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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Amendment No. 3
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.
| Delaware | 7993 | 62-1411755 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (Primary Standard Industrial | (I.R.S. Employer | ||
| incorporation or organization) | Classification Code Number) | Identification No.) |
One Harrah’s Court
Stephen H. Brammell, Esq.
Copies to:
|
Charles K. Ruck, Esq. Latham & Watkins LLP 650 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, California 92626 (714) 540-1235 |
Bernard E. DeLury, Jr., Esq. Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 (702) 699-5000 |
Martha E. McGarry, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Four Times Square New York, New York 10036 (212) 735-3000 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effectiveness of this Registration Statement and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions under the merger agreement described herein.
If the securities being registered on this form are to be offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. o
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
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MERGER PROPOSED — YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
The boards of directors of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Caesars Entertainment, Inc. have each unanimously approved the merger of Caesars with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s. We are proposing the merger because we believe it will benefit the stockholders of each of our respective companies by creating more stockholder value than either company could create individually and allowing stockholders to participate in a larger, more diversified company.
If the proposed merger is completed, Caesars stockholders may elect to receive either 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock or $17.75 in cash for each share of Caesars common stock they own, subject to proration due to the aggregate amount of cash to be paid and the number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger and other adjustments described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. As a result, Harrah’s will issue approximately 67.7 million shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger and $1.87 billion in cash in the merger based on the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding on January 18, 2005. We estimate that immediately after the merger, Caesars stockholders will hold approximately 37.4% of the then-outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock, based on the number of shares of Harrah’s and Caesars common stock outstanding on January 18, 2005. Harrah’s stockholders will continue to own their existing shares, which will not be affected by the merger.
Harrah’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “HET.” On January 18, 2005, Harrah’s common stock closed at $65.98 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction Tape. Caesars stockholders are urged to check the trading price of Harrah’s common stock prior to electing whether to receive cash or stock in the merger.
The merger cannot be completed unless Harrah’s stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger and Caesars stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. The obligations of Harrah’s and Caesars to complete the merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several other conditions to the merger, including receiving approval and/or clearance from regulatory agencies. More information about Harrah’s, Caesars and the proposed merger is contained in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. We encourage you to read carefully this joint proxy statement/ prospectus before voting, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 30.
Based on its review, the board of directors of Harrah’s has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Harrah’s and its stockholders and has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger. Based on its review, the Caesars board of directors has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Caesars and its stockholders and has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
The Harrah’s board of directors unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement. The Caesars board of directors unanimously recommends that Caesars stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
The proposals are being presented to the respective stockholders of each company at their special meetings. The dates, times and places of the meetings are as follows:
| For Harrah’s stockholders: | For Caesars stockholders: | |
| March 11, 2005, 8:00 a.m., local time | March 11, 2005, 8:00 a.m., local time | |
| Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino | Caesars Palace | |
| 3700 West Flamingo Road | 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South | |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | Las Vegas, Nevada | |
| (888) 746-7153 | (702) 731-7110 |
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend your respective company’s special meeting, please take the time to vote by completing and mailing to us the enclosed proxy card or, if the option is available to you, by granting your proxy electronically over the Internet or by telephone. If your shares are held in “street name,” you must instruct your broker in order to vote.
Sincerely,
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| Gary W. Loveman | Wallace R. Barr | |
| Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. | Caesars Entertainment, Inc. |
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities regulator or any gaming regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of these transactions or the securities to be issued under this joint proxy statement/ prospectus or determined if this joint proxy statement/ prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated January 24, 2005, and is being mailed to stockholders of Harrah’s and Caesars on or about January 28, 2005.
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HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To the Stockholders of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.:
We will hold a special meeting of stockholders of Harrah’s at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 11, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
| 1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2004, by and among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s, and Caesars Entertainment, Inc. | |
| 2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock from 360,000,000 to 720,000,000. | |
| 3. To transact any other business as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. |
These items of business are described in the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus. Only Harrah’s stockholders of record at the close of business on January 18, 2005, the record date for the special meeting, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.
The board of directors of Harrah’s unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement and “FOR” the proposal to amend Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock.
A list of stockholders eligible to vote at the Harrah’s special meeting will be available for inspection at the special meeting, and at the executive offices of Harrah’s during regular business hours for a period of no less than ten days prior to the special meeting.
Your vote is very important. It is important that your shares be represented and voted whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting in person. You may vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card, or you may grant your proxy electronically via the Internet or by telephone. If your shares are held in “street name,” which means shares held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, you should check the voting form used by that firm to determine whether you will be able to submit your proxy by telephone or on the Internet. If you are a participant in Harrah’s Company Stock Fund of the Harrah’s Savings and Retirement Plan, you can submit your proxy by telephone or on the Internet. Submitting a proxy over the Internet, by telephone or by mailing the enclosed proxy card will ensure your shares are represented at the special meeting. Please review the instructions in this joint proxy statement/
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| By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
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| STEPHEN H. BRAMMELL | |
| Corporate Secretary | |
| Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. |
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CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To the Stockholders of Caesars Entertainment, Inc.:
We will hold a special meeting of stockholders of Caesars at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 11, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
| 1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2004, by and among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s and Caesars Entertainment, Inc., and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, pursuant to which Caesars would merge with Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. and each outstanding share of Caesars common stock would be converted, at the stockholder’s election, into the right to receive $17.75 in cash or 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock, subject to proration and adjustment. | |
| 2. To transact any other business within the preceding purpose as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. |
These items of business are described in the attached joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Only Caesars stockholders of record at the close of business on January 18, 2005, the record date for the special meeting, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.
The board of directors of Caesars approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, on July 14, 2004, and unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, which are described in detail in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
A complete list of Caesars stockholders entitled to vote at the Caesars special meeting will be available for inspection both at Caesars Palace and at the executive offices of Caesars during regular business hours for a period of no less than ten days before the special meeting.
Your vote is very important. Whether you plan to attend the special meeting or not, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible and return it in the postage-prepaid envelope provided, or use our 24-hour a day telephone or Internet voting options to submit a proxy. Completing a proxy now will not prevent you from being able to vote at the special meeting by attending in person and casting a vote. However, if you do not return or submit the proxy or vote in person at the
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| By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
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| BERNARD E. DELURY, JR. | |
| Secretary | |
| Caesars Entertainment, Inc. |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This joint proxy statement/ prospectus incorporates by reference important business and financial information about Harrah’s and Caesars from documents that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. For a more detailed description of the information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and how you may obtain it, see “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus from Harrah’s or Caesars, as applicable, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is referred to as the SEC, through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Documents incorporated by reference are available from Harrah’s and Caesars without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Harrah’s stockholders and Caesars stockholders may request a copy of such documents in writing or by telephone by contacting the applicable department at:
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Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. One Harrah’s Court Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 Telephone number: (702) 407-6000 Attn: Investor Relations |
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Telephone number: (702) 699-5000 Attn: Secretary |
In addition, you may obtain copies of the information relating to Harrah’s, without charge, by sending an e-mail to investors@harrahs.com. You may obtain copies of some of this information by making a request through the Harrah’s investor relations website at http://investor.harrahs.com.
In addition, you may obtain copies of some of the information relating to Caesars, without charge, by making a request through the investor relations section of the Caesars website at http://investor.caesars.com.
We are not incorporating the contents of the websites of the SEC, Harrah’s, Caesars or any other person into this document. We are only providing the information about how you can obtain certain documents that are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus at these websites for your convenience.
In order for you to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the Harrah’s and Caesars special meetings, Harrah’s or Caesars, as applicable, should receive your request no later than March 4, 2005.
For information about where to obtain copies of documents, see “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
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| EXHIBIT 8.1 | ||||||||
| EXHIBIT 8.2 | ||||||||
| EXHIBIT 23.1 | ||||||||
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| EXHIBIT 23.3 | ||||||||
| EXHIBIT 99.1 | ||||||||
| EXHIBIT 99.2 | ||||||||
| EXHIBIT 99.6 | ||||||||
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
The following are some questions that you, as a stockholder of Harrah’s or Caesars, may have regarding the merger and the other matters being considered at the respective special meetings of stockholders of Harrah’s and Caesars and brief answers to those questions. Harrah’s and Caesars urge you to read carefully the remainder of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus because the information in this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the merger and the other matters being considered at their respective special meetings of stockholders. Additional important information is also contained in the annexes to and the documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
| Q: | Why are Harrah’s and Caesars stockholders receiving this joint proxy statement/ prospectus? | |
| A: | Harrah’s and Caesars have agreed to the acquisition of Caesars by Harrah’s under the terms of a merger agreement that is described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex A. |
| In order to complete the merger, Harrah’s stockholders must vote to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger and Caesars stockholders must approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Harrah’s and Caesars will hold separate special meetings of their respective stockholders to obtain these approvals. | ||
| This joint proxy statement/ prospectus contains important information about the merger, the merger agreement and the special meetings of the respective stockholders of Harrah’s and Caesars, which you should read carefully. The enclosed voting materials allow you to vote your shares without attending your respective company’s special meeting. | ||
| Your vote is very important. We encourage you to vote as soon as possible. |
| Q: | Why are Harrah’s and Caesars proposing the merger? | |
| A: | Harrah’s and Caesars both believe that the merger will provide substantial strategic and financial benefits to the stockholders of both companies because the merger will allow stockholders of both companies the opportunity to participate in a larger, more diversified company that will be a preeminent distributor of casino entertainment. We both also believe that the combination will create a stronger and more competitive provider of casino entertainment that is capable of creating more stockholder value than either Harrah’s or Caesars could on its own. In addition, Caesars is also proposing the merger to provide its stockholders with the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares and to offer Caesars stockholders the opportunity to participate in the growth and opportunities of the combined company by electing to receive Harrah’s stock in the merger or to realize cash for the value of their shares by electing to receive cash in the merger. To review the reasons for the merger in greater detail, see “The Merger — Recommendation of the Harrah’s Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger” on page 54 and “The Merger — Recommendation of the Caesars Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger” on page 56. | |
| Q: | What will happen in the merger? | |
| A: | Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Caesars will merge with Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s, with Harrah’s Operating Company surviving and continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s. | |
| Q: | What consideration will Caesars stockholders receive in the merger? | |
| A: | Caesars stockholders may elect to receive either $17.75 in cash or 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock for each share of Caesars common stock they own, subject to proration to reflect the aggregate amount of cash to be paid and number of shares to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger and other adjustments as described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. For more information on the proration and adjustment features, see “Summary — The Merger — Merger Consideration” on page 9. Caesars stockholders will receive cash for any fractional share of Harrah’s common stock that they would be entitled to receive in the merger after aggregating all fractional shares to be received by them. |
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| Because of the proration and adjustments features, the exact amount of cash and shares of Harrah’s common stock to be received by each Caesars stockholder in the merger in exchange for his or her shares of Caesars common stock cannot be determined until the completion of the merger. Caesars stockholders may not receive the specific amount of cash or Harrah’s common stock that they elect to receive. |
| Q: | How do Caesars stockholders specify if they want cash or shares of Harrah’s common stock? | |
| A: | Caesars stockholders have been sent, together with this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, an election form/ letter of transmittal with instructions for making an election to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in exchange for his or her shares of Caesars common stock. To be effective, an election form/ letter of transmittal must be properly completed and signed by Caesars stockholders making an election to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock and received by the exchange agent, together with the Caesars stock certificates representing those shares of Caesars common stock with respect to which the election is being made, no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. Harrah’s and Caesars will announce the anticipated closing date at least three but not more than ten business days prior to the closing date. |
| If the exchange agent does not receive from a Caesars stockholder a properly completed and signed election form/ letter of transmittal with respect to shares of Caesars common stock, together with the appropriate stock certificates, by 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger, the holder of those shares of Caesars common stock will be deemed to have made an election for cash consideration with respect to those shares of Caesars common stock. Following the completion of the merger, Caesars stockholders who have not made an election to receive Harrah’s common stock in the merger will receive a letter of transmittal and instructions as to how to surrender their Caesars stock certificates. |
| Q: | Should Caesars stockholders send in their election form/ letter of transmittal and Caesars stock certificates now? | |
| A: | No. Election forms/ letters of transmittal and Caesars stock certificates need not be sent at this time and should not be sent to Caesars with the enclosed proxy card for the Caesars special meeting. Instead, Caesars stockholders who would like to make an election to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger should send their properly completed and signed election form/ letter of transmittal to the exchange agent, together with the stock certificates representing those shares of Caesars common stock with respect to which the election is being made, no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. Harrah’s and Caesars will announce the anticipated closing date at least three but not more than ten business days prior to the closing date of the merger. Caesars stockholders who do not elect to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger will be deemed to have made an election for cash consideration with respect to their shares of Caesars common stock, and following the completion of the merger will receive a letter of transmittal and instructions as to how to surrender their Caesars stock certificates. | |
| Q: | Can Caesars stockholders change or revoke their election? | |
| A: | Yes. Caesars stockholders can revoke their election by giving written notice to the exchange agent at The Bank of New York, Caesars Exchange, P.O. Box 859208, Braintree, MA 02185-9208, provided the written notice is received by the exchange agent no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. After this time, you may not revoke your election to receive Harrah’s common stock in the merger, unless the exchange agent is legally required to permit revocations. If an election is timely revoked, the exchange agent will promptly return any Caesars stock certificates that had been submitted to the exchange agent. |
| To change an election, Caesars stockholders must revoke and then resubmit a valid and timely election form/ letter of transmittal. |
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| Q: | How will Harrah’s stockholders be affected by the merger and issuance of Harrah’s common stock in the merger? | |
| A: | After the merger, Harrah’s stockholders will continue to own their existing shares of Harrah’s common stock. Accordingly, Harrah’s stockholders will hold the same number of shares of Harrah’s common stock that they held immediately prior to the merger. However, because Harrah’s will be issuing new shares of Harrah’s common stock to certain Caesars stockholders in the merger, each outstanding share of Harrah’s common stock immediately prior to the merger will represent a smaller percentage of the total number of shares of Harrah’s common stock outstanding after the merger. | |
| Q: | When do Harrah’s and Caesars expect the merger to be completed? | |
| A: | Harrah’s and Caesars are working to complete the merger as quickly as practicable. However, we cannot predict the exact timing of the completion of the merger because it is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. See “Summary — Conditions to Completion of the Merger” on page 16 and “Summary — Regulatory Approvals” on page 17. There may be a substantial period of time between the approval of the proposals by stockholders at the special meetings of Harrah’s and Caesars stockholders and the effectiveness of the merger. There is currently no way to predict how long it will take to obtain all of the required regulatory approvals. | |
