holder to follow the steps
summarized herein properly and in a timely manner to perfect
appraisal rights. If the shares of EB common stock are owned of
record by a person other than the beneficial owner, including a
broker, fiduciary (such as a trustee, guardian or custodian),
depositary or other nominee, such demand must be executed by or
for the record owner. If the shares of EB common stock are owned
of record by more than one person, as in a joint tenancy or
tenancy in common, such demand must be executed by or for all
joint owners. An authorized agent, including an agent for two or
more joint owners, may execute the demand for appraisal for a
stockholder of record; however, the agent must identify the
record owner and expressly disclose the fact that, in exercising
the demand, such person is acting as agent for the record owner.
If a stockholder holds shares of EB common stock through a
broker who in turn holds the shares through a central securities
depository nominee such as Cede & Co., a demand for
appraisal of such shares must be made by or on behalf of the
depository nominee and must identify the depository nominee as
record holder.
A record holder, such as a broker, fiduciary, depositary or
other nominee, who holds shares of EB common stock as a nominee
for others, may exercise appraisal rights with respect to the
shares held for all or less than all beneficial owners of shares
as to which such person is the record owner. In such case, the
written demand must set forth the number of shares covered by
such demand. Where the number of shares is not expressly stated,
the demand will be presumed to cover all shares of EB common
stock outstanding in the name of such record owner.
Within 120 days after the effective time, either EB or any
EB stockholder who has complied with the required conditions of
Section 262 may file a petition in the Delaware Court, with
a copy served on EB in the case of a petition filed by an EB
stockholder, demanding a determination of the fair value of the
shares of all dissenting stockholders. There is no present
intent on the part of EB to file an appraisal petition and EB
stockholders seeking to exercise appraisal rights should not
assume that EB will file such a petition or that EB will
initiate any negotiations with respect to the fair value of such
shares.
80
Accordingly, holders of EB common stock who desire to have their
shares appraised should initiate any petitions necessary for the
perfection of their appraisal rights within the time periods and
in the manner prescribed in Section 262. Within
120 days after the effective time, any EB stockholder who
has theretofore complied with the applicable provisions of
Section 262 will be entitled, upon written request, to
receive from EB a statement setting forth the aggregate number
of shares of EB common stock not voting in favor of the EB
merger and with respect to which demands for appraisal were
received by EB and the number of holders of such shares. Such
statement must be mailed (i) within 10 days after the
written request therefor has been received by EB or
(ii) within 10 days after the expiration of the period
for the delivery of demands as described above, whichever is
later.
If a petition for an appraisal is timely filed, at the hearing
on such petition, the Delaware Court will determine which EB
stockholders are entitled to appraisal rights. The Delaware
Court may require the EB stockholders who have demanded an
appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by
certificates to submit their certificates of stock to the
Register in Chancery for notation thereon of the pendency of the
appraisal proceedings; and if any EB stockholder fails to comply
with such direction, the Delaware Court may dismiss the
proceedings as to such stockholder. Where proceedings are not
dismissed, the Delaware Court will appraise the shares of EB
common stock owned by such stockholders, determining the fair
value of such shares exclusive of any element of value arising
from the accomplishment or expectation of the EB merger,
together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon
the amount determined to be the fair value.
Although EB believes that the EB merger consideration is fair,
no representation is made as to the outcome of the appraisal of
fair value as determined by the Delaware Court and EB
stockholders should recognize that such an appraisal could
result in a determination of a value higher or lower than, or
the same as, the EB merger consideration. Moreover, EB does not
anticipate offering more than the EB merger consideration to any
EB stockholder exercising appraisal rights and reserves the
right to assert, in any appraisal proceeding, that, for purposes
of Section 262, the fair value of a share of EB
common stock is less than the EB merger consideration. In
determining fair value, the Delaware Court is
required to take into account all relevant factors. In
Weinberger v. UOP, Inc. the Delaware Supreme Court
discussed the factors that could be considered in determining
fair value in an appraisal proceeding, stating that proof
of value by any techniques or methods which are generally
considered acceptable in the financial community and otherwise
admissible in court should be considered and that
[f]air price obviously requires consideration of all
relevant factors involving the value of a company. The
Delaware Supreme Court has stated that in making this
determination of fair value the court must consider market
value, asset value, dividends, earnings prospects, the nature of
the enterprise and any other facts which could be ascertained as
of the date of the merger which throw any light on future
prospects of the merged corporation. Section 262 provides
that fair value is to be exclusive of any element of value
arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the
merger. In Cede & Co. v. Technicolor,
Inc., the Delaware Supreme Court stated that such exclusion
is a narrow exclusion [that] does not encompass known
elements of value, but which rather applies only to the
speculative elements of value arising from such accomplishment
or expectation. In Weinberger, the Delaware Supreme Court
construed Section 262 to mean that elements of future
value, including the nature of the enterprise, which are known
or susceptible of proof as of the date of the merger and not the
product of speculation, may be considered.
The cost of the appraisal proceeding may be determined by the
Delaware Court and taxed against the parties as the Delaware
Court deems equitable in the circumstances. However, costs do
not include attorneys and expert witness fees. Each
dissenting EB stockholder is responsible for his or her
attorneys and expert witness expenses, although, upon
application of a dissenting stockholder of EB, the Delaware
Court may order that all or a portion of the expenses incurred
by any dissenting stockholder in connection with the appraisal
proceeding, including without limitation, reasonable
attorneys fees and the fees and expenses of experts, be
charged pro rata against the value of all shares of stock
entitled to appraisal.
Any holder of shares of EB common stock who has duly demanded
appraisal in compliance with Section 262 will not, after
the effective time, be entitled to vote for any purpose any
shares subject to such
81
demand or to receive payment of dividends or other distributions
on such shares, except for dividends or distributions payable to
EB stockholders of record at a date prior to the effective time.
At any time within 60 days after the effective time, any EB
stockholder will have the right to withdraw such demand for
appraisal and to accept the terms offered in the EB merger;
after this period, the EB stockholder may withdraw such demand
for appraisal only with the consent of EB. If no petition for
appraisal is filed with the Delaware Court within 120 days
after the effective time, EB stockholders rights to
appraisal shall cease, and all holders of shares of EB common
stock will be entitled to receive the consideration offered
pursuant to the merger agreement. Inasmuch as EB has no
obligation to file such a petition, and EB has no present
intention to do so, any holder of shares of EB common stock who
desires such a petition to be filed is advised to file it on a
timely basis. Any EB stockholder may withdraw such
stockholders demand for appraisal by delivering to EB a
written withdrawal of his or her demand for appraisal and
acceptance of the EB merger consideration, except (i) that
any such attempt to withdraw made more than 60 days after
the effective time will require written approval of EB and
(ii) that no appraisal proceeding in the Delaware Court
shall be dismissed as to any EB stockholder without the approval
of the Delaware Court, and such approval may be conditioned upon
such terms as the Delaware Court deems just.
Delisting and Deregistration of GameStop and EB Stock after
the Mergers
When the mergers are completed, the GameStop Class A common
stock and GameStop Class B common stock currently quoted on
the NYSE will cease to be quoted on the NYSE and will be
deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act), and the EB common stock currently
listed on the NASDAQ National Market will be delisted from the
NASDAQ National Market and will be deregistered under the
Exchange Act.
The Merger Agreement
This section of the joint proxy statement-prospectus
describes the material terms of the merger agreement. The
following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the complete text of the merger agreement, which is incorporated
by reference and attached as Annex A to this joint
proxy statement-prospectus. We urge you to read the full text of
the merger agreement.
The merger agreement has been included for your convenience
to provide you with information regarding its terms, and we
recommend that you read it in its entirety. Except for its
status as the contractual document that establishes and governs
the legal relations between GameStop and EB with respect to the
mergers, we do not intend for its text to be a source of
factual, business or operational information about either
GameStop or EB. That kind of information can be found elsewhere
in this joint proxy statement-prospectus and in the other public
filings each of us makes with the SEC, which are available
without charge at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). See
Where You Can Find More Information beginning on
page 162.
