Chicago, September 25, 2008 - Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company announced today that its stockholders overwhelmingly approved the adoption of the merger agreement with Mars, Incorporated.
Following the successful vote, both parties intend to complete the merger on Monday, October 6, 2008.
"We are pleased with the outcome of today's vote," said Bill Wrigley, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "On behalf of the Company's Board of Directors, we deeply appreciate the support of our stockholders and Wrigley associates around the world throughout this process. The Wrigley team is looking forward to completing the transaction and beginning the next, exciting chapter for the Company and its brands."
Under the terms of the agreement -- announced back on April 28, 2008 -- Wrigley stockholders will receive $80.00 cash for each share of stock. Wrigley will become a subsidiary of privately held Mars, Incorporated, adding a number of brands to its portfolio - including Starburst(R) and Skittles(R), and remaining headquartered in Chicago. The combined strengths of Mars and Wrigley will create a dynamic $27-billion food company and the world's leading confectioner.
About Wrigley
The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate. The Company has global sales of $5.4 billion and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands - Wrigley's Spearmint(R), Juicy Fruit(R), and Altoids(R) - have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint(R), Life Savers(R), Big Red(R), Boomer(R), Pim Pom(R), Winterfresh(R), Extra(R), Freedent(R), Hubba Bubba(R), Orbit(R), Excel(R), Creme Savers(R), Eclipse(R), Airwaves(R), Solano(R), Sugus(R), P.K.(R), Cool Air(R) and 5(TM).
About Mars
Mars, Incorporated is a family owned company that produces some of the world's leading confectionery, food and petcare products and has growing beverage and health & nutrition businesses. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Mars, Incorporated operates in more than 66 countries and employs more than 48,000 associates worldwide. The company's global sales are $22 billion annually. Founded in 1911, the company manufactures and markets a variety of products under many of the world's most recognizable trademarks, including DOVE(R), MILKY WAY(R), M&M'S(R), SNICKERS(R), MARS(R), UNCLE BEN'S(R) rice, ROYAL CANIN(R) and PEDIGREE(R) and WHISKAS(R) pet care products.