| Q: | What are the federal income tax consequences of the merger? | |
| A: | We expect the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. If the merger qualifies as a reorganization, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to Caesars stockholders generally will be as follows: |
| • Caesars stockholders that receive solely Harrah’s common stock in the merger will not recognize any gain or loss, except for gain or loss resulting from the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of Harrah’s common stock; | ||
| • Caesars stockholders that receive a combination of cash and Harrah’s common stock will recognize capital gain, but not loss, to the extent of the amount of cash received; and | ||
| • Caesars stockholders that receive solely cash will recognize capital gain or loss. | ||
| No gain or loss will be recognized by Harrah’s, Caesars or Harrah’s stockholders as a result of the merger. | ||
| Tax matters are complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to each Caesars stockholder will depend on the facts of each stockholder’s situation. Caesars stockholders are urged to read carefully the discussion in the section entitled “The Merger — Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page 81 and to consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences of their participation in the merger. |
| Q: | Are Harrah’s and Caesars stockholders entitled to appraisal rights? | |
| A: | Under Delaware law, holders of Caesars common stock have the right to dissent from the merger and obtain payment in cash for the fair value of their shares of common stock, as determined by the Delaware Chancery Court, rather than the merger consideration. To exercise appraisal rights, Caesars stockholders must strictly follow the procedures prescribed by Delaware law. These procedures are summarized under the section entitled “The Merger — Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal” on page 85. In addition, the text of the applicable provisions of Delaware law is included as Annex E to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. | |
| Holders of Harrah’s common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ appraisal rights in connection with the issuance of Harrah’s common stock in the merger. | ||
| Q: | What are Harrah’s stockholders voting on? | |
| A: | Harrah’s stockholders are voting on a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement. The approval of this proposal by Harrah’s stockholders is a condition to the effectiveness of the merger. |
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| Harrah’s stockholders are also voting on a proposal to approve an amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock, which is not a condition to the effectiveness of the merger. | ||
| Harrah’s stockholders are voting on each proposal separately. Your vote on one proposal has no bearing on the other proposal, or any other matter that may come before the Harrah’s special meeting. |
| Q: | What are Caesars stockholders voting on? | |
| A: | Caesars stockholders are voting on a proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. The approval of this proposal by Caesars stockholders is a condition to the effectiveness of the merger. | |
| Q: | What vote of Harrah’s stockholders is required to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger? | |
| A: | Approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of Harrah’s common stock cast on such proposal, in person or by proxy, provided that the total votes cast on the proposal represents over 50% of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock entitled to vote on the proposal. | |
| Q: | What vote of Harrah’s stockholders is required to approve the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock? | |
| A: | Approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. | |
| Q: | What vote of Caesars stockholders is required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger? | |
| A: | Approval of the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Caesars common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. | |
| Q: | How does the board of directors of Harrah’s recommend that Harrah’s stockholders vote? | |
| A: | The Harrah’s board of directors unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement. The Harrah’s board of directors has determined that the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock to Caesars stockholders in the merger is fair to, and in the best interest of, Harrah’s and its stockholders, and has declared the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be advisable to its stockholders. |
| The Harrah’s board of directors unanimously approved a resolution, subject to stockholder approval, to amend Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock and unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to the amend Harrah’s certificate of incorporation. For a more complete description of the recommendation of the Harrah’s board of directors, see “The Harrah’s Special Meeting — Recommendation of the Harrah’s Board of Directors” on page 38. |
| Q: | How does the board of directors of Caesars recommend that Caesars stockholders vote? | |
| A: | The Caesars board of directors unanimously recommends that Caesars stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. The Caesars board of directors has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Caesars and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Caesars board of directors has approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. For a more complete description of the recommendation of the Caesars board of directors, see “The Caesars Special Meeting — Recommendation of the Caesars Board of Directors” on page 43. |
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| Q: | When and where will the special meetings of stockholders be held? | |
| A: | The Harrah’s special meeting will take place at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 11, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. local time. The Caesars special meeting will take place at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 11, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. local time. | |
| Q: | Who can attend and vote at the special meetings? | |
| A: | All Harrah’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 18, 2005, the record date for the Harrah’s special meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Harrah’s special meeting. All Caesars stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 18, 2005, the record date for the Caesars special meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Caesars special meeting. | |
| Q: | What should Harrah’s and Caesars stockholders do now in order to vote on the proposals being considered at their company’s special meeting? | |
| A: | Stockholders of record of Harrah’s as of the record date for the Harrah’s special meeting, participants in Harrah’s Company Stock Fund of the Harrah’s Savings and Retirement Plan or stockholders of record of Caesars as of the record date for the Caesars special meeting may now vote by proxy by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying pre-addressed postage paid envelope or by submitting a proxy over the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you hold Harrah’s shares or Caesars shares in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or nominee, you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares. Please refer to the voting instruction card used by your broker, bank or nominee to see if you may submit voting instructions using the Internet or telephone. | |
| Q: | Can Harrah’s or Caesars stockholders vote at their company’s special meeting? | |
| A: | Yes. You may also vote in person by attending your respective company’s special meeting of stockholders. If you plan to attend your respective company’s special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held in “street name,” and you wish to vote at your respective company’s special meeting, you must bring a proxy from the record holder of the shares authorizing you to vote at the special meeting. Whether or not Harrah’s stockholders or Caesars stockholders plan to attend their special meeting of their respective company, they should grant their proxy as described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. | |
| Q: | What will happen if I abstain from voting or fail to vote? | |
| A: | If you are a Harrah’s stockholder, an abstention by you, which occurs when a stockholder attends a meeting, either in person or by proxy, but abstains from voting, will have the same effect as voting against both the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock under the merger agreement and the approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock. If you are a Harrah’s stockholder, your failure to vote or to instruct your broker to vote if your shares are held in “street name” may have a negative effect on Harrah’s ability to obtain the number of votes cast necessary for approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock under the merger agreement in accordance with the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, and will have the same effect as voting against the approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock. |
| If you are a Caesars stockholder, an abstention by you or your failure to vote or to instruct your broker to vote if your shares are held in “street name” will have the same effect as voting against the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. |
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| Q: | Can I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy? | |
| A: | Yes. If you are a holder of record, you can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting by: |
| • delivering a signed written notice of revocation to your respective company at: |
|
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. One Harrah’s Court Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 Attn: Corporate Secretary |
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Attn: Secretary |
| • signing and delivering a new, valid proxy bearing a later date; and if it is a written proxy, it must be signed and delivered to your respective company at the address listed above; | ||
| • submitting another proxy by telephone or on the Internet (your latest telephone or Internet voting instructions are followed); or | ||
| • attending the special meeting and voting in person, although your attendance alone will not revoke your proxy. | ||
| If your shares are held in a “street name” account, you must contact your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote. |
| Q: | What should Harrah’s stockholders or Caesars stockholders do if they receive more than one set of voting materials for their company’s special meeting? | |
| A: | You may receive more than one set of voting materials for your special meeting, including multiple copies of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a holder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive. | |
| Q: | Who can help answer my questions? | |
| A: | If you have any questions about the merger or how to submit your proxy, or if you need additional copies of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, the enclosed proxy card, voting instructions or the election form, you should contact: | |
| if you are a Harrah’s stockholder: |
| D.F. King & Co., Inc. | |
| 48 Wall Street | |
| New York, New York 10005 | |
| Call toll-free: (800) 829-6551 |
| if you are a Caesars stockholder: |
| Innisfree M&A Incorporated | |
| 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor | |
| New York, New York 10022 | |
| Stockholders in the United States and Canada call toll-free: (877) 750-5837 | |
| From other locations call collect: (646) 822-7404 | |
| Banks and brokers call collect: (212) 750-5833 |
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SUMMARY
The following is a summary that highlights information contained in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete description of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, we encourage you to read carefully this entire joint proxy statement/ prospectus, including the attached annexes. In addition, we encourage you to read the information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, which includes important business and financial information about Harrah’s and Caesars that has been filed with the SEC. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus without charge by following the instructions in the section entitled “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
The Companies
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is one of the leading casino entertainment companies in the United States, operating in more markets than any other casino company and offering a Harrah’s casino experience within a three-hour drive of over half of the United States adult population. Harrah’s business is conducted through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., which owns or manages through various subsidiaries 28 casinos in the United States with about 1.7 million square feet of gaming space and approximately 16,180 hotel rooms. Harrah’s casino entertainment facilities, operating primarily under the Harrah’s, Rio, Showboat, Horseshoe and Harveys brand names, include eleven land-based casinos, eleven riverboat or dockside casinos, a greyhound racing facility, a thoroughbred racetrack and four casinos on Indian reservations.
On July 1, 2004, Harrah’s consummated its acquisition of Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp., or Horseshoe, for approximately $1.6 billion, including the assumption of approximately $535 million, face amount, in outstanding 8 5/8% senior subordinated notes, plus reimbursements to Horseshoe for certain capital expenditures and acquisition related costs. On July 1, 2004, Harrah’s called for redemption of all $535 million of the outstanding 8 5/8 senior subordinated notes and completed the redemption of these notes on August 2, 2004.
Harrah’s was incorporated on November 2, 1989, and prior to such date operated under predecessor companies. Harrah’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, which is referred to as the NYSE, under the symbol “HET.”
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, changed its name to Caesars Entertainment, Inc. from Park Place Entertainment Corporation effective January 5, 2004. Caesars is one of the leading casino/hotel operators in the United States and has a significant presence in Nevada, New Jersey and Mississippi, the three largest state gaming markets in the United States. Caesars operates 28 casinos with more than two million square feet of gaming space and approximately 26,000 hotel rooms. Caesars casino resorts operate under the Caesars, Bally’s, Flamingo, Grand Casinos, Hilton and Paris brand names.
In December 1998, Caesars became a separate and independent public company when Hilton Hotels Corporation divested its gaming operations through a tax-free distribution of Caesars common shares to Hilton’s stockholders. At the same time, Caesars acquired the Mississippi gaming operations of Grand Casinos, Inc. through a merger. In December 1999, Caesars acquired all of the outstanding stock of
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Recent Developments
On September 27, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars, by and through certain subsidiaries of each, entered into a definitive agreement whereby an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC will acquire Harrah’s East Chicago and Harrah’s Tunica from Harrah’s and the Atlantic City Hilton and Bally’s Tunica from Caesars. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the purchaser will acquire substantially all of the operating assets and assume certain liabilities of Harrah’s properties for approximately $627 million and of Caesars’ properties for approximately $612 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions. Harrah’s and Caesars agreed to sell the four properties in connection with the merger described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, although the sale is not conditioned on the closing of the merger.
On October 22, 2004, Caesars, by and through a subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement whereby an affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation will acquire all of the outstanding equity interests of Belle of Orleans, LLC, which owns and operates Bally’s Casino New Orleans. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the purchase price will be approximately $24 million.
On November 19, 2004, Caesars, by and through a subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement whereby the same affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation will acquire substantially all of the operating assets and certain liabilities of Caesars Tahoe. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the purchase price will be approximately $45 million.
Both the transactions between Caesars and the affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation are subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, and neither transaction is conditioned on the closing of the other or on the closing of the merger. The sale of Caesars Tahoe was subject to a right of first refusal, whereby an unrelated third party might have exercised an option to purchase Caesars Tahoe. However, that party notified Caesars on January 20, 2005 that it chose not to exercise that option.
On December 24, 2004, Caesars, by and through a subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement to sell its ownership and management interests in Caesars Gauteng, a casino resort near Johannesburg, South Africa, for approximately $145 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Peermont Global Limited and Marang (East Rand) Gaming Investments will jointly acquire the 25 percent interest held by Caesars’ South African affiliate in the company that owns Caesars Gauteng. Peermont will also acquire Caesars’ 50 percent interest in the company that manages the South Africa casino resort. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, although the sale is not conditioned on the closing of the merger.
On January 11, 2005, Caesars, by and through a subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement whereby Caesars will acquire from Riverboat Development, Inc. an 18 percent interest in RDI/Caesars Riverboat Casino, LLC, the company that owns and operates Caesars Indiana casino resort. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the purchase price will be approximately $70 million. Following the consummation of the transaction, Caesars, through its subsidiary, will own a 100 percent interest in Caesars Indiana casino resort. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, although the sale is not conditioned on the closing of the merger.
The Merger (see page 47)
Harrah’s and Caesars have agreed to the acquisition of Caesars by Harrah’s under the terms of the merger agreement that is described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Caesars will merge with Harrah’s Operating Company, with Harrah’s Operating Company surviving the merger. We have attached the merger agreement as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. We encourage you to carefully read the merger agreement in its entirety because it is the legal document that governs the merger.
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| Merger Consideration |
Caesars stockholders may elect to receive 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock for each share of Caesars common stock they own or if Caesars stockholders do not make such an election to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock, they will be deemed to have elected to receive $17.75 in cash for each share of Caesars common stock that they own, subject to proration due to the aggregate amount of cash to be paid and number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger and other adjustments as described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. As a result, Harrah’s will issue approximately 67.7 million shares of Harrah’s common stock and $1.87 billion in cash in the merger based upon the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding on the record date of the Caesars special meeting. We refer to the stock and cash consideration to be paid to Caesars stockholders by Harrah’s as the merger consideration.
The value of the merger consideration that a Caesars stockholder receives in the merger may vary depending on whether a Caesars stockholder receives shares of Harrah’s common stock or cash. The value of the cash portion of the merger consideration is fixed at $17.75 for each share of Caesars common stock. The value of the stock portion of the merger consideration is not fixed and will depend upon the value of 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock upon completion of the merger. This value may be ascertained by multiplying the trading price of Harrah’s common stock by 0.3247.
As illustrated in the table below, the value of 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock may be less than or greater than $17.75. In particular, if the closing price of Harrah’s common stock upon completion of the merger is greater than $54.67, then the value of 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock would be greater than the $17.75 in cash. If the closing price of Harrah’s common stock upon completion of the merger is less than $54.67, then the $17.75 in cash would be greater than the value of 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock.
| Hypothetical | Corresponding Value | |
| Trading Price | of 0.3247 of a Share | |
| of Harrah’s | of Harrah’s | |
| Common Stock | Common Stock | |
|
$73.00
|
$23.70 | |
|
$72.00
|
$23.38 | |
|
$71.00
|
$23.05 | |
|
$70.00
|
$22.73 | |
|
$69.00
|
$22.40 | |
|
$68.00
|
$22.08 | |
|
$67.00
|
$21.75 | |
|
$66.00
|
$21.43 | |
|
$65.00
|
$21.11 | |
|
$64.00
|
$20.78 | |
|
$63.00
|
$20.46 | |
|
$62.00
|
$20.13 | |
|
$61.00
|
$19.81 | |
|
$60.00
|
$19.48 | |
|
$59.00
|
$19.16 | |
|
$58.00
|
$18.83 | |
|
$57.00
|
$18.51 | |
|
$56.00
|
$18.18 | |
|
$55.00
|
$17.86 | |
|
$54.67
|
$17.75 | |
|
$54.00
|
$17.53 | |
|
$53.00
|
$17.21 |
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Because the merger consideration is subject to proration, the table above does not set forth the actual consideration that will be received by Caesars stockholders and is only for illustration purposes. The effect of proration on the merger consideration to be received by Caesars stockholders is set forth in the table entitled “Consideration to Be Received by Caesars Stockholders for Each Share of Caesars Common Stock After Proration” on page 11.
Caesars stockholders are urged to check the trading price of Harrah’s common stock prior to electing whether to receive cash or stock in the merger. The merger agreement does not provide Caesars with a price-based termination right or other protection for Caesars or its stockholders against a decline in the market price of Harrah’s common stock. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Merger” on page 30.