The merger agreement contains representations and warranties
we have made to each other. Those representations and warranties
are qualified in several important respects, which you should
consider as you read them in the merger agreement.
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First, except for the parties themselves, under the terms of
the merger agreement only certain other specifically identified
persons are third-party beneficiaries of the merger agreement
who may enforce it and rely on its terms. As GameStop and EB
stockholders, you are not third-party beneficiaries of the
merger agreement and therefore may not directly enforce or rely
upon its terms and conditions. |
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Second, the representations and warranties are qualified in
their entirety by schedules each of us prepared and delivered to
the other immediately prior to signing the merger agreement. |
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Third, all of the representations and warranties that deal
with the business and operations of GameStop and EB are
qualified to the extent that any inaccuracy would not reasonably
be |
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expected to have or result in, individually or in the
aggregate, a material adverse effect on the party making the
representation and warranty. |
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Fourth, none of the representations or warranties will
survive the closing of the mergers and they will therefore have
no legal effect among the parties to the merger agreement after
the closing, nor will the parties be able to assert the
inaccuracy of the representations and warranties as a basis for
refusing to close unless all such inaccuracies would reasonably
be expected to have or result in, individually or in the
aggregate, a material adverse effect on the party that made the
representations and warranties. Otherwise, for purposes of the
merger agreement, the representations and warranties will be
deemed to have been sufficiently accurate to require a
closing. |
Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the
representations and warranties may have changed since the date
of the merger agreement, and subsequently developed or new
information qualifying a representation or warranty may have
been included in a filing with the SEC made since the date of
the merger agreement (including in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus).
On April 17, 2005, GameStop Corp., GameStop, Inc., GSC
Holdings Corp., Eagle Subsidiary LLC, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and
Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger.
Completion of the Mergers. Upon completion of the
GameStop merger, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Holdco newly organized to effect the GameStop
merger, will merge with and into GameStop. GameStop will be the
surviving corporation in the GameStop merger and will thereby
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco.
Upon completion of the EB merger, Eagle Subsidiary LLC, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco newly organized to effect the
EB merger, will merge with and into EB. EB will be the surviving
corporation in the EB merger and will thereby become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco.
In the GameStop merger, each outstanding share of GameStop
Class A common stock (other than shares owned by GameStop,
Cowboy Subsidiary LLC or EB) will be converted into one share of
Holdco Class A common stock and each outstanding share of
GameStop Class B common stock (other than shares owned by
GameStop, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC or EB) will be converted into
one share of Holdco Class B common stock. The exchange
ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price
changes prior to the date of the GameStop merger. Each share of
GameStop common stock owned by GameStop, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC
or EB will be cancelled without consideration.
In the EB merger, each outstanding share of EB common stock
(other than shares owned by EB, Eagle Subsidiary LLC or
GameStop) will be converted into the right to receive $38.15 in
cash and .78795 of a share of Holdco Class A common stock.
The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect
stock price changes prior to the date of the EB merger. Each
share of EB common stock owned by EB, Eagle Subsidiary LLC or
GameStop will be cancelled without consideration.
Each share of Holdco common stock held by GameStop, Inc. prior
to the effective time will be cancelled without consideration.
Each outstanding GameStop stock option will be converted into an
option to purchase the same number of shares of Holdco
Class A common stock, subject to the same terms and
conditions. Each outstanding EB stock option will be exchanged
for the right to receive cash in an amount equal to
(1) $38.15 plus (2) .78795 multiplied by the
average of the closing prices of GameStop Class A common
stock for the ten trading days prior to the closing date of the
mergers minus (3) the exercise price per share of
such stock option minus (4) any applicable tax
withholding.
Upon completion of the mergers, each option or right to acquire
shares of EB common stock under the EB Amended and Restated 2000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP) will no longer represent
an option or other right to acquire EB common stock and will
instead represent the right to receive, upon the next offering
termination date (as defined in the ESPP), the EB merger
consideration. EB terminated the ESPP as of June 30, 2005.
This termination will not affect any options to purchase shares
of EB
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common stock that were issued prior to the date of the merger
agreement and for which shares of EB common stock will be issued
on June 30, 2005.
Prior to the closing, Holdco shall adopt a rights agreement
substantially similar to the rights agreement currently adopted
by GameStop.
The mergers will be completed when we file certificates of
merger with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware.
However, we may agree to a later time for completion of the
mergers and specify that time in the certificates of merger. In
any case, both mergers will become effective at the same time.
We expect to file the certificates of merger as soon as
practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of the closing
conditions in the merger agreement, which are described below.
Conditions to GameStops and EBs Obligations to
Complete the Mergers. GameStop and EB may not complete the
mergers unless each of the following conditions is satisfied or
waived:
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the merger agreement has been adopted by the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of EB common
stock; |
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the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the GameStop merger and the amendment to
GameStops certificate of incorporation to provide for the
payment of the GameStop merger consideration as contemplated by
the merger agreement and the amendment to the GameStop Amended
and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan to provide for the issuance of
Holdco Class A common stock under such plan has been
adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of GameStop Class A common stock, voting as a single
class, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the GameStop
Class A common stock and GameStop Class B common
stock, voting together as a single class; |
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no restraining order or injunction prohibiting completion of the
mergers is in effect and completion of the mergers is not
illegal under any applicable law; |
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the registration statement covering the Holdco shares to be
issued in the mergers has been declared effective by the SEC and
is not subject to any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop
order; |
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all regulatory approvals necessary for the completion of the
mergers have been obtained under the HSR Act and all other
applicable competition laws; |
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the shares of Holdco common stock to be issued in the mergers
have been authorized for listing on the NYSE; and |
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Bryan Cave LLP or another law firm selected by GameStop shall
have delivered to Barnes & Noble a tax opinion as
required by the Separation Agreement between GameStop and
Barnes & Noble. |
GameStop and EBs respective obligations to complete the
mergers are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each
of the following additional conditions:
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truth and correctness of the representations and warranties of
the other party, generally subject to any exceptions that do not
have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a material
adverse effect on the other party or, with respect to EBs
obligation to complete the mergers, on GameStop or Holdco after
the mergers; |
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the other partys performance in all material respects of
all obligations that are required by the merger agreement to be
performed on or prior to the closing date; |
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each party shall have received from the other party customary
officers certificates; |
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Holdco shall have received an executed non-competition agreement
from James J. Kim; |
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there shall not have occurred any change in the financial
condition, business or operations of the other party or its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that would have or would
reasonably be likely to have a material adverse effect on such
party; and |
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each of GameStops and EBs receipt of an opinion from
its counsel to the effect that the exchange of EB common stock
and GameStop common stock for Holdco common stock pursuant to
the mergers, taken together, will be treated for federal income
tax purposes as a transaction described in Section 351
and/or Section 368 of the Code. |
For purposes of the merger agreement, the term material
adverse effect means, with respect to either of GameStop
or EB, a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition or results of operations of that company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole. However, any change or event
relating to the following will not be deemed to have a material
adverse effect:
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the economy or financial markets in general, except for such
changes or events that disproportionately affect one party
relative to the other participants in the industries in which
such party operates; |
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product shortages and delays in product introductions consistent
with those that occurred in 2004, except for such changes or
events that disproportionately affect one party relative to the
other participants in the industries in which such party
operates; |
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negotiation and entry into the merger agreement, the
announcement of the merger agreement or the undertaking of the
obligations contemplated by the merger agreement or necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement
(including adverse effects on results of operations attributable
to the uncertainties associated with the period between the date
hereof and the closing date); |
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fluctuation in the partys stock price; |
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the effect of incurring and paying expenses in connection with
negotiating, entering into, performing and consummating the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and |
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changes in GAAP after the date of the merger agreement. |
The completion of the mergers is not subject to a condition that
GameStop receive financing to pay the cash portion of the EB
merger consideration.