The merger has been structured, and adjustments to the elections of Caesars stockholders will be made by the exchange agent, so that the aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock to be converted into shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger will equal 66.42% of the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger, which amount is referred to as the stock cap. For example, based on the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding as of the record date for the Caesars special meeting, the aggregate number of shares of Harrah’s common stock which would be issued to Caesars stockholders would be fixed at approximately 67.7 million shares and the aggregate amount of cash which would be paid to Caesars stockholders would be fixed at approximately $1.87 billion in cash, which is referred to as the cash cap. The stock elections in the merger are subject to proration to preserve this fixed number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued and cash to be paid in the merger. As a result, even if a Caesars stockholder elects to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger, he or she will likely receive a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash. Similarly, if he or she is deemed to have elected to receive cash in the merger, he or she will likely receive a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash.
If the aggregate number of shares held by Caesars stockholders electing to receive Harrah’s common stock exceeds the stock cap, then the exchange agent will allocate, pro rata to those Caesars stockholders electing to receive the stock consideration, a sufficient amount of cash consideration instead of stock consideration so that the aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock to be converted into shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger equals the stock cap, subject to rounding and the adjustment provisions of the merger agreement.
If the aggregate number of shares held by Caesars stockholders who are deemed to have elected to receive cash exceeds the aggregate amount of cash that will be paid to Caesars stockholders in the merger, then the exchange agent will allocate, pro rata to those Caesars stockholders who are deemed to have elected to receive cash, a sufficient amount of stock consideration instead of cash consideration so that the aggregate number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger equals the stock cap, subject to rounding and the adjustment provisions of the merger agreement.
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The table below illustrates some, but not all, potential outcomes and sets forth the amount of stock consideration and/or cash consideration that a Caesars stockholder could receive, depending on the percentage of Caesars stockholders that elect to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger.
Consideration to Be Received by Caesars Stockholders for Each Share of Caesars Common Stock After Proration
| Percentage of | Percentage of | Aggregate Consideration to Be | Aggregate Consideration to Be | |||||||
| Caesars Shares for | Caesars Shares for | Received for Each Share of Caesars | Received for Each Share of | |||||||
| Which There Is an | Which There Is | Common Stock by Caesars | Caesars Common Stock by | |||||||
| Election to Receive | Deemed an Election | Stockholders Electing to Receive | Caesars Stockholders Deemed to | |||||||
| Harrah’s Common Stock | to Receive Cash | Harrah’s Common Stock | Have Elected to Receive Cash | |||||||
|
100%
|
0 | $5.96 + 0.2157 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | N/A | |||||||
|
90%
|
10% | $4.65 + 0.2396 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $17.75 | |||||||
|
80%
|
20% | $3.01 + 0.2696 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $17.75 | |||||||
|
70%
|
30% | $0.91 + 0.3081 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $17.75 | |||||||
|
66.42%
|
33.58% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $17.75 | |||||||
|
60%
|
40% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $14.90 + 0.0521 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
|
50%
|
50% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $11.92 + 0.1066 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
|
40%
|
60% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $9.93 + 0.1430 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
|
30%
|
70% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $8.51 + 0.1689 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
|
20%
|
80% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $7.45 + 0.1884 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
|
10%
|
90% | 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | $6.62 + 0.2036 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
|
0
|
100% | N/A | $5.96 + 0.2157 of a share of Harrah’s common stock | |||||||
As a result of this proration feature, in many cases, the form of merger consideration actually received by a Caesars stockholder will differ from the form of consideration that the Caesars stockholder elects or is deemed to have elected to receive. Because the aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock to be converted into shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger will equal 66.42% of the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger, unless adjusted pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, it is possible that a substantial portion of the merger consideration received by each Caesars stockholder will be in the form of stock consideration, regardless of the election made by the Caesars stockholder.
For a full description of the proration terms and procedures, see “The Merger Agreement — Merger Consideration — Stock Cap and Proration” on page 97.
| Fractional Shares |
Harrah’s will not issue fractional shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger. As a result, a Caesars stockholder will receive cash for any fractional share of Harrah’s common stock that they would otherwise be entitled to receive in the merger.
For a full description of the treatment of fractional shares, see “The Merger Agreement — Fractional Shares” on page 99.
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| Election by Caesars stockholders |
Caesars stockholders have been sent, together with this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, an election form with instructions for making elections to receive stock consideration in the merger, and a letter of transmittal. To be effective, an election form and a letter of transmittal must be properly completed and signed by Caesars stockholders making an election to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock and received by the exchange agent, together with the stock certificates representing the shares of Caesars common stock with respect to which the election is being made, no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. Harrah’s and Caesars will announce the anticipated closing date at least three but not more than ten business days prior to the closing date of the merger. If a properly completed and signed election form and letter of transmittal with respect to shares of Caesars common stock is not received by the exchange agent, together with the appropriate stock certificates, by 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger, the holder of those shares of Caesars common stock will be deemed to have made an election for cash consideration with respect to those shares of Caesars common stock. For a full description of the election procedures for Caesars stockholders, see “The Merger Agreement — Exchange of Caesars Stock Certificates for Harrah’s Stock Certificate — Caesars Common Stock — Election” on page 98.
| Special Stock Purchase Rights |
Pursuant to a Rights Agreement, dated as of October 5, 1996, as amended, between Harrah’s and The Bank of New York, as rights agent, one special stock purchase right will attach to each share of common stock issued by Harrah’s to Caesars stockholders. Each special stock purchase right entitles the holder to buy one two-hundredth of a share of Harrah’s Series A special stock at an exercise price of $130, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments, after the special stock purchase rights become exercisable and until October 5, 2006. The special stock purchase right attaches automatically to each share of common stock issued by Harrah’s and are represented by Harrah’s common stock certificates. The special stock purchase rights do not have any voting rights.
In general, if a person acquires 15% or more of the Harrah’s outstanding common stock, each special stock purchase right entitles its holder to purchase Harrah’s common stock having a market value at that time of twice the exercise price of the special stock purchase right. In addition, under certain conditions, each special stock purchase right entitles its holder to purchase stock of an acquiring company at a discount.
The special stock purchase rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The special stock purchase rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire Harrah’s on terms not approved by the Harrah’s board of directors, except pursuant to an offer conditioned on a substantial number of special stock purchase rights being acquired.
| Caesars Equity Awards |
In general, upon completion of the merger, options to purchase shares of Caesars common stock will be converted into options to purchase shares of Harrah’s common stock and assumed by Harrah’s. The number of options to purchase Harrah’s common stock and the exercise prices of the new options will be determined pursuant to the merger agreement. Harrah’s has agreed to assume Caesars’ stock option plans at the effective time of the merger. Each unvested Caesars stock option outstanding under any Caesars stock option plan will be fully vested and exercisable.
Each outstanding purchase right under the Caesars employee stock purchase plan will be assumed by Harrah’s and converted into a right to purchase Harrah’s common stock in accordance with the merger agreement and the employee stock purchase plan. Harrah’s has agreed to assume Caesars’ employee stock purchase plan at the effective time of the merger.
Each outstanding restricted stock unit under Caesars’ 2004 long term incentive plan and each performance award will be converted into the right to receive Harrah’s common stock in accordance with
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For a full description of the treatment of Caesars equity awards, see “The Merger Agreement — Caesars Equity Awards and Benefit Plans — Caesars Equity Awards” on page 109.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors (see pages 38 and 43)
| Harrah’s |
The Harrah’s board of directors believes that the merger is fair to, and in the best interest of, Harrah’s and its stockholders and has declared the merger to be advisable to its stockholders, and unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock to Caesars stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement. The Harrah’s board of directors unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock.
| Caesars |
The Caesars board of directors believes that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Caesars and its stockholders and has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and unanimously recommends that Caesars stockholders vote “FOR” approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
Stockholders Entitled to Vote (see pages 39 and 43)
| Harrah’s Stockholders |
You can vote at the Harrah’s special meeting if you owned Harrah’s common stock at the close of business on January 18, 2005, which is referred to as the Harrah’s record date. On that date, there were 113,437,206 shares of Harrah’s common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Harrah’s special meeting. You can cast one vote for each share of Harrah’s common stock that you owned on the Harrah’s record date.
| Caesars Stockholders |
You can vote at the Caesars special meeting if you owned Caesars common stock at the close of business on January 18, 2005, which is referred to as the Caesars record date. On that date, there were 314,021,584 shares of Caesars common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Caesars special meeting. You can cast one vote for each share of Caesars common stock that you owned on the Caesars record date.
Vote Required (see pages 39 and 44)
| Harrah’s Stockholders |
In accordance with the listing requirements of the NYSE, stockholder approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of Harrah’s common stock cast on such proposal, in person or by proxy, provided that the total votes cast on the proposal represents over 50% of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock entitled to vote on the proposal.
In accordance with the requirements of Delaware General Corporation Law, which is referred to as the DGCL, the approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
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Abstentions and “broker non-votes,” will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at the Harrah’s special meeting for purposes of the vote of Harrah’s stockholders on the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger. For both proposals, an abstention, which occurs when a stockholder attends a meeting either in person or by proxy, but abstains from voting, will have the same effect as a vote against the proposals. A “broker non-vote” occurs when shares are held in “street name” by a broker or other nominee on behalf of a beneficial owner and the beneficial owner does not instruct the broker or nominee how to vote the shares at the special meeting for a proposal that is “non-routine” under the listing requirements of the NYSE. “Broker non-votes” could have a negative effect on Harrah’s ability to obtain the necessary number of votes cast in accordance with the NYSE’s listing requirements for the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement because it is a “non-routine” proposal. “Broker non-votes” will not result from the proposal to amend Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock because under the NYSE listing requirements it is a “routine” proposal and therefore a broker or nominee will have the discretionary authority under the NYSE’s listing requirements to vote the shares for which the broker or nominee does not receive voting instructions for the proposal.
| Caesars Stockholders |
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Caesars common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting, in person or by proxy, is required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
Abstentions and “broker non-votes” will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at the Caesars special meeting for purposes of the vote of Caesars stockholders on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
An abstention will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. A “broker non-vote” will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
At the close of business on the Harrah’s record date, directors and executive officers of Harrah’s and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 3,424,008 shares of Harrah’s common stock, collectively representing approximately 3.0% of the shares of Harrah’s common stock outstanding on that date.
At the close of business on the Caesars record date, directors and executive officers of Caesars and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 27,089,581 shares of Caesars common stock, collectively representing 8.6% of the shares of Caesars common stock outstanding on that date.
Opinions of Financial Advisors (see pages 59 and 65)
| Harrah’s |
On July 14, 2004, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., or Deutsche Bank, financial advisor to Harrah’s, delivered to the Harrah’s board of directors its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated July 14, 2004, that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the considerations described in its opinion and based upon such other matters as Deutsche Bank considered relevant, the merger consideration to be paid by Harrah’s for each outstanding share of Caesars common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to Harrah’s from a financial point of view. The full text
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| Caesars |
On July 14, 2004, UBS Securities LLC, or UBS, financial advisor to Caesars, delivered to the Caesars board of directors its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated July 14, 2004, that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the aggregate merger consideration to be received by the holders of the shares of Caesars common stock pursuant to the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. The full text of UBS’ written opinion is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex C. We encourage you to read this opinion carefully in its entirety for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken. UBS’ opinion is directed to the Caesars board of directors and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to any matters relating to the merger.
Ownership of Harrah’s After the Merger
Based on the number of shares of Harrah’s and Caesars common stock outstanding on their respective record dates, after completion of the merger, Harrah’s expects to issue approximately 67.7 million shares of Harrah’s common stock and former Caesars stockholders will own approximately 37.4% of the then-outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock.
Interests of Caesars’ Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (see page 89)
In considering the recommendation of the Caesars board of directors with respect to the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, you should be aware that certain members of the Caesars board of directors and certain Caesars executive officers have interests in the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement that may be different than, or in addition to, the interests of Caesars stockholders, generally. These interests include:
| • | severance payments under employment agreements and change of control agreements which may be triggered if the officer leaves or is terminated, in either case, under certain circumstances following the merger; | |
| • | potential appointment to the Harrah’s board of directors following the merger; | |
| • | accelerated vesting and exercisability of Caesars stock options, restricted stock units, performance awards and supplemental retention units issued under Caesars’ equity compensation plans; | |
| • | continued benefits for one year following the effective date of the merger that are in the aggregate no less favorable than those provided by Caesars as of the date of the merger agreement; and | |
| • | eligibility to receive retention bonuses in connection with the transaction. |
The Caesars board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in making its recommendation with respect to the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
Management of Harrah’s After the Merger
It is currently expected that all of the executive officers of Harrah’s will remain with Harrah’s after the merger. The employment status of the executive officers of Caesars after the completion of the merger has not yet been determined.
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After the completion of the merger, there will be at least 12 members of the Harrah’s board of directors, but no more than 14 members. All of the ten current members of the Harrah’s board of directors are expected to remain as members of the Harrah’s board of directors after the completion of the merger. Philip G. Satre previously announced his resignation as Chairman of the Harrah’s board of directors, which was effective December 31, 2004. The additional two to four vacancies created by the increase in the size of Harrah’s board of directors and Mr. Satre’s resignation will be filled by the appointment of individuals who are currently directors of Caesars. Upon completion of the merger, William Barron Hilton and Stephen F. Bollenbach will be appointed to the Harrah’s board of directors. The Harrah’s board of directors will consider the nomination of up to two additional Caesars directors to the Harrah’s board of directors. For a full description of the appointment of Caesars directors to the Harrah’s Board of Directors, see “The Merger Agreement — Harrah’s Board of Directors” on page 116.
Listing of Harrah’s Common Stock and Delisting of Caesars Common Stock (see pages 85 and 89)
Application will be made to have the shares of Harrah’s common stock issued in the merger approved for listing on the NYSE, where Harrah’s common stock currently is traded under the symbol “HET.” If the merger is completed, Caesars common stock will no longer be listed on the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is referred to as the Exchange Act, and Caesars will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal (see page 85)
| Harrah’s |
Under Delaware law, holders of Harrah’s common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ appraisal rights in connection with the issuance of Harrah’s common stock in the merger.
| Caesars |
Holders of Caesars common stock who do not wish to accept the consideration payable pursuant to the merger may seek, under Section 262 of the DGCL, judicial appraisal of the fair value of their shares by the Delaware Court of Chancery. This value could be more than, less than or the same as the merger consideration for the Caesars 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 merger will not preserve the right of Caesars stockholders to appraisal under Delaware law. Also, because a submitted proxy not marked “against” or “abstain” will be voted “for” the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, the submission of a proxy not marked “against” or “abstain” will result in the waiver of appraisal rights. Caesars 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 E 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.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger (see page 100)
A number of conditions must be satisfied before the merger will be completed. These include among others:
| • | the receipt of the approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger by Harrah’s stockholders and the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, by Caesars stockholders; |
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| • | the receipt of all material governmental and regulatory consents, approvals, orders and authorizations required to complete the merger, including all approvals under gaming laws; | |
| • | the expiration or termination of the waiting period, or any extension to the waiting period, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, which is referred to as the HSR Act; | |
| • | the absence of any legal restraints or prohibitions preventing the completion of the merger; | |
| • | the absence of any litigation by any governmental entity seeking to prohibit or restrain the merger or that would otherwise have a material adverse effect on Harrah’s after the completion of the merger; | |
| • | the representations and warranties of each party contained in the merger agreement being true and correct, except to the extent that breaches of such representations and warranties would not result in a material adverse effect on the representing party; | |
| • | the absence of events or developments since the date of the merger agreement that would reasonably be expected to have material adverse changes with respect to either party; and | |
| • | the delivery of tax opinions of legal counsel to each of Harrah’s and Caesars to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
Each of Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company and Caesars may waive the conditions to the performance of its respective obligations under the merger agreement and complete the merger even though one or more of these conditions has not been met. Neither Harrah’s nor Caesars can give any assurance that all of the conditions to the merger will be either satisfied or waived or that the merger will occur.
Regulatory Approvals (see page 71)
The completion of the merger is subject to compliance with the HSR Act. The notifications required under the HSR Act to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Antitrust Division, were filed on July 28, 2004. On August 27, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars received from the FTC requests for additional information with respect to the proposed merger. As a result of the requests for additional information, the waiting period under United States Federal antitrust law will be extended until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on the 30th day after both Harrah’s and Caesars have substantially complied with the requests for additional information or such later time as is agreed among the parties and the FTC. Both Harrah’s and Caesars certified their substantial compliance with the FTC’s requests for additional information on January 18, 2005. Harrah’s and Caesars may also be required to obtain additional regulatory approvals from various state and foreign authorities.
In addition, in order to complete the merger, Harrah’s and Caesars must receive approvals from and make filings with various foreign, state and local gaming and regulatory agencies.
While Harrah’s and Caesars expect to obtain all required regulatory approvals, we cannot assure you that these regulatory approvals will be obtained or that the granting of these regulatory approvals will not involve the imposition of conditions on the completion of the merger, including the requirement to divest properties, or require changes to the terms of the merger agreement. These conditions or changes could result in the conditions to the merger not being satisfied.
Agreement to Obtain Clearance from Regulatory Authorities (see page 107)
Harrah’s and Caesars 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 and applicable gaming laws, to complete the merger as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than
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Among other things, Harrah’s and its subsidiaries have agreed to take any and all actions necessary to ensure that:
| • | no requirement for non-action, a waiver, consent or approval of the FTC, the Antitrust Division, any authority enforcing applicable gaming laws, any State Attorney General or other governmental entity; | |
| • | no decree, judgment, injunction, temporary restraining order or any other order in any suit or proceeding; and | |
| • | no other matter relating to any antitrust or competition law or regulation or relating to any gaming law, |
would preclude completion of the merger by the outside date under the merger agreement, unless any of these actions would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the combined company.
Neither Harrah’s nor Caesars will knowingly take or cause to be taken any action which would reasonably be expected to materially delay or prevent the obtaining of required approvals from any government entity by the outside date under the merger agreement.
No Solicitation by Caesars (see page 102)
The merger agreement contains restrictions on the ability of Caesars to solicit or engage in discussions or negotiations with a third party with respect to a proposal to acquire a significant interest of Caesars’ equity or assets. Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that, under specified circumstances and prior to the approval by Caesars stockholders of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, if Caesars receives an unsolicited proposal from a third party to acquire a significant interest in Caesars that the Caesars board of directors determines in good faith would reasonably be expected to lead to a proposal that is superior to the merger, Caesars may furnish nonpublic information to that third party and engage in negotiations regarding a takeover proposal with that third party.
Termination of the Merger Agreement (see page 112)
Harrah’s and Caesars may mutually agree in writing, at any time before the completion of the merger, to terminate the merger agreement. Also, either Harrah’s or Caesars may terminate the merger agreement in a number of circumstances, including if:
| • | the merger is not completed by the outside date; | |
| • | any governmental entity prohibits the merger; | |
| • | Caesars stockholders fail to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, at the Caesars special meeting; or | |
| • | Harrah’s stockholders fail to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger at the Harrah’s special meeting. |
Harrah’s may terminate the merger agreement if:
| • | Caesars breaches its representations or warranties or fails to perform its covenants in the merger agreement, which breach or failure to perform results in a failure of certain of the conditions to the completion of the merger being satisfied; | |
| • | the Caesars board of directors withdraws or adversely modifies its recommendation of the merger agreement; or |
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| • | the Caesars board of directors approves or recommends to Caesars stockholders a takeover proposal other than the merger agreement. |
Caesars may terminate the merger agreement if:
| • | Harrah’s or Harrah’s Operating Company breaches its representations or warranties or fails to perform its covenants in the merger agreement, which breach or failure to perform results in a failure of certain of the conditions to the completion of the merger being satisfied; or | |
| • | prior to the approval of Caesars stockholders of the merger agreement and transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, Caesars accepts, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, a superior proposal and pays Harrah’s the break-up fee described below under “Break-up Fee.” |
Break-up Fee (see page 113)
If the merger agreement is terminated, Caesars, in certain specified circumstances, will be required to pay a break-up fee of $180.0 million to Harrah’s.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (see page 81)
Harrah’s and Caesars intend for the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. If the merger qualifies as a reorganization, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to Caesars stockholders generally will be as follows:
| • | Caesars stockholders that receive solely Harrah’s common stock in the merger will not recognize any gain or loss, except for gain or loss resulting from the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | Caesars stockholders that receive a combination of cash and Harrah’s common stock will recognize capital gain, but not loss, to the extent of the amount of cash received; and | |
| • | Caesars stockholders that receive solely cash will recognize capital gain or loss. |
No gain or loss will be recognized by Harrah’s, Caesars or Harrah’s stockholders as a result of the merger.
Tax matters are complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to each Caesars stockholder will depend on the facts of each stockholder’s situation. Caesars stockholders are urged to read carefully the discussion in the section entitled “The Merger — Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page 81 and to consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the tax consequences of their participation in the merger.
Accounting Treatment (see page 84)
Harrah’s will account for the merger as a business combination under United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Risks (see page 30)
In evaluating the merger, the merger agreement or the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger, you should carefully read this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and especially consider the factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” on page 30.
Litigation Related to the Merger (see page 94)
As of the date of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, Caesars and Harrah’s are aware of one purported class action lawsuit that had been filed against Caesars and its board of directors in connection with the merger. Among other things, the lawsuit sought to prevent the closing of the merger. Both Harrah’s and Caesars believe that the lawsuit is without merit. A motion to dismiss the complaint was filed on behalf of all defendants. The plaintiff did not file a response and decided to dismiss the lawsuit
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Dividend Policies
| Harrah’s |
The holders of Harrah’s common stock receive dividends if and when declared by the Harrah’s board of directors. In February 2004 and April 2004, the Harrah’s board of directors declared dividends of $0.30 per share of Harrah’s common stock, which were paid on February 25, 2004, based on Harrah’s stockholders of record on February 11, 2004, and May 26, 2004, based on Harrah’s stockholders of record on May 12, 2004. In July 2004, the Harrah’s board of directors declared dividends of $0.33 per share of Harrah’s common stock, which were paid on August 25, 2004 based on Harrah’s stockholders of record on August 11, 2004. In October 2004, the Harrah’s board of directors declared dividends of $0.33 per share of Harrah’s common stock, which were paid on November 24, 2004 based on Harrah’s stockholders of record on November 10, 2004. In January 2005, the Harrah’s board of directors declared dividends of $0.33 per share of Harrah’s common stock, which will be paid on February 23, 2005 based on Harrah’s stockholders of record on February 9, 2005. In addition, quarterly cash dividends of $0.30 per share of Harrah’s common stock were also declared and paid in the third and fourth quarters of 2003.
The declaration and payment of dividends, however, is subject to the provisions of the DGCL and will depend upon business conditions, operating results, capital and reserve requirements, covenants in Harrah’s debt agreements and the Harrah’s board of directors’ consideration of other relevant factors. Harrah’s can give no assurances that it will continue to pay dividends on the Harrah’s common stock in the future.
| Caesars |
The holders of Caesars common stock receive dividends if and when declared by the Caesars board of directors. Caesars has not paid cash dividends for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and does not currently anticipate paying cash dividends during the fiscal year that will end on December 31, 2004.
Material Differences in Rights of Harrah’s Stockholders and Caesars Stockholders (see page 126)
Caesars stockholders receiving merger consideration in the form of shares of Harrah’s common stock will have different rights once they become Harrah’s stockholders due to differences between the governing documents of Harrah’s and Caesars. These differences are described in detail under “Comparison of Stockholders Rights and Corporate Governance Matters” on page 126.
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Summary Selected Historical Financial Data
Harrah’s and Caesars are providing the following information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the merger.
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.
The selected consolidated financial data below is derived from Harrah’s audited consolidated financial statements for each of the five years ended December 31, 1999 through 2003 contained in Harrah’s annual reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and Harrah’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2004, except for the financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, which is derived from Harrah’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited results reflect all the adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that Harrah’s management considers necessary for a fair presentation of operating results. The operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for a full year. The information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with (i) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and accompanying notes included in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as described under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page 118, and (ii) the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition of Harrah’s and Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp., or Horseshoe, all of which can be found in publicly available documents, including those incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. See “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro Forma | Pro Forma | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| for | for | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Horseshoe | Horseshoe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition | Acquisition | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004(1)(2) | 2004(2) | 2003 | 2003(1)(3) | 2003(3) | 2002(4) | 2001(5) | 2000(6) | 1999(7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Revenues
|
$ | 3,716.9 | $ | 3,359.3 | $ | 2,998.6 | $ | 4,598.1 | $ | 3,948.9 | $ | 3,747.9 | $ | 3,317.4 | $ | 2,977.8 | $ | 2,579.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from operations
|
693.4 | 626.2 | 555.0 | 802.3 | 678.8 | 708.7 | 521.8 | 188.2 | 501.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes and minority interests
|
467.3 | 436.0 | 383.4 | 480.8 | 428.2 | 470.6 | 294.2 | (36.1 | ) | 307.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
|
289.5 | 269.6 | 233.0 | 294.8 | 261.1 | 282.2 | 173.8 | (46.4 | ) | 185.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle
|
290.8 | 257.2 | 292.6 | 326.2 | 209.0 | (12.1 | ) | 208.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income/(loss)
|
290.8 | 257.2 | 292.6 | 235.0 | 209.0 | (12.1 | ) | 208.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Earnings per share-diluted
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
|
2.57 | 2.39 | 2.11 | 2.67 | 2.36 | 2.48 | 1.50 | (0.40 | ) | 1.44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income/(loss)
|
2.58 | 2.33 | 2.65 | 2.07 | 1.81 | (0.10 | ) | 1.62 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash dividends declared per common share
|
0.93 | 0.93 | 0.30 | 0.60 | 0.60 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other Financial and Operating Data:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
773.5 | 571.6 | 666.8 | 646.2 | 713.4 | 449.8 | 638.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
|
(195.5 | ) | (175.6 | ) | (234.4 | ) | (240.2 | ) | (255.8 | ) | (227.1 | ) | (189.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| At December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total assets
|
$ | 8,304.0 | $ | 6,578.8 | $ | 6,350.0 | $ | 6,128.6 | $ | 5,166.1 | $ | 4,766.8 | ||||||||||||
|
Short-term debt, including current portion of
long-term debt
|
1.7 | 1.6 | 61.7 | 32.6 | 345.9 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Long-term debt
|
4,956.0 | 3,671.9 | 3,763.1 | 3,719.4 | 2,835.8 | 2,540.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Stockholders’ equity
|
1,958.1 | 1,738.4 | 1,471.0 | 1,374.1 | 1,269.7 | 1,486.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Pro forma results have been adjusted to give pro forma effect to the acquisition by Harrah’s of Horseshoe as if that transaction had occurred on January 1, 2003. |
| (2) | Harrah’s results for the first nine months of 2004 include $2.1 million in pretax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries. Results for the first nine months of 2004 reflect Harrah’s Tunica and Harrah’s East Chicago as discontinued operations. |
| (3) | Harrah’s results for the year 2003 include $10.5 million in pretax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $19.1 million in charges for premiums paid for, and write-offs associated with, debt retired before maturity. 2003 results reflect Harveys Colorado, Harrah’s Vicksburg, Harrah’s Tunica and Harrah’s East Chicago as discontinued operations. |
| (4) | Harrah’s results for 2002 include $4.5 million in pretax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries, a $6.1 million charge for its exposure under a letter of credit issued on behalf of National Airlines, Inc. and a charge of $91.2 million, net of tax benefits of $2.8 million related to a change in accounting principle. 2002 also includes the financial results of Jazz Casino Company LLC from the date of Harrah’s acquisition of a majority ownership interest on June 7, 2002. 2002 results reflect Harveys Colorado, Harrah’s Vicksburg, Harrah’s Tunica and Harrah’s East Chicago as discontinued operations. |
| (5) | Harrah’s 2001 results include $17.2 million in pretax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $26.2 million of income from dispositions of nonstrategic assets and the settlement of a contingency related to a former affiliate. 2001 also includes the financial results of Harveys Casino Resorts from its July 31, 2001, date of acquisition. 2001 results reflect Harveys Colorado, Harrah’s Vicksburg, Harrah’s Tunica and Harrah’s East Chicago as discontinued operations. |
| (6) | Harrah’s 2000 results include $220.0 million in pretax reserves for receivables not expected to be recovered from JCC Holding Company and its subsidiary, Jazz Casino Company LLC, $6.1 million in pretax charges for other write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $39.4 million in pretax write-offs and reserves for Harrah’s investment in, loans to and net estimated exposure under letters of credit issued on behalf of National Airlines, Inc. 2000 also includes the financial results of Players International, Inc. from its March 22, 2000, date of acquisition. 2000 results reflect Harrah’s Vicksburg, Harrah’s Tunica and Harrah’s East Chicago as discontinued operations. |
| (7) | Harrah’s results for 1999 include $2.2 million in pretax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $59.8 million of gains from sales of Harrah’s equity interests in nonconsolidated affiliates and $17.0 million in pretax losses on debt retired before maturity. 1999 results reflect Harrah’s Vicksburg, Harrah’s Tunica and Harrah’s East Chicago as discontinued operations. |
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Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Caesars has derived the following historical information from Caesars audited consolidated financial statements for each of the five years ended December 31, 1999 through 2003 contained in Caesars’ annual reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and Caesars’ current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2004, except for the financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, which is derived from Caesars’ unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited results reflect all the adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that Caesars’ management considers necessary for a fair presentation of operating results. The operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for a full year. The information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with Caesars’ consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, as well as management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition, all of which can be found in publicly available documents, including those incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. See “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
| Nine Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | 2003 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Results of Operations(1)(2):
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenue
|
$ | 3,305 | $ | 3,115 | $ | 4,095 | $ | 4,080 | $ | 3,987 | $ | 3,966 | $ | 2,325 | |||||||||||||||
|
Total operating income
|
521 | 442 | 407 | 517 | 489 | 683 | 341 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations(3)(4)
|
164 | 118 | 34 | 140 | 51 | 167 | 113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income (loss)(5)
|
277 | 130 | 46 | (824 | ) | (24 | ) | 143 | 136 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Basic
|
0.53 | 0.39 | 0.11 | 0.46 | 0.17 | 0.55 | 0.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Diluted
|
0.52 | 0.39 | 0.11 | 0.46 | 0.17 | 0.54 | 0.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income (loss) per share
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Basic
|
0.90 | 0.43 | 0.15 | (2.74 | ) | (0.08 | ) | 0.48 | 0.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Diluted
|
0.88 | 0.43 | 0.15 | (2.71 | ) | (0.08 | ) | 0.46 | 0.44 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total assets
|
$ | 9,489 | $ | 9,506 | $ | 9,679 | $ | 10,820 | $ | 11,008 | $ | 11,151 | |||||||||||||
|
Total debt
|
4,179 | 4,619 | 4,910 | 5,308 | 5,398 | 5,624 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Stockholders’ equity
|
3,416 | 3,058 | 2,957 | 3,767 | 3,784 | 3,740 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | On December 24, 2003, Caesars announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Las Vegas Hilton which was consummated on June 18, 2004. On September 27, 2004, Caesars entered into an agreement to sell certain assets and liabilities of the Atlantic City Hilton and Bally’s Tunica. The results of the three properties have been reclassified to Discontinued Operations on the statement of operations and their assets and liabilities have been reclassified to Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Related to Assets Held for Sale. Prior years have been reclassified to conform to the new presentation. This reclassification had no impact on previously reported net income (loss). |
| (2) | Beginning in 2000, operating results include the acquisition of Caesars World, Inc. which was completed in December 1999. |
| (3) | Excludes charges for the cumulative effect of accounting changes of $979 million related to goodwill in 2002 and $2 million related to pre-opening expense in 1999. In accordance with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, on January 1, 2002, Caesars no longer amortizes goodwill. |
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| (4) | Includes the following: |
| • | For 2003, a $38 million goodwill impairment charge at the Caesars Tahoe property, and an $89 million asset impairment charge at the Flamingo Laughlin property. | |
| • | For 2002, a $7.5 million charge related to the cancellation of an energy contract, $2.5 million in damage costs caused by tropical storms to Caesars’ Gulf Coast properties, a $9 million charge related to settling employment agreements with a former officer, a $43 million charge for the buy-out, settlement of a litigation, and revaluation of the Bally’s Casino New Orleans, and a $4 million charge related to the settlement of litigation involving the failed agreement (signed in 2000) to sell the Las Vegas Hilton. Offsetting these charges in 2002 was a $44 million gain related to the sale of Caesars’ interest in Jupiters Limited. | |
| • | For 2001, a $19 million impairment charge related to the sale of the Flamingo Reno property and $32 million investment loss primarily related to Caesars’ investment in Aladdin Gaming Holdings, LLC senior discount notes. In addition, earnings declined significantly, especially in the Las Vegas market due to the impact of travel and leisure spending resulting from the September 11, 2001 attacks. |
| (5) | For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net income includes an $87 million gain on sale, net of taxes, related to the sale of the Las Vegas Hilton, a $9 million asset impairment charge at the Caesars Tahoe property, a $2 million charge related to executive contract terminations and a $3 million gain on the sale of Caesars’ interest in an office building. |
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Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data
The following selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial income statement data for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the nine months ended September 30, 2004 gives effect to the acquisition by Harrah’s of Horseshoe, the merger, the sale of Harrah’s Shreveport to Boyd Gaming Corporation, the sale of Harrah’s Tunica, Harrah’s East Chicago, Bally’s Tunica and the Atlantic City Hilton to an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC and the sale of Bally’s Casino New Orleans and Caesars Tahoe to an affiliate of Columbia Sussex as if these transactions had occurred on January 1, 2003 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet data gives effect to the merger as if these transactions had occurred on September 30, 2004. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and assumptions that each company’s management believes are reasonable. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data are presented for illustrative purposes only. The companies may have performed differently had they always been combined. Stockholders should not rely on this information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future results that the combined company will experience after the merger.