Reasonable Best Efforts to Obtain Required Stockholder
Vote. GameStop and EB have each agreed to take all lawful
action to call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of
their respective stockholders as promptly as practicable for the
purpose of obtaining the required stockholder vote to adopt the
merger agreement. In addition, they have agreed that they will
use their reasonable best efforts to obtain from their
respective stockholders the required stockholder vote in favor
of adoption of the merger agreement. Nothing in the merger
agreement is intended to relieve the parties of their respective
obligation to submit the merger agreement to their respective
stockholders for a vote on its adoption.
No Solicitations by EB of Alternative Transactions. The
merger agreement contains detailed provisions prohibiting EB
from seeking an alternative transaction to the mergers. EB has
agreed, and agreed to cause its officers, directors, employees,
financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and other advisors,
investment bankers, representatives and agents, to cease all
existing activities with any parties with respect to or that
could reasonably be expected to lead to a company takeover
proposal. A company takeover proposal means any bona fide
written proposal or offer from any person relating to any:
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direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business that
constitutes 50% or more of the net revenues, net income or the
assets of EB and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
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direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of 50% or more of the
combined voting power of EB; |
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any tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would
result in any person beneficially owning 50% or more of the
combined voting power of EB; or |
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any merger, consolidation, business combination,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar
transaction involving EB, other than the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement. |
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In addition, EB has agreed that it will not, and will not permit
its officers, directors, employees, financial advisors,
attorneys, accountants and other advisors, investment bankers,
representatives and agents to, directly or indirectly:
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solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage or facilitate the
making of a company takeover proposal; |
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approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or
enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with
respect to any company takeover proposal; or |
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other than informing persons of the existence of the
non-solicitation provision, participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person
(other than to each other) any non-public information with
respect to EB in connection with any inquiries or the making of
any proposal that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected
to lead to, any company takeover proposal. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, EB may, at any time prior to
obtaining EB stockholder approval, in response to an unsolicited
company takeover proposal that the board of directors of EB
determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside
counsel and a financial advisor of nationally recognized
reputation) may reasonably be expected to constitute or
constitutes a company superior proposal (as defined
below), and which company takeover proposal was made after the
date of the merger agreement and did not otherwise result from a
breach of EBs non-solicitation obligations:
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furnish information with respect to EB to the person making the
company takeover proposal (and its representatives) pursuant to
a customary confidentiality agreement not less restrictive of
the person than the existing confidentiality agreement between
GameStop and EB, provided that all the information is, in
substance, simultaneously provided to each other; and |
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participate in discussions or negotiations with the person
making the company takeover proposal (and its representatives)
regarding the company takeover proposal. |
Company superior proposal means a company takeover
proposal from any person that the EB board of directors
determines in its good faith judgment (after consulting with a
nationally recognized investment banking firm and outside
counsel), taking into account all legal, financial and
regulatory and other aspects of the proposal and the person
making the proposal (including any break-up fees, expense
reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation):
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would be more favorable from a financial point of view to the
stockholders of EB than the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement (including any adjustment to the terms and
conditions proposed by GameStop in response to such company
takeover proposal); |
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for which financing, to the extent required, is then committed
or may reasonably be expected to be committed; and |
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is reasonably likely to receive all required governmental
approvals. |
If, prior to EB stockholder approval, the EB board of directors
determines in good faith, after consulting with outside counsel,
that the failure to make a company adverse recommendation change
(as defined below) would be inconsistent with the fulfillment of
its fiduciary duties or any other obligations under applicable
law, then the EB board may make a company adverse recommendation
change, only if EB provides written notice to GameStop advising
them that the EB board of directors intends to take such action
and specifying the reasons therefor, and negotiates in good
faith with GameStop for five business days following its receipt
of such notice to make such adjustments to the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement as would enable EB to proceed
with its recommendation of the merger agreement and/or not
terminate the merger agreement.
Furthermore, in the event that prior to obtaining EB stockholder
approval, EBs board of directors receives a company
takeover proposal, then EBs board of directors may
(1) make a company adverse recommendation change and/or
(2) upon termination of the merger agreement and payment of
the termination fee described below, approve and enter into an
agreement relating to a company takeover
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proposal that constitutes a superior proposal, if EBs
board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation
with outside counsel, that the failure to make a company adverse
recommendation change would be inconsistent with its fiduciary
duties and other obligations under applicable law to do so and
if, in either case, EB provides written notice advising GameStop
that the EB board of directors intends to take such action and
specifying the reasons therefor, and negotiates in good faith
with GameStop for five business days following its receipt of
such notice to make such adjustments to the terms and conditions
of the merger agreement as would enable EB to proceed with its
recommendation of the merger agreement and/or not terminate the
merger agreement.
A company adverse recommendation change is where the
board of directors of EB decides to (i) withdraw, or
publicly propose to withdraw (or, in either case, modify in a
manner adverse to the other party) the approval recommendation
or declaration of advisability by the EB board of directors of
the merger agreement or (ii) recommend, adopt or approve,
or propose publicly to recommend, adopt or approve, any company
takeover proposal other than pursuant to the merger agreement.
The merger agreement does not prohibit EB from taking and
disclosing to its stockholders, in compliance with the rules and
regulations of the Exchange Act, a position regarding any
unsolicited tender offer for EB common stock or from making any
other disclosure to EB stockholders if, in the good faith
judgment of the EB board of directors, after consultation with
outside counsel, failure to disclose would be inconsistent with
the fulfillment of the fiduciary duties or any other obligations
of the EB board of directors under applicable law.
No Solicitations by GameStop of Alternative Transactions.
The merger agreement contains detailed provisions prohibiting
GameStop from seeking an alternative transaction to the mergers.
GameStop has agreed, and agreed to cause its officers,
directors, employees, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants
and other advisors, investment bankers, representatives and
agents, to cease all existing activities with any parties with
respect to or that could reasonably be expected to lead to a
GameStop takeover proposal. A GameStop takeover
proposal means any bona fide written proposal or offer from any
person relating to any:
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direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business that
constitutes 50% or more of the net revenues, net income or the
assets of GameStop and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
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direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of 50% or more of the
combined voting power of GameStop; |
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any tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would
result in any person beneficially owning 50% or more of the
combined voting power of GameStop; or |
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any merger, consolidation, business combination,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar
transaction involving GameStop, other than the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement. |
In addition, GameStop has agreed that it will not, and will not
permit its officers, directors, employees, financial advisors,
attorneys, accountants and other advisors, investment bankers,
representatives and agents to, directly or indirectly:
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solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage or facilitate the
making of a GameStop takeover proposal; |
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approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or
enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with
respect to any GameStop takeover proposal; or |
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other than informing persons of the existence of the
non-solicitation provision, participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person
(other than to each other) any non-public information with
respect to GameStop in connection with any inquiries or the
making of any proposal that constitutes, or would reasonably be
expected to lead to, any GameStop takeover proposal. |
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, GameStop may, at any time prior
to obtaining GameStop stockholder approval, in response to an
unsolicited GameStop takeover proposal that the board of
directors of GameStop determines in good faith (after
consultation with its outside counsel and a financial advisor of
nationally recognized reputation) may reasonably be expected to
constitute or constitutes a GameStop superior
proposal (as defined below), and which GameStop takeover
proposal was made after the date of the merger agreement and did
not otherwise result from a breach of GameStops
non-solicitation obligations:
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furnish information with respect to GameStop to the person
making the GameStop takeover proposal (and its representatives)
pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement not less
restrictive of the person than the existing confidentiality
agreement between GameStop and EB, provided that all the
information is, in substance, simultaneously provided to each
other; and |
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participate in discussions or negotiations with the person
making the GameStop takeover proposal (and its representatives)
regarding the GameStop takeover proposal. |
GameStop superior proposal means a GameStop takeover
proposal from any person that the GameStop board of directors
determines in its good faith judgment (after consulting with a
nationally recognized investment banking firm and outside
counsel), taking into account all legal, financial and
regulatory and other aspects of the proposal and the person
making the proposal (including any break-up fees, expense
reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation):
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would be more favorable from a financial point of view to the
GameStop stockholders than the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement (including any adjustment to the terms and
conditions proposed by EB in response to such GameStop takeover
proposal); |
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for which financing, to the extent required, is then committed
or may reasonably be expected to be committed; and |
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is reasonably likely to receive all required governmental
approvals. |
If, prior to GameStop stockholder approval, the GameStop board
of directors determines in good faith, after consulting with
outside counsel, in the exercise of its fiduciary duties and any
other obligations under applicable law that it should make a
GameStop adverse recommendation change (as defined below), then
the GameStop board may make a GameStop adverse recommendation
change, only if, GameStop provides written notice to EB advising
them that the GameStop board of directors intends to take such
action and specifying the reasons therefor, and negotiates in
good faith with EB for five business days following its receipt
of such notice to make such adjustments to the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement as would enable GameStop to
proceed with its recommendation of the merger agreement and/or
not terminate the merger agreement.