The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data (i) have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and accompanying notes included in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as described under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page 118, and (ii) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Caesars and other information filed by Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Caesars with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. See “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
| Nine Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||
| September 30, 2004 | December 31, 2003 | |||||||||
| (In millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||
|
Income Statement Data:
|
||||||||||
|
Net revenues
|
$ | 6,917.9 | $ | 8,546.1 | ||||||
|
Income from operations
|
1,228.4 | 1,249.3 | ||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations
|
427.3 | 316.0 | ||||||||
|
Earnings per share from continuing operations
|
||||||||||
|
Basic
|
2.40 | 1.80 | ||||||||
|
Diluted
|
2.35 | 1.77 | ||||||||
| At September 30, 2004 | |||||
| (In millions) | |||||
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|||||
|
Total assets
|
$ | 18,796.6 | |||
|
Total debt, including current portion
|
10,343.1 | ||||
|
Stockholders’ equity
|
5,248.2 | ||||
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Comparative Per Share Information
The following tables set forth historical per share information of Harrah’s and Caesars and unaudited pro forma condensed combined per share information after giving effect to the merger under the purchase method of accounting, based on an average price per share of Harrah’s common stock of $48.74. The unaudited pro forma combined financial data are not necessarily indicative of the financial position had the transaction occurred on September 30, 2004, operating results that would have been achieved had the transaction been in effect as of January 1, 2003 and should not be construed as representative of future financial position or operating results. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined per share information is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and accompanying notes included in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as described under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page 118. The historical per share information is derived from the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 for each of Harrah’s and Caesars, except for the financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2004, which is derived from Harrah’s and Caesars’ unaudited financial statements.
This information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes of Harrah’s and Caesars contained in the annual reports and other information that has been filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements referred to above. See “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
| Harrah’s | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Historical | Entertainment | Pro Forma | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Harrah’s | As Adjusted for | Historical | Pro Forma | Equivalent of One | ||||||||||||||||||
| Entertainment | Horseshoe (1) | Caesars | Combined | Caesars Share (2) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations per
share-diluted(3):
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2003
|
$ | 2.36 | $ | 2.67 | $ | 0.11 | $ | 1.77 | $ | 0.57 | ||||||||||||
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2004
|
2.39 | 2.57 | 0.52 | 2.35 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Book value per share(4):
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
December 31, 2003
|
15.68 | 10.07 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
|
September 30, 2004
|
17.48 | 10.99 | 29.30 | 9.51 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash dividends declared per share
|
0.93 | 0.93 | — | 0.93 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Outstanding shares (in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
December 31, 2003
|
110.9 | 303.8 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||
|
September 30, 2004
|
112.0 | 310.9 | 179.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Pro forma results to reflect the impact of the Horseshoe acquisition as if that transaction, which was consummated on July 1, 2004, had occurred on January 1, 2003. For additional historical financial information regarding Horseshoe, see “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147. |
| (2) | The Pro Forma Caesars Equivalent per share amounts were calculated by applying the exchange ratio of 0.3247 to the pro forma combined income from continuing operations, book value per share, and cash dividends declared per share. |
| (3) | The table above combines Harrah’s results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 with Caesars’ results of operations for the same periods. The pro forma combined income from continuing operations per share is based on the combined weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents. Common share equivalents consist of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants. |
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| (4) | We computed historical book value per share by dividing Harrah’s unaudited total stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2004, and December 31, 2003, by the number of common shares outstanding as of those dates and Caesars unaudited total stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2004, and December 31, 2003, by the number of common shares outstanding as of those dates. We computed the Pro Forma Combined book value per share amounts by dividing pro forma stockholders’ equity by the pro forma number of shares of Harrah’s common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2004 (without including outstanding options). See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet” on page 121. The pro forma number of shares of Harrah’s common stock was calculated as the sum of total shares of Harrah’s common stock outstanding plus the shares expected to be issued in the merger. |
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Comparative Per Share Market Price Data
Harrah’s common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “HET.” Caesars common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “CZR.” The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, dividends and the range of high and low per share sales prices for Harrah’s common stock and Caesars common stock as reported on the NYSE. For current price information, you should consult publicly available sources. For more information on Harrah’s and Caesars payment of dividends, see “— Dividend Policies” above on page 20.
| Harrah’s Common Stock | Caesars Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | Low | Dividends Paid | High | Low | Dividends Paid | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year 2002
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First quarter
|
$ | 45.39 | $ | 34.95 | $ | — | $ | 10.98 | $ | 8.70 | $ | — | |||||||||||||
|
Second quarter
|
51.35 | 41.70 | — | 12.93 | 9.50 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Third quarter
|
49.30 | 39.51 | — | 10.53 | 7.38 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fourth quarter
|
50.60 | 37.65 | — | 8.79 | 6.06 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year 2003
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First quarter
|
40.75 | 30.30 | — | 8.64 | 6.50 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Second quarter
|
44.30 | 34.20 | — | 9.23 | 6.90 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Third quarter
|
44.11 | 38.65 | 0.30 | 10.00 | 8.22 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fourth quarter
|
49.94 | 40.85 | 0.30 | 11.09 | 8.87 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year 2004
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First quarter
|
56.40 | 48.90 | 0.30 | 13.74 | 10.93 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Second quarter
|
57.50 | 50.86 | 0.30 | 15.22 | 12.01 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Third quarter
|
55.21 | 43.94 | 0.33 | 16.84 | 13.20 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fourth quarter
|
67.25 | 52.78 | 0.33 | 20.20 | 16.68 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fiscal Year 2005
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First quarter (through January 19, 2005)
|
66.70 | 63.00 | — | 20.06 | 19.20 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents:
| • | the last reported sale price of a share of Harrah’s common stock, as reported on the NYSE; and | |
| • | the last reported sale price of a share of Caesars common stock, as reported on the NYSE; |
in each case, on July 14, 2004, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement of the proposed merger, and on January 19, 2005, the last practicable trading day prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
| Harrah’s | Caesars | |||||||
| Date | Common Stock | Common Stock | ||||||
|
July 14, 2004
|
$ | 50.98 | $ | 16.00 | ||||
|
January 19, 2005
|
65.74 | 19.85 | ||||||
The market value of the shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Caesars common stock upon the completion of the merger will not be known at the time Caesars stockholders vote on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, or at the time Harrah’s stockholders vote on the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger, because the merger will not be completed by at the time of respective stockholder votes.
The above tables show only historical comparisons. Because the market prices of Harrah’s common stock and Caesars common stock will likely fluctuate prior to the merger, these comparisons may not provide meaningful information to Harrah’s stockholders in determining whether to approve the issuance of
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information included in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, including the matters addressed in “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the following risks before deciding whether to vote for approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, in the case of Caesars stockholders, or for approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement and an amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock, in the case of Harrah’s stockholders. In addition, you should read and consider the risks associated with each of the businesses of Harrah’s and Caesars because these risks will also affect the combined company. These risks can be found respectively in the Harrah’s and Caesars Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, which are filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
Risks Relating to the Merger
Harrah’s and Caesars may be required to comply with material restrictions or conditions in order to obtain the regulatory approvals to complete the merger and any delays in obtaining regulatory approvals will delay and may possibly prevent the merger.
The merger is subject to review by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or the HSR Act. Under this statute, Harrah’s and Caesars are required to make pre-merger notification filings and to await the expiration or early termination of the statutory waiting period prior to completing the merger. The governmental entities from whom approvals are required may attempt to condition their approval of the merger, or of the transfer to Harrah’s of licenses and other entitlements, on the satisfaction of certain regulatory conditions that may have the effect of imposing additional costs on Harrah’s or otherwise substantially reducing the benefits to Harrah’s if the merger is completed. These conditions could include a complete or partial license, divestiture, spin-off or the sale of certain assets or businesses, which may be on terms that are not as favorable to Harrah’s and/or Caesars as may have been attainable absent the merger. Each of Harrah’s and Caesars are obligated under the merger agreement to take specified actions, subject to certain limitations, including selling or otherwise divesting certain of their gaming properties or operations, in order to obtain the required consents or approvals under the HSR Act and other antitrust regulations.
The completion of the merger is also conditioned upon receiving approval from various foreign, state and local gaming and regulatory authorities. Harrah’s and Caesars have not yet obtained all of the regulatory approvals required to complete the merger.
While Harrah’s and Caesars expect to obtain the required regulatory approvals, Harrah’s and Caesars cannot be certain that all of the required gaming and antitrust approvals will be obtained, nor can they be certain that the approvals will be obtained within the time contemplated by the merger agreement. A delay in obtaining the required approvals will delay and may possibly prevent the completion of the merger. For a full description of the regulatory approvals required for the merger see “The Merger — Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger” on page 71.
The price of Harrah’s common stock at the time of completion of the merger might be lower than the price when the merger was publicly announced, which would decrease the value of the stock portion of the merger consideration to be received by certain Caesars stockholders in the merger. Further, at the Caesars special meeting, Caesars stockholders will not know the exact value of Harrah’s common stock that will be issued in the merger.
The price of Harrah’s common stock might decrease from its market price on July 14, 2004, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement of the proposed merger, and on the date of the Caesars special meeting. Accordingly, if the price of Harrah’s common stock declines prior to the completion of the merger, the value of the stock portion of the merger consideration to be received by Caesars
30
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Harrah’s and Caesars are working to complete the merger as quickly as possible. However, the time period between the stockholder votes taken at the special meetings and the completion of the merger will depend upon the status of certain federal and state regulatory approvals, which must be obtained prior to the completion of the merger. There is currently no way to predict how long it will take to obtain all of the required regulatory approvals. Because the date when the merger is completed may be later than the date of the special meetings, Harrah’s and Caesars stockholders will not know the exact value of the Harrah’s common stock that will be issued in the merger at the time they vote on the merger proposals. As a result, if the market price of Harrah’s common stock at the completion of the merger is lower than the market price on the date of the Caesars special meeting, the value of the Harrah’s common stock received by Caesars stockholders that receive the stock portion of the merger consideration in the merger will be less than the value of such Harrah’s common stock on the date of the Caesars special meeting. Moreover, during such period, events, conditions or circumstances could arise that could have a material impact or effect on Harrah’s, Caesars or the gaming industry.
During the twelve-month period ending on January 19, 2005, the most recent practicable date prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the closing price of Harrah’s common stock varied from a low of $43.94 to a high of $67.25, and ended that period at $65.74. We encourage you to obtain current market quotations for Harrah’s common stock before you vote your shares.
Stock consideration or cash consideration paid in the merger may be different than what Caesars stockholders elect.
Caesars stockholders may elect to receive either 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock or be deemed to have elected $17.75 in cash for each share of Caesars common stock that they own, subject to proration to reflect the aggregate amount of cash to be paid and the number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger and other adjustments as described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. As a result of proration, even if a Caesars stockholder elects to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger, such Caesars stockholder may nonetheless receive a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash. Similarly, if a Caesars stockholder chooses not to elect stock or fail to make an election for stock, such Caesars stockholder may nonetheless receive a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash. For a full description of the proration terms and procedures, see “The Merger Agreement — Merger Consideration — Stock Cap and Proration” on page 97 and “Summary — The Merger — Merger Consideration” on page 9.
Harrah’s will have more indebtedness after the merger, which could adversely affect its cash flows and business.
In order to complete the merger, Harrah’s anticipates arranging for and funding at least $1.9 billion of new indebtedness. Proceeds from the indebtedness will be used to fund the cash portion of the consideration paid to Caesars stockholders. Harrah’s debt outstanding as of September 30, 2004 was approximately $5.0 billion. Giving effect to the merger, Harrah’s pro forma total debt outstanding as of September 30, 2004 would have been approximately $10.3 billion. As a result of this increase in debt, demands on Harrah’s cash resources will increase after the completion of the merger. The increased levels of debt could, among other things:
| • | require Harrah’s to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to make payments on its debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, acquisitions and other purposes; |
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| • | increase Harrah’s vulnerability to, and limit flexibility in planning for, adverse economic and industry conditions; | |
| • | affect Harrah’s credit rating; | |
| • | limit Harrah’s ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, additional acquisitions and other general corporate requirements; | |
| • | create competitive disadvantages compared to other companies with less indebtedness; and | |
| • | limit Harrah’s ability to apply proceeds from an offering or asset sale to purposes other than the repayment of debt. |
If Harrah’s is unable to finance the merger through cash flow, borrowings under its bank credit facility and additional financings, the completion of the merger will be jeopardized.
Harrah’s intends to finance the merger primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under its bank credit facility, and equity or debt financings. If Harrah’s is unable to finance the merger, Harrah’s will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expansion, development and renovation projects, selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining joint venture partners, all of which may adversely affect Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, these sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance the merger, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. If Harrah’s is unable to finance the merger through cash flow and/or secure such additional financing, the completion of the merger will be jeopardized and Harrah’s will be in breach of the merger agreement.
Harrah’s may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the merger.
Harrah’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger will depend, in part, on the ability of Harrah’s to integrate the businesses of Caesars with the businesses of Harrah’s. The combination of two independent companies is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. This process may disrupt the business of either or both of the companies, and may not result in the full benefits expected by Harrah’s and Caesars. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
| • | coordinating marketing functions; | |
| • | unanticipated issues in integrating information, communications and other systems; | |
| • | unanticipated incompatibility of purchasing, logistics, marketing and administration methods; | |
| • | retaining key employees; | |
| • | consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures; | |
| • | the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns; and | |
| • | coordinating geographically separate organizations. |
We cannot assure you that the combination of Caesars with Harrah’s will result in the realization of the full benefits anticipated from the merger.
If the proposed merger is not completed, Harrah’s and Caesars will have incurred substantial costs that may adversely affect Harrah’s and Caesars’ financial results and operations and the market price of Harrah’s and Caesars common stock.
Harrah’s and Caesars have incurred and will continue to incur substantial costs in connection with the proposed merger. These costs are primarily associated with the fees of attorneys, accountants and Harrah’s and Caesars’ financial advisors. In addition, Harrah’s and Caesars have each diverted significant management resources in an effort to complete the merger and are each subject to restrictions contained in the merger agreement on the conduct of its business. If the merger is not completed, Harrah’s and Caesars
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In addition, if the merger is not completed, Harrah’s and Caesars may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and Harrah’s and Caesars’ collaborative partners, customers and employees. Each of these factors may adversely affect the trading price of Harrah’s and/or Caesars common stock and Harrah’s and/or Caesars’ financial results and operations.
Directors of Caesars have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Caesars stockholders.
When considering the Caesars board of directors’ recommendation that Caesars stockholders vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement, Caesars stockholders should be aware that some directors and executive officers of Caesars have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Caesars stockholders. These interests include the potential for positions as directors of Harrah’s, severance payments under employment agreements and change of control agreements, acceleration of vesting and exercisability of options, restricted stock units, performance awards and supplemental retention units as a result of the merger and the right to continued indemnification and insurance coverage by Harrah’s for acts or omissions occurring prior to the merger. Upon completion of the merger, William Barron Hilton and Stephen F. Bollenbach will be appointed to the Harrah’s board of directors. Messrs. Hilton and Bollenbach represent two of nine members of the Caesars board of directors, or 22 percent. The Harrah’s board of directors will consider the nomination of up to two additional Caesars directors to the Harrah’s board of directors. Therefore, up to four of nine members of the Caesars board of directors, or 44 percent may be appointed to the Harrah’s board of directors. It is currently not known whether any of the executive officers of Caesars will remain with Harrah’s after the completion of the merger.
As a result of these interests, these directors and officers could be more likely to vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, than if they did not hold these interests, and may have reasons for doing so that are not the same as the interests of other Caesars stockholders. For a full description of the interests of directors and executive officers of Caesars in the merger, see “The Merger — Interests of Caesars’ Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” on page 89.
Risks Relating to Harrah’s Operations After the Consummation of the Merger
If Harrah’s is unable to effectively compete against its competitors, its profits will decline.
The gaming industry is highly competitive and Harrah’s competitors vary considerably by their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. In certain areas, such as Las Vegas, Harrah’s competes with a wide range of casinos, some of which are significantly larger and offer substantially more non-gaming activities to attract customers. Harrah’s also competes with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other entertainment businesses.
In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, competition in existing markets has intensified. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of Harrah’s competitors has increased competition in many markets in which Harrah’s competes, and this intense competition is expected to continue. These competitive pressures have and are expected to continue to adversely affect Harrah’s financial performance in certain markets.
In particular, Harrah’s business may be adversely impacted by the additional gaming and room capacity in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana and/or other projects
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Harrah’s is subject to extensive governmental regulation and taxation policies, the enforcement of which could adversely impact Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Harrah’s is subject to extensive gaming regulations and political and regulatory uncertainty. Regulatory authorities at the U.S. Federal, state and local levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of casino operations and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit Harrah’s gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines and take other actions, any one of which could adversely impact Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, individual jurisdictions have also considered legislation or referendums, which could adversely impact Harrah’s operations. The likelihood or outcome of similar legislation and referendums in the future cannot be predicted.
The casino entertainment industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. From time to time, various state and federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, including increases in tax rates, which would affect the industry. If adopted, such changes could adversely impact Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The development and construction of new hotels, casinos and gaming venues and the expansion of existing ones are susceptible to delays, cost overruns and other uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Harrah’s may decide to develop, construct and open new hotels, casinos and other gaming venues in response to opportunities that may arise. If the merger is consummated, Harrah’s will also continue to develop the projects that are currently being undertaken by Caesars. Future development projects and acquisitions may require significant capital commitments and could result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of additional debt, guarantees of third party-debt, the incurrence of contingent liabilities and an increase in amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect upon Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The development and construction of new hotels, casinos and gaming venues and the expansion of existing ones are susceptible to various risks and uncertainties, such as:
| • | the existence of acceptable market conditions and demand for the completed project; | |
| • | general construction risks, including cost overruns, change orders and plan or specification modification, shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor, labor disputes, unforeseen environmental, engineering or geological problems, work stoppages, fire and other natural disasters, construction scheduling problems and weather interferences; | |
| • | changes and concessions required by governmental or regulatory authorities; | |
| • | delays in obtaining, or inability to obtain, all licenses, permits and authorizations required to complete the project; and | |
| • | disruption of Harrah’s existing operations and facilities. |
Harrah’s failure to complete any new development or expansion project as planned, on schedule, within budget or in a manner that generates anticipated profits, could have a material adverse effect on Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Servicing Harrah’s indebtedness will require a significant amount of cash, and Harrah’s ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond its control.
Harrah’s ability to make payments on its indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on its ability to generate cash in the future. Harrah’s is a holding company and Harrah’s Operating
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Based on Harrah’s current level of operations and recent acquisitions, including the pending acquisition of Caesars, Harrah’s believes its cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under its credit facility will be adequate to meet its liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurances, however, that Harrah’s business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to Harrah’s under its credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable Harrah’s to pay its indebtedness or to fund its other liquidity needs. Harrah’s may need to refinance all or a portion of its indebtedness on or before maturity. There can be no assurance that Harrah’s will be able to refinance any of its indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
The risks associated with Harrah’s international operations could reduce Harrah’s profits.
Certain of Caesars’ properties are located in countries outside the United States. International operations are subject to inherent risks including:
| • | variation in local economies; | |
| • | currency fluctuation; | |
| • | greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection; | |
| • | trade barriers; | |
| • | burden of complying with a variety of international laws; and | |
| • | political and economic instability. |
In addition, Caesars has announced plans to develop and operate a casino in the United Kingdom, partnering with Quintain Estates and Development Group. Development in the United Kingdom is dependent on passage of proposed legislative reform of the United Kingdom gaming laws and regulations.
Acts of terrorism and war may negatively impact Harrah’s future profits.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties. Harrah’s cannot predict the extent to which terrorism, security alerts or the war in Iraq will continue to directly or indirectly impact Harrah’s business and operating results. For example, the United States Coast Guard is considering regulations designed to increase homeland security, which, if passed, could affect some of Harrah’s properties and require significant expenditures to bring such properties into compliance. In addition, as a consequence of the threat of terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility in the future, premiums for a variety of insurance products have increased, and some types of insurance are no longer available. Given current conditions in the global insurance markets, Harrah’s is predominately uninsured for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist acts and acts of war. If any such event were to affect the Harrah’s properties, Harrah’s would likely suffer a substantial loss.
Failure to achieve the anticipated benefits of Harrah’s acquisition of Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. could adversely impact Harrah’s business.
On July 1, 2004, Harrah’s completed its acquisition of Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. The complex process of integrating Horseshoe into Harrah’s requires and will continue to require significant resources. Failure to achieve the anticipated benefits from the acquisition, or to successfully integrate the operations, of Horseshoe could have a material adverse effect on Harrah’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Harrah’s will incur significant costs and commit significant management time integrating Horseshoe’s operations, information, communication and other systems and personnel, among other items. This integration will cause Harrah’s to incur cash outflows in completing the integration process, such as fees and expenses of professionals and consultants involved in completing the integration process and integrating technology and personnel.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This joint proxy statement/ prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. Further, statements that include the words such as “may,” “will,” “project,” “might,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue” or “pursue,” or the negative of these words or other words or expressions of similar meaning may identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference. These forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to future actions, new projects, strategies, future performance, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings and future financial results, in each case relating to Harrah’s or Caesars, respectively, wherever they occur in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus or the other documents incorporated by reference herein, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the respective management of Harrah’s and Caesars and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. In addition to the risk factors identified elsewhere, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
| • | the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and on the gaming and hotel industry in particular; | |
| • | construction factors, including delays, increased costs for labor and materials, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues; | |
| • | the effects of environmental and structural building conditions relating to our properties; | |
| • | the ability of Harrah’s to complete the merger with Caesars and to timely and cost-effectively integrate Caesars and Horseshoe into Harrah’s operations; | |
| • | access to available and feasible financing, including financing for the merger of Caesars into Harrah’s, on a timely basis; | |
| • | changes in laws, including increased tax rates, regulations or accounting standards, third-party relations and approvals, and decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies; | |
| • | litigation outcomes and judicial actions, including gaming legislative action, referenda and taxation; | |
| • | the ability of customer-tracking, customer loyalty and yield-management programs to continue to increase customer loyalty and same casino or hotel sales; | |
| • | the ability to recoup costs of capital investments through higher revenues; | |
| • | acts of war or terrorist incidents; | |
| • | abnormal gaming holds; and | |
| • | the effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition. |
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of the joint proxy statement/ prospectus or, in the case of documents incorporated by reference, as of the date of those documents. Neither Harrah’s nor Caesars undertakes any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
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THE HARRAH’S SPECIAL MEETING
General
This joint proxy statement/ prospectus is being provided to Harrah’s stockholders as part of a solicitation of proxies by the Harrah’s board of directors for use at a special meeting of Harrah’s stockholders. This joint proxy statement/ prospectus provides Harrah’s stockholders with the information they need to know to be able to vote or instruct their vote to be cast at the special meeting of Harrah’s stockholders.
Date, Time, Place and Purpose of the Harrah’s Special Meeting
The special meeting of Harrah’s stockholders will be held on March 11, 2005 at 8:00 a.m., local time, at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Harrah’s special meeting is being held for the following purposes:
| • | to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2004, by and among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s, and Caesars Entertainment, Inc.; and | |
| • | to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock from 360,000,000 to 720,000,000; and | |
| • | to transact any other business as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. |
Recommendation of the Harrah’s Board of Directors
| Proposal 1 |
The Harrah’s board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock to Caesars stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement. See “The Merger — Recommendation of the Harrah’s Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger” on page 54.
| Proposal 2 |
The Harrah’s board of directors unanimously approved a resolution, subject to stockholder approval, to amend Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock and unanimously recommends that Harrah’s stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation.
If this proposal is approved by Harrah’s stockholders, the authorized number of shares of Harrah’s common stock will increase from 360,000,000 to 720,000,000. Harrah’s intends to file the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock immediately prior to the completion of the merger. The form of the certificate of amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation is attached as Annex D to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Harrah’s reserves the right to abandon or modify, upon approval of the Harrah’s board of directors, the proposed amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock at any time prior to the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, including after approval of the stockholders has been obtained.
The Harrah’s board of directors believes it is desirable to authorize additional shares of common stock so that there will be sufficient shares available for issuance for purposes that the Harrah’s board of directors may later determine to be in the best interests of Harrah’s and its stockholders. Such purposes
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Harrah’s stockholders are voting on each proposal separately. The vote of Harrah’s stockholder on one proposal has no bearing on the other proposal, or on any other matter that may come before the Harrah’s special meeting.
Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shares Entitled to Vote
Only holders of record of Harrah’s common stock at the close of business on the record date, January 18, 2005, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Harrah’s special meeting. As of the Harrah’s record date, there were 113,437,206 shares of Harrah’s common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, held by approximately 8,356 holders of record. Each holder of Harrah’s common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Harrah’s common stock owned as of the Harrah’s record date.
A list of Harrah’s stockholders will be available for review at the special meeting and at the executive offices of Harrah’s during regular business hours for a period of ten days before the special meeting.
Quorum and Vote Required
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid special meeting. The required quorum for the transaction of business at the special meeting is a majority of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock entitled to vote and present, whether in person or by proxy, at the Harrah’s special meeting. All shares of Harrah’s common stock represented at the Harrah’s special meeting, including abstentions and “broker non-votes” will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. “Broker non-votes” are shares held by a broker or other nominee that are represented at the meeting, but with respect to which such broker or nominee is not instructed by the beneficial owner of such shares to vote on the particular proposal and the broker does not have discretionary voting power on such proposal.
| Proposal 1 |
In accordance with NYSE listing requirements, the approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of Harrah’s common stock cast on such proposal, in person or by proxy, provided that the total vote cast on the proposal represents over 50% of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Votes “for,” votes “against” and abstentions count as votes cast, while broker non-votes do not count as votes cast. All outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock, including broker non-votes, count as shares entitled to vote. Thus, the total sum of votes “for,” plus votes “against,” plus abstentions, which is referred to as the “NYSE Votes Cast,” must be greater than 50% of the total outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock. Once satisfied, the number of votes “for” the proposal must be greater than 50% of NYSE Votes Cast. It is expected that brokers and other nominees will not have discretionary voting authority on this proposal and thus broker non-votes will result from this proposal. Broker non-votes could have a negative effect on Harrah’s ability to obtain the necessary number of NYSE Votes Cast. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
| Proposal 2 |
In accordance with the requirements of DGCL, the approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of its common stock requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock entitled to vote on the proposal. For this proposal, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. It is expected that brokers and other nominees will have discretionary voting authority on this proposal and thus broker non-votes will not result from this proposal.
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Voting by Harrah’s Directors and Executive Officers
As of the Harrah’s record date for the special meeting, the directors and executive officers of Harrah’s as a group beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 3,424,008 shares of Harrah’s common stock, or approximately 3.0% of the outstanding shares of Harrah’s common stock on that date.