Furthermore, in the event that prior to obtaining GameStop
stockholder approval, the GameStop board of directors receives a
GameStop takeover proposal, then GameStops board of
directors may (1) make a GameStop adverse recommendation
change and/or (2) upon termination of the merger agreement
and payment of the termination fee described below, approve and
enter into an agreement relating to a GameStop takeover proposal
that constitutes a GameStop superior proposal, if the GameStop
board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation
with outside counsel, that it should make a GameStop adverse
recommendation change and if, in either case, GameStop provides
written notice advising EB that the GameStop board of directors
intends to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor,
and negotiates in good faith with EB for five business days
following its receipt of such notice to make such adjustments to
the terms and conditions of the merger agreement as would enable
GameStop to proceed with its recommendation of this merger
agreement and/or not terminate the merger agreement.
A GameStop adverse recommendation change is where
the board of directors of GameStop decides to (i) withdraw,
or publicly propose to withdraw (or, in either case, modify in a
manner adverse to the other party) the approval recommendation
or declaration of advisability by the GameStop board of
directors of the merger agreement or (ii) recommend, adopt
or approve, or propose publicly to
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recommend, adopt or approve, any GameStop takeover proposal
other than pursuant to the merger agreement.
The merger agreement does not prohibit GameStop from taking and
disclosing to its stockholders, in compliance with the rules and
regulations of the Exchange Act, a position regarding any
unsolicited tender offer for GameStop common stock or from
making any other disclosure to GameStop stockholders if, in the
good faith judgment of the GameStop board of directors, after
consultation with outside counsel, failure to disclose would be
inconsistent with the fulfillment of the fiduciary duties or any
other obligations of the GameStop board of directors under
applicable law.
Termination. The merger agreement may be terminated in
the following circumstances:
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by mutual consent; |
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by either party, if the mergers have not been completed by
October 31, 2005, provided that if the only condition to
closing that has not been satisfied or waived is that
(i) there is an order or injunction of a governmental
entity that prohibits the mergers or (ii) the parties have
yet to receive antitrust approval, then such date will be
extended to December 31, 2005 or January 31, 2006
(under certain additional circumstances); |
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by either party, if the mergers are not approved by EBs
stockholders or GameStops stockholders; |
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by either party, if any governmental entity issues an order or
injunction permanently prohibiting the mergers; |
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by GameStop, if EB has breached or failed to perform its
obligations under the merger agreement; |
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by GameStop, if the EB board of directors makes a company
adverse recommendation change; |
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by GameStop, if prior to the receipt of the approval of the
GameStop stockholders, GameStop receives a GameStop superior
proposal and the GameStop board of directors makes a GameStop
adverse recommendation change; |
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by EB, if GameStop or Holdco has breached or failed to perform
its obligations under the merger agreement; |
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by EB, if the GameStop board of directors makes a GameStop
adverse recommendation change; or |
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by EB, if prior to the receipt of the approval of EBs
stockholders, EB receives a company superior proposal and the EB
board of directors makes a company adverse recommendation change. |
Termination Fees. A termination fee is payable by EB:
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if GameStop terminates the merger agreement after EBs
board of directors makes a company adverse recommendation
change, provided that such company adverse recommendation change
was not solely due to a material adverse effect on GameStop; |
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if EB terminates the merger agreement after EB receives a
company superior proposal and the EB board of directors makes a
company adverse recommendation change; |
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if the merger agreement is terminated by GameStop or EB as a
result of the conditions to the parties obligations not
being satisfied by October 31, 2005 or because the EB
stockholders have not approved the merger agreement (and
GameStop is not in breach of the merger agreement) and EB
consummates within twelve months of termination a company
takeover proposal that was publicly announced at the time of
termination and not withdrawn; or |
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if the merger agreement is terminated by GameStop because EB has
breached or failed to perform its obligations under the merger
agreement and EB consummates within twelve months of termination
a company takeover proposal that was publicly announced at the
time of termination and not withdrawn. |
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A termination fee is payable by GameStop:
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if EB terminates the merger agreement after GameStops
board of directors makes a GameStop adverse recommendation
change, provided that such GameStop adverse recommendation
change was not solely due to a material adverse effect on EB; |
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if GameStop terminates the merger agreement after GameStop
receives a GameStop superior proposal and the GameStop board of
directors makes a GameStop adverse recommendation change; |
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if the merger agreement is terminated by GameStop or EB as a
result of the conditions to the parties obligations not
being satisfied by October 31, 2005 or because the GameStop
stockholders have not approved the merger agreement (and EB is
not in breach of the merger agreement) and GameStop consummates
within twelve months of termination a GameStop takeover proposal
that was publicly announced at the time of termination and not
withdrawn; or |
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if the merger agreement is terminated by EB because GameStop has
breached or failed to perform its obligations under the merger
agreement and GameStop consummates within twelve months of
termination a GameStop takeover proposal that was publicly
announced at the time of termination and not withdrawn. |
The termination fee payable by both parties is $40,000,000.
Conduct of Business Pending the Mergers. Under the merger
agreement, each of us has agreed that, during the period before
completion of the mergers, except as expressly contemplated or
permitted by the merger agreement, or to the extent that the
other party consents in writing, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, we will carry on
our respective businesses in the ordinary course and will use
reasonable best efforts to carry on business in the ordinary
course and preserve the business organization intact and
maintain existing relations with customers, suppliers, vendors,
employees, creditors and business partners.