Voting; Proxies; Revocation
You may vote by proxy or in person at the Harrah’s special meeting. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Harrah’s special meeting will be tabulated and certified by Harrah’s transfer agent, The Bank of New York.
| Voting in Person |
If you plan to attend the Harrah’s special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, and you wish to vote at the Harrah’s special meeting, you must bring to the special meeting a proxy from the record holder of the shares authorizing you to vote at the Harrah’s special meeting.
| Voting by Proxy |
Your vote is very important. Accordingly, please complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the Harrah’s special meeting in person. You should vote your proxy even if you plan to attend the Harrah’s special meeting. You can always change your vote at the special meeting. Voting instructions are included on your proxy card. If you properly give your proxy and submit it to Harrah’s in time to vote, one of the individuals named as your proxy will vote your shares as you have directed. A proxy card is enclosed for your use.
The method of voting by proxy differs for shares held as a record holder and shares held in “street name.” If you hold your shares of Harrah’s common stock as a record holder or as a participant in Harrah’s Company Stock Fund of the Harrah’s Savings and Retirement Plan, you may vote by completing, dating and signing the enclosed proxy card and promptly returning it in the enclosed, pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope or otherwise mailing it to Harrah’s, or by submitting a proxy over the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you hold your shares of Harrah’s common stock in street name, which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or nominee, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to vote your shares. Your broker, bank or nominee may allow you to deliver your voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone. Please see the voting instructions from your broker, bank or nominee that accompany this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
All properly signed proxies that are received prior to the special meeting and that are not revoked will be voted at the special meeting according to the instructions indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is indicated, they will be voted “FOR” approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement and “FOR” approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Harrah’s common stock.
As of January 18, 2005, there were approximately 2,836,560 shares of Harrah’s common stock held by employees of Harrah’s through the Harrah’s Savings and Retirement Plan. Each share of Harrah’s common stock held by this plan will be voted by the trustee of the plan in accordance with the instructions it receives from the respective plan participant. Shares of Harrah’s common stock for which the trustee has not received instructions from the respective plan participant, or for which the plan participant has revoked its proxy before the special meeting, will be considered unvoted. All unvoted shares of common stock in the plan will be voted at the special meeting by the trustee as instructed by the investment committee under the plan or by a delegated member of such committee.
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| Revocation of Proxy |
You may revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the Harrah’s special meeting by taking any of the following actions:
| • | delivering to the Corporate Secretary of Harrah’s a signed written notice of revocation, bearing a date later than the date of the proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked; | |
| • | signing and delivering a new proxy, relating to the same shares and bearing a later date; | |
| • | submitting another proxy by telephone or on the Internet (your latest telephone or Internet voting instructions are followed); or | |
| • | attending the Harrah’s special meeting and voting in person, although attendance at the special meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy. |
If your shares are held in “street name,” you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee. You must contact your broker, bank or other nominee to find out how to do so.
Written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to the revocation of Harrah’s proxies should be addressed to:
| Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. | |
| One Harrah’s Court | |
| Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 | |
| Attn: Corporate Secretary |
Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes
For Proposal 1, abstentions will have the same effect as voting against approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement and broker non-votes could have a negative effect on Harrah’s ability to obtain the necessary number of NYSE Votes Cast.
For Proposal 2, abstentions will have the same effect as voting against approval of the amendment to Harrah’s certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of Harrah’s common stock.
Under the listing requirements of the NYSE, brokers who hold shares of Harrah’s common stock in “street name” for a beneficial owner of those shares typically have the authority to vote in their discretion on “routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, brokers are not allowed to exercise their voting discretion with respect to the approval of matters which the NYSE determines to be “non-routine,” such as approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock pursuant to the merger agreement, without specific instructions from the beneficial owner. These non-voted shares are referred to as “broker non-votes.” If your broker holds your Harrah’s common stock in “street name,” your broker will vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to vote by filling out the voter instruction form sent to you by your broker with this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
Proxy Solicitation
Harrah’s is soliciting proxies for the Harrah’s special meeting from Harrah’s stockholders. Harrah’s will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from Harrah’s stockholders, except that Harrah’s and Caesars have each agreed to share equally all expenses incurred in connection with the filing with the SEC of the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/ prospectus forms a part, and the printing and mailing of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and related proxy materials. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, Harrah’s will request that brokers, banks and other nominees send proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Harrah’s common stock held by them and secure their voting instructions, if necessary. Harrah’s will reimburse those record holders for their reasonable expenses. Harrah’s has also made arrangements with D.F. King & Co., Inc. to assist it in soliciting proxies, and has
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Other Business; Adjournments
Harrah’s does not expect that any matter other than the proposals presented in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus will be brought before the Harrah’s special meeting. However, if other matters incident to the conduct of the special meeting are properly presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to those matters.
Adjournments may be made for the purpose of, among other things, soliciting additional proxies. An adjournment may be made from time to time by approval of the holders of shares representing a majority of the votes present in person or by proxy at the special meeting, whether or not a quorum exists, without further notice other than by an announcement made at the special meeting. Harrah’s does not currently intend to seek an adjournment of the Harrah’s special meeting.
Assistance
If you need assistance in completing your proxy card or have questions regarding the Harrah’s special meeting, please contact Harrah’s Investor Relations at (702) 407-6000 or investors@harrahs.com or write to Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., One Harrah’s Court, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, Attn: Investor Relations, or contact D.F. King & Co., Inc. toll-free at (800) 829-6551 or write to D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
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THE CAESARS SPECIAL MEETING
General
This joint proxy statement/ prospectus is being provided to Caesars stockholders as part of a solicitation of proxies by the Caesars board of directors for use at a special meeting of Caesars stockholders. This joint proxy statement/ prospectus provides Caesars stockholders with the information they need to know to be able to vote or instruct their vote to be cast at the special meeting of Caesars stockholders.
Date, Time, Place and Purpose of the Caesars Special Meeting
The special meeting of Caesars stockholders will be held on March 11, 2005 at 8:00 a.m., local time, at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Caesars special meeting is being held for the following purposes:
| • | to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2004, by and among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a wholly- owned subsidiary of Harrah’s and Caesars Entertainment, Inc., and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. If the merger agreement is approved and the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are completed, then each outstanding share of Caesars common stock would be converted, at the stockholder’s election, into $17.75 in cash or 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock, subject to proration and adjustment; and | |
| • | to transact any other business within the preceding purpose as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. |
Recommendation of the Caesars Board of Directors
As discussed elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, Caesars stockholders are considering and voting to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. For the reasons described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, the Caesars board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and has determined that the merger is advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Caesars and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Caesars board of directors unanimously recommends that Caesars stockholders vote “FOR” approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. See “The Merger — Recommendation of the Caesars Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger” on page 56. Approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the merger agreement.
Caesars Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shares Entitled to Vote
Only holders of record of Caesars common stock at the close of business on the Caesars record date, January 18, 2005, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Caesars special meeting. As of the Caesars record date, there were 314,021,584 shares of Caesars common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, held by approximately 9,492 holders of record. Each holder of Caesars common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Caesars common stock owned as of the Caesars record date.
A complete list of Caesars stockholders entitled to vote at the Caesars special meeting will be available for inspection both at Caesars Palace and at the executive offices of Caesars during regular business hours for a period of no less than ten days before the special meeting.
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Quorum
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid special meeting of Caesars. The required quorum for the transaction of business at the special meeting is a majority of the outstanding shares of Caesars common stock entitled to vote and present at the special meeting, whether in person or by proxy. All shares of Caesars common stock represented at the Caesars special meeting, including abstentions and “broker non-votes” will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. “Broker non-votes” are shares held by a broker or other nominee that are represented at the meeting, but with respect to which such broker or nominee is not instructed by the beneficial owner of such shares to vote on the particular proposal and the broker does not have discretionary voting power on such proposal.
Vote Required
The approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes that holders of the outstanding shares of Caesars common stock are entitled to cast at the Caesars special meeting.
It is expected that brokers and other nominees in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owners of the shares will not have discretionary voting authority to vote those shares on the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Because approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the affirmative vote of a specified percentage of outstanding shares of Caesars common stock, abstaining, not voting on the proposal, or failing to instruct your broker on how to vote shares of Caesars common stock held for you by the broker, will have the same effect as a vote against the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
Voting by Caesars Directors and Executive Officers
As of the Caesars record date for the Caesars special meeting, the directors and executive officers of Caesars as a group beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 27,089,581 shares of Caesars common stock, or approximately 8.6% of the outstanding shares of Caesars common stock on that date.
Voting; Proxies; Revocation
You may vote by proxy or in person at the Caesars special meeting. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Caesars special meeting will be tabulated and certified by Caesars’ transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.
| Voting by Proxy |
A proxy card is enclosed for your use. Voting instructions are included on your proxy card. Stockholders of record may vote by either completing and returning the enclosed proxy card prior to the Caesars special meeting, voting through the Internet or by telephone, voting in person at the Caesars special meeting or submitting a signed proxy card at the Caesars special meeting. If you properly give your proxy and submit it to Caesars in time to vote, one of the individuals named as your proxy will vote your shares as you have directed.
| Voting in Person |
If you plan to attend the Caesars special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the Caesars special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, and you wish to vote at
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You should vote your proxy even if you plan to attend the Caesars special meeting. You can always change your vote at the Caesars special meeting.
Your vote is important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the Caesars special meeting in person.
The method of voting by proxy differs for shares held as a record holder and shares held in “street name.” If you hold your shares of Caesars common stock as a record holder or as a participant in Caesars’ Employee Stock Purchase Plan, you may vote by completing, dating and signing the enclosed proxy card and promptly returning it in the enclosed, pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope or otherwise mailing it to Caesars, or by submitting a proxy over the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you hold your shares of Caesars common stock in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or nominee, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to vote your shares. Your broker, bank or nominee may allow you to deliver your voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone. Please see the voting instructions from your broker, bank or nominee that accompany this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
All properly signed proxies that are received prior to the Caesars special meeting and that are not revoked will be voted at the special meeting according to the instructions indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is indicated, “FOR” approval and adoption of the merger agreement and transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
| Revocation of Proxies |
You may revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the Caesars special meeting by taking any of the following actions:
| • | delivering to the Secretary of Caesars a signed written notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of the proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked; | |
| • | signing and delivering a new proxy, relating to the same shares and bearing a later date; | |
| • | submitting another proxy by telephone or on the Internet (your latest telephone or Internet voting instructions are followed); or | |
| • | if you are a holder of record, attending the Caesars special meeting and voting in person, although attendance at the special meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy. |
If your shares are held in “street name,” you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee. You must contact your broker, bank or other nominee to find out how to do so.
Written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to the revocation of Caesars proxies should be addressed to: Caesars Entertainment, Inc., 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, Attn: Secretary.
Proxy Solicitation
Caesars is soliciting proxies for the Caesars special meeting from Caesars stockholders. Caesars will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from Caesars stockholders, except that Caesars and Harrah’s have each agreed to share equally all expenses incurred in connection with the filing of the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/ prospectus forms a part with the SEC and the printing and mailing of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus and related proxy materials. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, Caesars will request that brokers, banks and other nominees send proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Caesars common stock held by them and secure their voting
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Other Business
Caesars does not expect that any matter other than the proposals presented in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus will be brought before the Caesars special meeting. However, if other matters incident to the conduct of the special meeting are properly presented at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to those matters.
Assistance
If you need assistance in completing your proxy card or have questions regarding the Caesars special meeting, please contact Caesars’ Secretary at (702) 699-5000 or write to Caesars Entertainment, Inc., 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, Attn: Secretary, or contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated toll-free at (877) 750-5837 (from the United States and Canada), collect at (646) 822-7404 (from other locations), or collect for banks and brokers at (212) 750-5833 or write to Innisfree M&A Incorporated, 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
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THE MERGER
The following is a description of the material aspects of the merger. While we believe that the following description covers the material terms of the merger, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to you. We encourage you to read carefully this entire joint proxy statement/ prospectus, including the merger agreement attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex A, for a more complete understanding of the merger.
General
Each of the Harrah’s and Caesars board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Upon the completion of the merger, Caesars will be merged with Harrah’s Operating Company, the separate corporate existence of Caesars will cease, and Harrah’s Operating Company will survive as the surviving entity. Caesars stockholders will receive, at each of their election but subject to certain pro rata adjustments, the right to receive either 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock or $17.75 in cash for each share of Caesars common stock that they own, upon the terms and subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement and further described below under “The Merger Agreement — Merger Consideration” on page 96.
Background of the Merger
The management and boards of directors of each of Harrah’s and Caesars continually review their company’s respective position in light of the changing competitive environment of the gaming industry with the objective of determining what strategic alternatives are available to enhance stockholder value. While each of the companies believes that it has positive future prospects on a stand-alone basis, from time to time, the management of each of Harrah’s and Caesars has had conversations with other companies to explore opportunities to improve the competitive position of Harrah’s or Caesars, respectively, including potential acquisitions or dispositions of assets, joint ventures or other strategic transactions. As part of this review process, Harrah’s management and board of directors have periodically considered a number of potential acquisition and development opportunities, including a merger with Caesars.
As a part of Harrah’s growth strategy and to further enhance its geographic distribution, strengthen its access to valued customers and build upon its technological and centralized services infrastructure, in the past seven years, Harrah’s has acquired six casino companies, including Showboat, Inc., Rio Hotel & Casino, Inc., Players International, Inc., Harveys Casinos Resorts, JCC Holding Company and Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. This strategy enabled Harrah’s to expand its gaming operations in the United States, principally in the Midwest, South and Atlantic City, to become one of the most diversified gaming companies in the casino entertainment industry. In recent years, Harrah’s determined that it should increase focus on the Las Vegas gaming market and other stable regulatory jurisdictions. The Las Vegas Strip, where Harrah’s operates its Harrah’s Las Vegas and The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, became a primary focus for Harrah’s Las Vegas growth and diversification strategy.
In December 1998, Caesars became a separate and independent public company when Hilton Hotels Corporation divested its gaming operations through a tax-free distribution of the Caesars common shares to Hilton stockholders. At the same time, Caesars acquired the Mississippi gaming operations of Grand Casinos, Inc. through a merger. In December 1999, Caesars acquired all of the outstanding stock of Caesars World, Inc. and interests in several other gaming entities from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. As part of its strategy, over the last several years Caesars has undertaken to (i) promote growth through the development of new projects in new markets and new attractions at existing properties, with particular focus on enhancing the strength of the Caesars brand name, (ii) increase operational effectiveness through cost control and productivity enhancements and (iii) drive profitable revenue growth through new product offerings and technological innovation.
Prior to June 2004, Mr. Stephen Bollenbach, Chairman of the board of directors of Caesars and Mr. Gary Loveman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harrah’s, had, from time to time, engaged in preliminary discussions exploring a possible transaction involving their respective businesses. In particular,
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On June 4, 2004, MGM MIRAGE announced that it had offered to purchase Mandalay Resort Group in a cash transaction. MGM MIRAGE and Mandalay subsequently announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which MGM MIRAGE would acquire Mandalay in a transaction valued at approximately $7.9 billion.