In addition to the above agreements regarding the conduct of
business generally, each of us has agreed with respect to
ourselves and our subsidiaries to various additional specific
restrictions relating to the conduct of our businesses,
including the following (in each case subject to exceptions
specified in the merger agreement):
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issue, sell, transfer, pledge, dispose of or encumber any
additional shares of, or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for, or options, warrants, calls, commitments or
rights of any kind to acquire, any shares of capital stock of
any class of the party or its subsidiaries, other than issuances
pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding on the
date hereof or pursuant to any employee stock purchase plans; |
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directly or indirectly, split, combine or reclassify the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the party, or any
outstanding capital stock of any of the subsidiaries of the
party, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire directly or
indirectly any of its capital stock; |
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declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution
payable in cash, stock or property with respect to its capital
stock; |
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amend its certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other
comparable organizational documents); |
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sell, lease, license, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject
to any lien (other than permitted liens) or otherwise dispose of
any of its material properties or material assets; |
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incur any long-term indebtedness or short-term indebtedness
other than indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of
business or under lines of credit existing on the date of the
merger agreement; |
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other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practice, (A) grant any increase in the
compensation or benefits payable to any current or former
director, officer, employee |
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or consultant of the party or any of its subsidiaries, (B)
adopt, enter into, amend or otherwise increase, reprice or
accelerate the payment or vesting of the amounts payable under
any benefit plan, (C) enter into or amend any employment,
bonus, severance, change in control, retention agreement or any
similar agreement or any collective bargaining agreement or,
grant any severance, bonus, termination, or retention pay to any
officer, director, consultant or employee of the party or any of
its subsidiaries, or (D) pay or award any pension,
retirement, allowance or other non-equity incentive awards, or
other employee or director benefit not required by any
outstanding benefit plan; |
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enter into any transaction, agreement, arrangement or
understanding between (A) the party or any of its
subsidiaries, on the one hand, and (B) any affiliate of the
party (other than any subsidiary of the party), on the other
hand; |
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take any action to cause the common stock of the party to cease
to be listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ National Market, as
applicable; |
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take any action that would make any representation or warranty
contained in the merger agreement inaccurate in any respect; |
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change the accounting methods or principles used by it unless
required by GAAP (or, if applicable with respect to foreign
subsidiaries, the relevant foreign generally accepted accounting
principles) or any governmental entity; |
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acquire by merging or consolidating with, by purchasing any
equity interest in or any assets of, or by any other manner, any
significant business or any corporation, partnership,
association or other business organization or division thereof,
or otherwise acquire any assets, in each case for a total
purchase price in excess of $35,000,000, except for the purchase
of assets from suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of
business; |
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except in the ordinary course of business, make or rescind any
material express or deemed election, or settle or compromise any
material claim or action, relating to taxes, or change any of
its methods of accounting or of reporting income or deductions
for tax purposes in any material respect; |
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satisfy any material claims or liabilities, other than in the
ordinary course of business or in accordance with their terms; |
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make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or
investments in, any other person in excess of $5,000,000 in the
aggregate, except for (A) loans, advances, capital
contributions or investments between any subsidiary of the party
and the party or another subsidiary of the party or
(B) employee advances for expenses in the ordinary course
of business; |
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other than in the ordinary course of business,
(A) terminate or adversely modify or amend any contract
having a duration of more than one year and total payment
obligations of the party in excess of $5,000,000 (other than
(1) contracts terminable within one year or (2) the
renewal, on substantially similar terms, of any contract
existing on the date of the merger agreement), (B) waive,
release, relinquish or assign any right or claim of material
value to the party, or (C) cancel or forgive any material
indebtedness owed to the party or any of its
subsidiaries; or |
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authorize, commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions. |
Holdco, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and Eagle Subsidiary LLC shall not
engage in any activities other than those set forth in the
merger agreement.
Governance. In the merger agreement, we agreed to adopt
amendments to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of EB
and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of GameStop so
that the certificates of incorporation and bylaws of GameStop
and EB after the mergers will be in forms more typical for
wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a result of the mergers,
stockholders of GameStop and stockholders of EB will become
stockholders of Holdco. More information about the amended and
restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated
bylaws of Holdco which will be in effect
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immediately after the mergers are completed can be found in the
section Comparison of Stockholder Rights beginning
on page 144.
On or prior to the effectiveness of the mergers, Holdcos
board of directors will cause the full board membership to be
set at nine, and will cause the persons indicated in the section
entitled Holdco Board of Directors and
Management after the Mergers beginning on page 71 of
this joint proxy statement-prospectus to be appointed to the
Holdco board of directors as of the mergers.
On or prior to the effectiveness of the mergers, we will cause
the persons indicated in the section entitled
Holdco Board of Directors and Management after
the Mergers beginning on page 71 to be elected or
appointed to the offices of Holdco, GameStop and EB after the
mergers specified in such section.
Additional Agreements. We have each agreed to use our
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions necessary, proper or advisable to complete and make
effective the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement, as promptly as practicable, but in no
event later than the outside date of October 31, 2005,
unless such date is extended up to and including
December 31, 2005 (or January 31, 2006 if
GameStops lenders agree to extend the terms of the
financing commitment letters) in circumstances described above,
in The Merger Agreement
Termination beginning on page 89. This includes:
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obtaining all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents
and approvals from governmental entities and making all
necessary registrations and filings and taking all reasonable
steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from,
or to avoid an action or proceeding by, any governmental entity; |
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execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary
to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement; |
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obtaining all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from
third parties; |
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avoidance or the negotiated settlement of each and every
impediment under antitrust and competition laws that may be
asserted by any governmental entity; and |
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in the event each and every impediment described above can not
be avoided, then the defense of lawsuits challenging the mergers. |
Neither party is required to defend any lawsuits if in good
faith it does not wish to participate, but it is required to
participate so long as the non-objecting party pays all
expenses. Neither party is required to agree to a remedy that
would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on such party.
The merger agreement also contains covenants relating to
cooperation in the preparation of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus and additional agreements relating to,
among other things, consultation regarding transition matters,
access to information, notices of specified matters, public
announcements, tax opinions, required amendment to the GameStop
rights agreement and letters from each partys accountants.
Benefits Matters. We have agreed that our respective
retirement and other employee benefit plans will remain in
effect after completion of the mergers with respect to employees
covered by those plans, until such time as Holdco shall
determine, subject to the terms of such plans. We have also
agreed to negotiate in good faith to formulate benefit plans for
Holdco after the effective time of the mergers on a basis that
does not discriminate between employees who were covered by the
benefit plans of GameStop and employees who were covered by the
benefit plans of EB.
Holdco will adopt a resolution providing that the receipt by
certain GameStop and EB officers and directors of shares of
Holdco common stock to be issued in connection with the mergers
and subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act are
intended to be exempt from liability pursuant to
Section 16(b).
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Amendment, Extension and Waiver. We may amend the merger
agreement by action taken or authorized by our respective boards
of directors, at any time before or after adoption of the merger
agreement by the stockholders of GameStop or EB. After adoption
of the merger agreement by the stockholders of GameStop or EB,
no amendment may be made which by law requires further approval
by those stockholders, unless we obtain that further approval.
All amendments to the merger agreement must be in writing signed
by all of the parties thereto.
At any time before the completion of the mergers, we may, by
written action taken or authorized by our respective boards of
directors, to the extent legally allowed:
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extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts provided for in the merger agreement; |
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waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties
contained in the merger agreement or in any document delivered
pursuant to the merger agreement; and |
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waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions
contained in the merger agreement. |
Fees and Expenses. Whether or not the mergers are
completed, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with
the merger agreement and the mergers will be paid by the party
incurring the expense, except that:
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any filing fees required to be paid by GameStop or EB under the
HSR Act or similar foreign laws shall be shared equally by
GameStop and EB; and |
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all expenses and fees incurred in connection with the filing,
printing and mailing of this joint proxy statement-prospectus
and the registration statement of which it is a part will be
shared equally by GameStop and EB. |
Representations and Warranties. The merger agreement
contains customary and substantially reciprocal representations
and warranties by each of us relating to, among other things:
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corporate organization and similar corporate matters; |
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subsidiaries; |
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capital structure; |
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authorization of the merger agreement and absence of conflicts; |
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no consents or approvals required except GameStop and EB
stockholder approvals, SEC approval, the filing of the joint
proxy statement-prospectus, Exchange Act reports, certificates
of merger and antitrust filings; |
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documents filed with the SEC, financial statements included in
those documents, regulatory reports filed with governmental
entities and absence of material undisclosed liabilities; |
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information supplied in connection with this joint proxy
statement-prospectus and the registration statement of which it
is a part; |
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absence of certain changes or events; |
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compliance with applicable laws and reporting requirements; |
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taxes; |
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transactions with affiliates; |
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the GameStop and EB stockholder votes required to adopt the
merger agreement; |
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board approval and applicable state takeover laws; |
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brokers and finders; |
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opinions of financial advisors; and |
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no negotiations. |
In addition, EB made representations and warranties regarding
the following:
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employee benefits; |
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material agreements; |
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ownership of properties; |
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intellectual property; and |
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environmental matters. |
In addition, GameStop made representations and warranties
regarding the following:
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financing; |
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business of Holdco, Cowboy Subsidiary LLC and Eagle Subsidiary
LLC; and |
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separation agreement with Barnes & Noble. |
The Kim Group Voting Agreement
This section of the joint proxy statement-prospectus
describes the material terms of the Kim Group voting agreement.
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the complete text of the Kim Group voting agreement, which is
incorporated by reference and attached as Annex C to
this joint proxy statement-prospectus. We urge you to read the
full text of the Kim Group voting agreement.
In the Kim Group voting agreement, subject to certain limited
exceptions, the Kim Group agreed to vote their shares of EB
common stock in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement at
the EB stockholders meeting. In addition, the Kim Group has
agreed to vote against any proposal (i) in opposition to
adoption of the merger agreement or in competition or
inconsistent with the EB merger (as defined in the merger
agreement) or any transaction contemplated by the merger
agreement, (ii) any Company takeover proposal (as defined
in the merger agreement), (iii) any change in the
management or board of directors of EB (other than as
contemplated by the merger agreement) and (iv) any action
or agreement that would result in a breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement or any other
obligation of EB under the merger agreement or of the Kim Group
under the voting agreement. The requirement of the Kim Group to
vote their shares of EB common stock as described above is
subject to limitations if the EB board of directors changes its
recommendation with respect to the adoption of the merger
agreement, in which case only a number of shares equal to
one-third of the outstanding shares of EB common stock would be
required to be so voted, with the remaining shares owned by the
Kim Group being required to be voted in a manner that is
proportionate to the manner in which all holders of EB common
stock (other than the Kim Group) vote in respect of such matter.
The Kim Group has also agreed that they will not, directly or
indirectly, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or
otherwise dispose of any of the EB common stock, or any interest
therein, or any other securities convertible into or
exchangeable for EB common stock (including derivative
securities), or any voting rights with respect thereto or enter
into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding
with respect thereto (including any voting trust or agreement
and the granting of any proxy) other than (a) pursuant to
the mergers, (b) encumbrances imposed by margin accounts
maintained by each stockholder or pledges to investment banks or
third party lenders and any other transfers resulting therefrom,
(c) transfers to family members of any stockholder,
(d) transfers by operation of law, by will or pursuant to
the laws of descent or distribution, or (e) with the prior
written consent of GameStop.
The voting agreement may be terminated at any time after the
earlier of (a) the termination of the merger agreement in
accordance with its terms or (b) the day following the
effective time (as defined in the merger agreement).
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As of August 30, 2005, the EB record date, these
stockholders beneficially owned approximately 11.6 million
shares of EB common stock, which represent the power to vote
approximately 45.6% of the outstanding shares of EB common stock
at the EB annual meeting.
The Riggio Group Voting Agreement
This section of the joint proxy statement-prospectus
describes the material terms of the Riggio Group voting
agreement. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the complete text of the Riggio Group voting
agreement, which is incorporated by reference and attached as
Annex F to this joint proxy statement-prospectus. We
urge you to read the full text of the Riggio Group voting
agreement.
Pursuant to a voting agreement with the Riggio Group, these
stockholders have agreed to vote their shares of GameStop
Class A common stock and GameStop Class B common stock
in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. In addition,
the Riggio Group has agreed to vote against any proposal
(i) in opposition to adoption of the merger agreement or in
competition or inconsistent with the GameStop merger or any
transaction contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) any
GameStop takeover proposal (as defined in the merger agreement),
(iii) any change in the management or board of directors of
GameStop (other than as contemplated by the merger agreement)
and (iv) any action or agreement that would result in a
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement or
any other obligation of GameStop under the merger agreement or
of such stockholder under the voting agreement. The Riggio Group
has also agreed that they will not directly or indirectly, sell,
transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of any
of the GameStop common stock, or any interest therein, or any
other securities convertible into or exchangeable for GameStop
common stock (including derivative securities), or any voting
rights with respect thereto or enter into any contract, option
or other arrangement or understanding with respect thereto
(including any voting trust or agreement and the granting of any
proxy) other than (a) pursuant to the mergers,
(b) encumbrances imposed by margin accounts maintained by
each stockholder or pledges to investment banks or third party
lenders and any other transfers resulting therefrom,
(c) transfers to family members of any stockholder,
(d) transfers by operation of law, by will or pursuant to
the laws of descent or distribution, or (e) with the prior
written consent of EB.
The voting agreement will terminate after the earlier of
(a) the termination of the merger agreement in accordance
with its terms or (b) the day following the effective time
(as defined in the merger agreement).
As of August 30, 2005, the GameStop record date, the Riggio
Group owned approximately 5.3 million shares of GameStop
Class B common stock, which represents approximately 16.4%
of the combined voting power of all classes of GameStops
voting stock. The Riggio Group also holds exercisable options to
acquire 4,500,000 shares of GameStop Class A common
stock. These options are not expected to be exercised prior to
the GameStop record date and therefore the Riggio Group is not
expected to have any voting power with respect to the GameStop
Class A common stock.
The Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the consummation of the mergers and as a
condition to entering into the voting agreement with the Kim
Group, Holdco will enter into a registration rights agreement
with the Kim Group pursuant to which Holdco will be obligated to
file with the SEC a registration statement registering the
shares of Holdco Class A common stock held by the Kim Group
(the registrable securities) as promptly as practicable after
the closing of the mergers and Holdco shall use its reasonable
best efforts to have such registration statement declared
effective within 90 days of the effective time of the
mergers.
If Holdco seeks to register, in a proposed offering for cash,
any Holdco common stock or other equity securities while the
registration rights agreement is in effect, the Kim Group has
the right to request that Holdco include any or all of their
registrable securities in the proposed offering. Holdco must
provide written notice to each member of the Kim Group at least
20 business days prior to the proposed date of filing of the
registration statement. A member of the Kim Group, in a written
request given to Holdco at
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least ten days prior to the proposed filing, may include its
registrable securities in such registration statement, subject
to constraints of marketability of the proposed offering, as
determined by the managing underwriter. In the event marketing
constraints prevent the registration of all registrable
securities requested to be registered, after all shares of
Holdco common stock to be registered by Holdco are included,
such registrable securities shall be registered, to the extent
marketable, on a pro rata basis relative to the respective
members of the Kim Groups holding of registrable
securities.
The Kim Group will pay all underwriting discounts, commissions
and transfer taxes related to the registrable securities offered
for sale by the Kim Group as well as the fees and disbursements
of its counsel. All other fees and expenses in connection with
the registration of registrable securities will be borne by
Holdco. Holdco agrees to indemnify the Kim Group and the
prospective underwriters of registrations of registrable
securities for liabilities arising out of violations by Holdco
of applicable laws relating to the registration statement and
for material misstatements and omissions, not provided by the
Kim Group, included in the registration statement. Likewise,
each member of the Kim Group agrees to indemnify Holdco, all
other members of the Kim Group or any underwriter for
liabilities arising out of violations of applicable laws
relating to its offer and sale of registrable securities and for
material misstatements and omissions made in the registration
statement in reliance on information provided to Holdco by such
member of the Kim Group. Contribution will also be available to
any of the above parties in relation to relative fault, to the
extent that indemnification from an indemnifying party to an
indemnified party is unavailable.
The Non-Competition Agreement
In connection with the consummation of the mergers and as a
condition to the closing of the mergers, Mr. James J. Kim
will enter into a non-compete agreement with Holdco whereby
Mr. Kim (either individually or as a member of any group)
agrees not to compete with Holdco for a period of three years
after the effective date. Except as otherwise provided in the
non-competition agreement, Mr. Kim agrees not to:
(i) acquire any ownership interest in, (ii) provide
services to, (iii) assist or participate in the
organization, promotion or founding of, (iv) except as
contemplated by the merger agreement, serve on the board of
directors or advisory board of, (v) act as a consultant to,
or (vi) serve as an officer, employee, representative or
agent of, or otherwise participate in any capacity in the
management or operations of, any competitive business (as
defined in the non-competition agreement). The territories where
Mr. Kim agrees not to compete with Holdco are: the United
States (including, without limitation, Puerto Rico and Guam),
Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway,
Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Spain.
In addition, the agreement also provides that, for a period of
two years after the effective date, Mr. Kim will not
interfere with customers or suppliers of EB or Holdco or any of
its affiliates, or solicit employees or consultants of Holdco or
its affiliates.
Amendment to GameStops Certificate of Incorporation
In connection with the mergers, Article Fourth (b)(v) of
the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of
GameStop relating to the equal treatment of holders of GameStop
Class A common stock and GameStop Class B common stock
in mergers, consolidations, etc., will be amended, subject to
GameStop stockholder approval, to permit the receipt by the
holders of GameStop Class B common stock, in any
consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which
shares of GameStop common stock are exchanged for other
securities or property, of securities that differ as to voting
rights and powers on a per share basis from the securities
received by holders of GameStop Class A common stock, provided
that such difference shall not exceed ten to one. This amendment
is necessary to allow for the payment of the GameStop merger
consideration in accordance with the terms of the merger
agreement. This amendment requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of GameStop Class A
common stock, voting as a single class, and the affirmative vote
of a majority of the GameStop Class A common stock and
GameStop Class B common stock, voting together as a single
class.
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Amendment to GameStop Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive
Plan
In connection with the mergers, there will be an amendment to
the Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan to provide that all
outstanding unexercised stock options under the plan, and any
future stock or stock option awards granted under the plan, will
be in Holdco Class A common stock instead of GameStop
Class A common stock. We are seeking the affirmative vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of GameStop Class A
common stock, voting as a single class, and the affirmative vote
of the majority of outstanding shares of GameStop Class A
common stock and GameStop Class B common stock, voting
together as a single class, to ensure continued deductibility of
the related compensation expense under Section 162(m) of
the Code.
Financing
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the complete text of the commitment letters
referred to therein, which are filed as Exhibits 10.4 and
10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of which
this joint proxy statement-prospectus is a part. The following
summary may not contain all of the information about the
commitment letters that is important to you. We urge you to read
the full text of the commitment letters carefully and in their
entirety.
Holdco intends to finance the cash portion of the merger
consideration and to pay fees, expenses and transaction costs
for the mergers through a senior debt financing of approximately
$950 million and excess cash.
Holdco expects the senior debt financing to consist of the
issuance of senior notes and senior floating rate notes. The
terms of any such notes have not yet been determined but are
expected to be standard market terms comparable to similar
offerings being made at the time. Holdco also has received
commitments from affiliates of Citigroup, Bank of America and
Merrill Lynch for a $950 million senior unsecured bridge
loan facility (the bridge loan facility) to be utilized if
necessary for temporary financing that would be expected to be
replaced with the senior notes, senior floating rate notes
and/or convertible notes.
The maturity date of the bridge loan facility would be the first
anniversary of the closing date for the mergers (subject to
extension as provided in the commitment letter for such
facility). Prior to such first anniversary, loans under the
bridge loan facility would bear interest at a rate per annum
equal to, at Holdcos election, either (i) the
three-month reserve-adjusted the London Interbank Offered Rate
(or LIBOR) plus a spread initially of 500 basis points
(such spread being subject to quarterly increases by
50 basis points if the loans are not yet repaid) or
(ii) an alternative base rate (as defined in the commitment
letter) rate plus a spread initially of 400 basis points
(such spread being subject to quarterly increases by
50 basis points if the loans are not yet repaid).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate in effect prior
to the first anniversary of the closing date would not exceed
12.0% per annum or be less than 8.25% per annum.
Holdco also has received commitments from affiliates of Bank of
America, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup for a $400 million
senior secured revolving credit facility (the revolving credit
facility) that Holdco expects to enter into in connection with
the closing of the mergers. The commitment letter for the
revolving credit facility provides that such facility will have
a five-year term and will be available for refinancing of
indebtedness, to pay transaction costs in connection with the
mergers and for other general corporate purposes, including
letters of credit, working capital, capital expenditures,
permitted dividends, permitted share repurchases and permitted
acquisitions. The revolving credit facility will be guaranteed
by all of Holdcos wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries and
secured by substantially all of its assets and those of the
guarantors. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility will
be limited by a borrowing base calculated based on specified
percentages of the value of eligible inventory and eligible
credit card receivables, subject to certain reserves.
Interest on the outstanding balances under the revolving credit
facility will be payable, at the borrowers option, at an
alternate base rate (as that term is defined in the commitment
letter) or at
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LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin ranging from 0% to
1.75% depending on the ratio of total indebtedness to EBITDA and
whether the borrowing is an alternate base rate or LIBOR
borrowing.
Conditions to the financing commitments for the bridge loan
facility and the revolving credit facility include, among other
things:
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execution of definitive documentation for the respective
financings on terms satisfactory to the financing sources; |
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the absence of any change, effect, event, occurrence or state of
facts that is materially adverse to the business, financial
condition, or results of operations of EB, subject to certain
exceptions; and |
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other customary conditions, including obtaining requisite
material consents and approvals. |
The obligations of the financing sources under the commitment
letters extend through October 31, 2005. This date is
automatically extended to December 31, 2005 if the outside
date for the completion of the mergers is extended to
December 31, 2005 under the merger agreement.
Definitive agreements for the financings have not been finalized
and, accordingly, the form and terms of the financings may
change.
INFORMATION ABOUT GAMESTOP
GameStop Corp. is one of the leading video game and PC
entertainment software retailers in the United States. GameStop
carries one of the largest assortments of new and used video
game hardware, video game software and accessories, PC
entertainment software, and related products, including action
figures, trading cards and strategy guides. GameStop operates
approximately 2,000 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico,
Guam, Ireland and the United Kingdom. GameStop operates most of
its stores under the GameStop name. In addition, GameStop
operates a website at www.gamestop.com and publishes Game
Informer, the industrys largest circulation
multi-platform video game magazine, with over 2,000,000
subscribers.
Of GameStops approximately 2,000 stores, approximately 75%
are located in strip centers and approximately 25% are located
in shopping malls and other locations. GameStops strip
center stores, which average approximately 1,600 square
feet, carry a balanced mix of new and used video game hardware,
video game software and accessories, which are referred to as
video game products, and PC entertainment software.
GameStops mall stores, which average approximately
1,200 square feet, carry primarily new video game products
and PC entertainment software, as well as used video game
products. GameStops used video game products provide an
attractive value proposition to its customers, and its
purchasing of used video game products provides its customers
with an opportunity to trade in their used video game products
for store credits and apply those credits towards other
merchandise, which, in turn, increases sales.
GameStops corporate office and distribution facilities are
housed in a new 420,000 square foot facility in Grapevine,
Texas.
Prior to February 12, 2002, GameStop was a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Barnes & Noble. On February 12,
2002, GameStop completed an initial public offering of shares of
Class A common stock raising net proceeds of approximately
$347.3 million. A portion of those proceeds was used to
repay $250.0 million of its $400 million indebtedness
to Barnes & Noble, with Barnes & Noble
contributing the remaining $150.0 million of indebtedness
to GameStop as additional paid-in-capital. Barnes &
Noble owned approximately 63% of the outstanding shares of
GameStops capital stock through its ownership of 100% of
GameStop Class B common stock until October 2004. On
October 1, 2004, GameStop repurchased approximately
6.1 million shares of its Class B common stock at a
price equal to $18.26 per share for aggregate consideration
of approximately $111.5 million. On November 12, 2004,
Barnes & Noble distributed to its stockholders its
remaining 29.9 million shares of GameStop Class B
common stock in a tax-free dividend. Each of GameStops
Class A common stock and Class B common stock are
traded on the NYSE under the symbols GME and
GME.B, respectively.
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For additional information on GameStop, see Where You Can
Find More Information on page 162.
Information about the Board of Directors and Executive
Officers of GameStop
The following table sets forth the names and ages of
GameStops directors, the year they first became a director
and the positions they hold with GameStop:
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Director | |
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Name |
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Age | |
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Since | |
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Position with GameStop |
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R. Richard Fontaine
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63 |
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2001 |
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Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Daniel A. DeMatteo
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57 |
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2002 |
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Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and Director |
Michael N. Rosen
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64 |
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2001 |
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Secretary and Director |
Leonard Riggio(1)
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64 |
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2001 |
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Director |
Stephanie M. Shern(2)
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57 |
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2002 |
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Director |
Gerald R. Szczepanski(3)
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57 |
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2002 |
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Director |
Edward A. Volkwein(3)
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64 |
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2002 |
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Director |
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(1) |
Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
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(2) |
Member of Audit Committee |
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(3) |
Member of Compensation Committee, Audit Committee and Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee |
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Nominees for Election as Director |
The following individuals are nominees for director at the
GameStop annual meeting:
Daniel A. DeMatteo has been GameStops Vice Chairman
and Chief Operating Officer since March 2005. Prior to March
2005, Mr. DeMatteo served as President and Chief Operating
Officer of GameStop or its predecessor companies since November
1996. He has served on the board of GameStop since 2002 and has
been an executive officer in the video game industry since 1988.
Leonard Riggio is a director and a member of the
Nominating Committee. Mr. Riggio was the Chairman of the
Board of GameStop or its predecessor companies from November
1996 until GameStops initial public offering in
February 2002. He has served as an executive officer or
director in the video game industry since 1987. Mr. Riggio
has been Chairman of the Board and a principal stockholder of
Barnes & Noble since its inception in 1986 and served
as Chief Executive Officer from its inception in 1986 until
February 2002. Since 1965, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of
the Board, Chief Executive Officer and the principal stockholder
of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc., one of the
largest operators of college bookstores in the country. Since
1985, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the Board and a
principal beneficial owner of MBS Textbook Exchange, Inc., one
of the nations largest wholesalers of college textbooks.
Gerald R. Szczepanski is a director and Chair of the
Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr. Szczepanski is currently retired. Mr. Szczepanski
was the co-founder, and, from 1994 to 2005, the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Gadzooks, Inc., a publicly traded,
specialty retailer of casual clothing and accessories for
teenagers. On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks, Inc. filed a
voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division (Case No.
04-31486-11).
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Other Directors Whose Terms of Office Continue After the
GameStop Annual Meeting |
R. Richard Fontaine has been GameStops
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since
GameStops initial public offering in February 2002.
Mr. Fontaine has served as the Chief Executive
99
Officer of GameStops predecessor companies since November
1996. He has been an executive officer or director in the video
game industry since 1988.
Michael N. Rosen is GameStops Secretary and a
director. Mr. Rosen has served in the same capacities for
GameStop or its predecessor companies since October 1999.
Mr. Rosen has been a partner at Bryan Cave LLP, counsel to
GameStop, since their July 2002 combination with Robinson
Silverman. Prior to that, Mr. Rosen was Chairman of
Robinson Silverman for more than the past five years.
Mr. Rosen is also a director of Barnes & Noble.
Stephanie M. Shern is a director and Chair of the Audit
Committee. Mrs. Shern formed Shern Associates LLC in
February 2002 to provide business advisory and board services,
primarily to publicly-held companies. From May 2001 until
February 2002, Mrs. Shern served as Senior Vice President
and Global Managing Director of Retail and Consumer Products for
Kurt Salmon Associates. From 1995 until April 2001,
Mrs. Shern was the Vice Chair and Global Director of Retail
and Consumer Products for Ernst & Young LLP and a
member of Ernst & Youngs Management Committee.
Mrs. Shern is currently a director and Chair of the Audit
Committee of The Scotts/ Miracle Gro Company, a director and
Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Governance
Committee of Nextel Communications, Inc., a director and member
of the Audit Committee of Royal Ahold, and a director and Chair
of the Audit Committee of the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
Edward A. Volkwein is a director and a member of the
Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Volkwein is
President and Chief Operating Officer of Hydro-Photon, Inc., a
water purification technology company. Prior to joining
Hydro-Photon, Mr. Volkwein had a broad marketing career
beginning in brand management for General Foods and
Chesebrough-Ponds, Inc. He served as Senior Vice President
Global Advertising and Promotion for Philips Consumer
Electronics and as Senior Vice President Marketing for Sega of
America, where he was instrumental in developing Sega into a
major video game brand. Mr. Volkwein has also held senior
executive positions with Funk & Wagnalls and Prince
Manufacturing.
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Meetings and Committees of the GameStop Board |
GameStop was a controlled company under the rules of
the NYSE until all of the outstanding shares of GameStop
Class B common stock were distributed by Barnes &
Noble to its stockholders on November 12, 2004. Companies
that are controlled companies are exempt from the
NYSEs corporate governance rules requiring that listed
companies have (i) a majority of the board of directors
consist of independent directors under the listing
standards of the NYSE, (ii) a nominating/corporate
governance committee composed entirely of
independent directors and a written
nominating/corporate governance committee charter meeting the
NYSEs requirements, and (iii) a compensation
committee composed entirely of independent directors
and a written compensation committee charter meeting the
NYSEs requirements. As required, GameStop currently has a
nominating committee composed entirely of
independent directors with a written nominating
committee charter, and a compensation committee which is
composed entirely of independent directors and a
written compensation committee charter. GameStop intends to have
a majority of independent directors on its board by
November 12, 2005, the first anniversary of the
Barnes & Noble distribution.
The GameStop board of directors met six times during GameStop
fiscal 2004. All directors attended at least 75% of all of the
meetings of the GameStop board of directors and the committees
thereof on which they served during GameStop fiscal 2004.
The GameStop board of directors has three standing committees:
the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
GameStop Audit Committee. The GameStop Audit Committee
has the principal function of, among other things, reviewing the
adequacy of GameStops internal system of accounting
controls, the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight
of the independent certified public accountants, conferring with
the independent public accounting firm concerning the scope of
their examination of the
100
books and records of GameStop, reviewing and approving related
party transactions and considering other appropriate matters
regarding the financial affairs of GameStop. In addition, the
GameStop Audit Committee has established procedures for the
receipt, retention and treatment of confidential and anonymous
complaints regarding GameStops accounting, internal
accounting controls and auditing matters. The GameStop board of
directors has adopted a written charter setting out the
functions of the GameStop Audit Committee, a copy of which is
available on GameStops website at www.gamestop.com and is
available in print to any GameStop stockholder who requests it,
in writing to GameStops Secretary, GameStop Corp., 625
Westport Parkway, Grapevine, Texas 76051. As required by the
charter, the GameStop Audit Committee will continue to review
and reassess the adequacy of the charter annually and recommend
any changes to the GameStop board of directors for approval. The
current members of the GameStop Audit Committee are Stephanie M.
Shern (Chair), Edward A. Volkwein and Gerald R. Szczepanski, all
of whom are independent directors under the listing
standards of the NYSE. In addition to meeting the independence
standards of the NYSE, each member of the GameStop Audit
Committee is financially literate and meets the independence
standards established by the SEC. The GameStop board of
directors has also determined that Mrs. Shern has the
requisite attributes of an audit committee financial
expert as defined by regulations promulgated by the SEC
and that such attributes were acquired through relevant
education and experience. The GameStop Audit Committee met ten
times during GameStop fiscal 2004. A copy of the report of the
GameStop Audit Committee is on page 116 of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus.
GameStop Compensation Committee. The principal function
of the GameStop Compensation Committee is to, among other
things, make recommendations to the GameStop board of directors
with respect to matters regarding the approval of employment
agreements, management and consultant hiring and executive
compensation. The GameStop Compensation Committee is also
responsible for administering GameStops Amended and
Restated 2001 Incentive Plan and GameStops Supplemental
Compensation Plan (the Supplemental Compensation Plan). The
current members of the GameStop Compensation Committee are
Gerald R. Szczepanski (Chair) and Edward A. Volkwein, both of
whom meet the independence standards of the NYSE. The GameStop
Compensation Committee met one time during GameStop fiscal 2004.
A copy of the report of the GameStop Compensation Committee is
on page 109 of this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
GameStop Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
GameStop was a controlled company under the rules of
the NYSE until all of the outstanding shares of GameStop
Class B common stock were distributed by Barnes &
Noble to its stockholders on November 12, 2004. Subsequent
to this distribution, the GameStop board of directors formed the
GameStop Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The
current members of the GameStop Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee are Leonard Riggio, Gerald R. Szczepanski
and Edward A. Volkwein, all of whom meet the independence
standards of the NYSE. The GameStop board of directors has
adopted a written charter setting out the functions of the
GameStop Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a copy
of which can be found on GameStops website at
www.gamestop.com.