On or about June 7, 2004, Mr. Bollenbach contacted representatives of UBS to discuss developments in the gaming industry, including the potential impact on Caesars of the acquisition of Mandalay by MGM MIRAGE. Mr. Bollenbach requested that UBS review the strategic alternatives available to Caesars, including the possibility of Caesars exploring a business combination transaction with third parties and the benefits that might be realized by Caesars and its stockholders from any such transaction. During the subsequent weeks of June 2004, Mr. Bollenbach and representatives of UBS had discussions and met regarding Caesars’ strategic alternatives, which were remaining independent or pursuing a possible business combination transaction with Harrah’s. Consultations with UBS continued throughout the acquisition discussions. Pursuing a business combination with Harrah’s was eventually deemed to be a superior alternative for the reasons set forth in the section entitled “Recommendation of the Caesars Board of Directors and its Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 56.
Also on or about June 7, 2004, Messrs. Bollenbach and Loveman had a telephonic conversation in which they discussed whether Harrah’s and Caesars should renew discussions regarding a potential combination of Harrah’s and Caesars, including a discussion of a merger of equals transaction. At this time, Harrah’s management and board of directors were in the process of considering other potential acquisition and development opportunities that would enhance Harrah’s geographic distribution and exposure to stable regulatory markets.
On June 10, 2004, Mr. Loveman met with representatives of Deutsche Bank to discuss potential acquisition prospects, including an acquisition of Caesars. Between June 10 and June 30, 2004, Harrah’s management and representatives of Deutsche Bank met several times to review issues regarding a potential acquisition of Caesars, including the potential advantages and disadvantages of a transaction, pro forma financial information, valuation, potential acquisition structures and a comparison of a potential acquisition of Caesars with other acquisition opportunities. The comparison of acquisition opportunities included reviews of companies, assets and development opportunities in the gaming industry. Consultations with Deutsche Bank continued throughout the acquisition discussions. Pursuing the acquisition of Caesars was eventually deemed to be a superior alternative for the reasons set forth in the section entitled “Recommendation of the Harrah’s Board of Directors and its Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 54.
On June 29, 2004, Mr. Bollenbach contacted Mr. Loveman to inquire as to Harrah’s interest in exploring a possible business combination transaction pursuant to which Harrah’s and Caesars would combine in a transaction that would provide Caesars stockholders with a premium of approximately 25%. Mr. Bollenbach determined that a 25% premium was an appropriate figure to commence price discussions given Harrah’s initial preference for a transaction with no premium versus Caesars’ desire for a transaction with a premium. In that conversation, Mr. Loveman indicated to Mr. Bollenbach that Harrah’s would be interested in exploring a potential business combination transaction with Caesars in which the consideration to Caesars stockholders would consist of a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash. Mr. Loveman explained that it was extremely important to Harrah’s that the consideration paid to Caesars stockholders by Harrah’s be a mix of cash and stock, because the cash would help Harrah’s mitigate the
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Subsequently, representatives of Deutsche Bank and UBS had several discussions relating to possible transaction terms. At Mr. Bollenbach’s direction, representatives of UBS urged representatives of Deutsche Bank to request that Harrah’s submit a specific transaction proposal for Caesars to consider.
On July 2, 2004, representatives of Deutsche Bank conveyed to representatives of UBS that Harrah’s was prepared to consider a transaction that would provide Caesars stockholders with a total consideration of $17.25 per share based on the closing price of $54.65 of Harrah’s shares on July 1, 2004. Such merger consideration included $8.63 in cash and a fixed number of 0.1578 shares of Harrah’s common stock and represented a 16.8% premium over the $14.77 closing price of Caesars common stock on July 1, 2004.
Representatives of UBS discussed the Harrah’s proposal with Mr. Bollenbach. On July 3, 2004, Mr. Bollenbach conveyed to Mr. Loveman that the total merger consideration should represent a premium of at least 25%. Mr. Bollenbach also conveyed to Mr. Loveman that Harrah’s would need to assure Caesars that the regulatory risks of the transaction were manageable as Mr. Bollenbach believed that certainty of closing, which he believed would be significantly impacted by any regulatory risks, was a significant consideration, especially in light of press reports that initial negotiations between MGM MIRAGE and Mandalay had terminated because of the early failure of those companies to agree on the treatment of regulatory risks. In addition, representatives of UBS conveyed Mr. Bollenbach’s position that the value of the stock portion, and not the number of shares, should be fixed.
On or about July 5, 2004, representatives of Deutsche Bank conveyed to representatives of UBS that Harrah’s was willing to consider a transaction that would provide Caesars stockholders with a total consideration of $17.50 per share based on the closing price of Harrah’s shares on July 1, 2004. Such merger consideration included $5.96 in cash and a fixed number of 0.2112 shares of Harrah’s common stock and represented a 18.5% premium over the closing price of Caesars common stock on July 1, 2004.
Representatives of Deutsche Bank indicated that Harrah’s was not willing to fix the value of the stock consideration because that would effectively cause Harrah’s to solely bear the risk of movements in the stock price. Representatives of Deutsche Bank further noted that Harrah’s was prepared to provide 34% of the merger consideration in cash and that the Caesars stockholders would be provided downside protection through the amount of cash being provided. Representatives of Deutsche Bank also explained that the cash consideration for each outstanding share of Caesars had been reduced from $8.63 to $5.96 because of concerns regarding Harrah’s ability to retain investment-grade credit ratings at the higher cash level.
Following discussions with Mr. Bollenbach, representatives of UBS responded to representatives of Deutsche Bank that the value of the consideration should be higher and that the value of the stock portion of the consideration should be fixed within a collar before Mr. Bollenbach would present Harrah’s proposal to the Caesars board of directors.
On July 6, 2004, representatives of Deutsche Bank conveyed to representatives of UBS that Harrah’s was willing to consider a transaction that would provide Caesars stockholders with a total consideration of $17.75 per share based on the closing stock price of Harrah’s stock on July 1, 2004, comprised of the right of Caesars’ stockholders to elect either $17.75 in cash or 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock for each share of Caesars common stock beneficially held, subject to proration to reflect the aggregate amount of cash to be paid and stock to be issued in the transaction. The proposed consideration represented a 20.1% premium over the $14.77 closing price of Caesars common stock on July 1, 2004. Representatives of Deutsche Bank reaffirmed that Harrah’s was not willing to consider fixing the value of the stock portion of the consideration, even within a collar. Following this discussion, Mr. Bollenbach called Mr. Loveman and discussed representation for the Caesars stockholders on Harrah’s board of directors by appointing certain members of the Caesars board of directors to the Harrah’s board of directors upon the completion of the
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It was agreed and understood by Messrs. Bollenbach and Loveman and representatives of Deutsche Bank and UBS that the discussions regarding a potential transaction were at all times subject to, among other things, satisfactory completion of due diligence, review and approval by the respective board of directors of Harrah’s and Caesars and satisfactory negotiation of other terms of the proposed transaction and definitive transaction agreements. In connection with these discussions, including the discussions Mr. Bollenbach had with representatives of UBS since early June 2004, Mr. Bollenbach from time to time consulted with several members of Caesars’ board of directors, and kept them updated on the status of the preliminary discussions with Harrah’s.
On July 7, 2004, Mr. Bollenbach separately informed the members of Caesars’ board of directors by telephone of the recent developments with Harrah’s and the status of the preliminary discussions regarding a possible business combination transaction with Harrah’s, and requested that a special board meeting of Caesars’ board of directors be held the following day.
On July 8, 2004, Caesars’ board of directors held a special telephonic meeting, at which representatives of Caesars’ legal and financial advisors were present, to discuss the possible business combination transaction. At the meeting:
| • | Mr. Bollenbach outlined the proposed preliminary terms of the possible business combination transaction, including the proposed price, the premium it represented over recent trading prices and the ability of stockholders to elect to receive cash or stock in the possible business combination transaction, subject to proration; | |
| • | representatives of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Caesars’ legal advisors, and Caesars’ management reviewed a number of considerations with respect to the transaction, including regulatory and antitrust considerations, timing, process, due diligence, fiduciary duties of directors, confidentiality and the impact of a transaction on Caesars’ operations and development projects; and | |
| • | the board, along with Caesars’ management and legal and financial advisors, discussed the possible business combination transaction. |
At the conclusion of the July 8, 2004 meeting, Caesars’ board of directors authorized Mr. Bollenbach and Caesars’ management to continue to explore the possible business combination transaction and to enter into more advanced negotiations with Harrah’s, to enter into a confidentiality agreement with Harrah’s and to exchange confidential information with Harrah’s and its advisors.
Harrah’s and Caesars executed a mutual confidentiality agreement on July 9, 2004. Upon entering into such agreement, each company began conducting detailed financial, business, operational and legal due diligence on the other company. As part of the due diligence investigation, representatives of Harrah’s and Caesars management and representatives of Harrah’s and Caesars’ financial advisors and Latham & Watkins LLP, Harrah’s legal counsel, met at the Costa Mesa, California office of Latham & Watkins LLP on July 9, 2004, to discuss due diligence of the companies. Harrah’s had begun preliminary financial, business, operational and legal due diligence on Caesars based on publicly available information in early June 2004.
Harrah’s and Caesars each made available to the other party legal and business due diligence materials beginning on July 9, 2004. From July 9 through July 14, 2004, the parties, with assistance from their financial and legal advisors, reviewed these materials and publicly available information, conducted on-site due diligence and engaged in diligence discussions regarding their respective businesses with Harrah’s and Caesars’ senior management.
Between July 3 and July 9, 2004, Mr. Loveman separately informed the members of Harrah’s board of directors by telephone of the recent developments with Caesars and the status of the preliminary
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Harrah’s board of directors held a special telephonic meeting on July 10, 2004 during which it was briefed by management on the status of discussions between Harrah’s and Caesars and reviewed the possible transaction. Prior to the meeting, the board was provided with materials regarding the possible transaction, including information relating to Caesars’ operations and certain financial analyses relating to the potential transaction. At the meeting:
| • | representatives of Latham & Watkins LLP reviewed legal matters, including the proposed initial terms and structure of the merger, preliminary results of the due diligence review of Caesars, the timing and related procedural steps of the proposed merger and certain regulatory and antitrust matters, and advised the board regarding its fiduciary duties when considering an acquisition of Caesars; | |
| • | Harrah’s management made a presentation regarding the proposal to acquire Caesars, including a review of the business, financial condition and prospects of the companies, the strategic rationale for the proposed acquisition, the material terms of the proposed acquisition, certain social issues of the proposed merger (including the composition of the board of directors of the combined company), advantages and disadvantages of the proposed acquisition, preliminary results of Harrah’s due diligence review of Caesars and other strategic alternatives available to Harrah’s; and | |
| • | representatives of Deutsche Bank made a presentation summarizing certain preliminary financial analyses regarding the proposed acquisition. |
At the conclusion of the July 10, 2004 meeting, the Harrah’s board of directors authorized Harrah’s management to continue due diligence review of Caesars and discussions with Caesars regarding a possible transaction.
Despite the lack of agreement regarding significant terms of a possible transaction, Latham & Watkins LLP delivered to Caesars and Skadden Arps a proposed form of merger agreement between Harrah’s and Caesars on July 10, 2004, in order to begin negotiating ancillary terms of a possible transaction. Latham & Watkins LLP also delivered to Caesars and Skadden Arps a proposed form of voting agreement between Harrah’s and certain officers and directors of Caesars, which provided for an agreement by these stockholders to vote in favor of the proposed transaction and against alternative transactions. The parties later decided voting agreements would not be executed in connection with the proposed transaction.
From July 10 through July 14, 2004, representatives and legal advisors of Harrah’s and Caesars engaged in extensive negotiations regarding the terms of the merger agreement. The negotiations focused on, among other things, the possible efforts that Harrah’s would need to undertake in order to obtain antitrust and regulatory approvals, the operations of the companies during the period from the signing of the merger agreement to the completion of the merger and the ability of the Caesars board to exercise its “fiduciary out” to accept a competing proposal that might arise after the announcement of the transaction with Harrah’s. In addition, during this period, Harrah’s and Caesars and their respective legal and financial advisors continued due diligence.
Harrah’s board of directors held a meeting in Memphis, Tennessee on July 12, 2004, at which they extensively reviewed the proposed transaction. Prior to the meeting, the board was provided a summary of the proposed merger agreement, a draft of the merger agreement, the preliminary financial analyses of Deutsche Bank and a management presentation regarding the proposed acquisition of Caesars. At the meeting:
| • | representatives of Latham & Watkins LLP reviewed the fiduciary duties of the board when considering the proposed acquisition; | |
| • | Harrah’s management reviewed the strategic rationale for, and potential benefits and risks of, the proposed transaction, as well as possible strategic alternatives to the acquisition of Caesars; |
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| • | Harrah’s management responded to issues raised by the board at the July 10, 2004 meeting, including potential antitrust and regulatory issues raised by Harrah’s acquisition of Caesars, potential synergies of the transaction and management’s due diligence review of Caesars; | |
| • | representatives of Latham & Watkins LLP reviewed the status of the negotiations of the proposed transaction and further developments since the July 10, 2004 meeting, reviewed the proposed terms of, and open issues under, the merger agreement, reported on the results of the due diligence review of Caesars since the July 10, 2004 board meeting, and also made presentations with respect to a number of matters relating to the transaction, including employee benefits, regulatory and antitrust considerations implicated by the proposed transaction and other matters; and | |
| • | representatives of Deutsche Bank made a presentation of Deutsche Bank’s preliminary financial analyses relating to the proposed transaction. |
At the conclusion of the July 12, 2004 meeting, and after extensive discussion, Harrah’s board of directors authorized Harrah’s management to continue discussions with Caesars regarding a possible transaction.
On July 12, 2004, Caesars’ board of directors held a special meeting at the offices of Skadden Arps in New York, New York, at which the board was updated on the status of discussions with Harrah’s and extensively reviewed the proposed transaction. Prior to this meeting, the board was provided with materials, including preliminary financial analyses prepared by UBS, a presentation by Caesars’ management, and various presentations by Skadden Arps relating to a number of aspects of the proposed transaction. At the meeting:
| • | representatives of Skadden Arps reviewed with the board its fiduciary duties when considering the proposed transaction and reviewed various legal aspects of the proposed transaction; | |
| • | Caesars’ regulatory counsel made a presentation regarding gaming and regulatory matters implicated by the potential transaction and representatives of Skadden Arps made a presentation regarding antitrust matters implicated by the potential transaction; | |
| • | Caesars’ management made presentations and responded to questions concerning the financial terms of the potential business combination with Harrah’s and reviewed and discussed with the board the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits and risks of, the proposed business combination transaction; | |
| • | representatives of Skadden Arps reviewed the status of the negotiations and the terms of the draft merger agreement, the principal outstanding open issues between the parties, the preliminary results of due diligence and the timing and related procedural steps of the proposed merger, and also made presentations with respect to a number of matters relating to the transaction, including tax, employee benefits and other matters; and | |
| • | representatives of UBS made a presentation concerning the financial terms of the potential business combination of Harrah’s and Caesars. |
At the conclusion of the meeting, and after extensive discussion, Caesars’ board of directors authorized management to continue more advanced negotiations with Harrah’s and attempt to resolve the remaining outstanding issues.
During the period between the Harrah’s and Caesars’ board meetings on July 12, 2004 and the Harrah’s and Caesars’ board meetings on July 14, 2004, representatives of Harrah’s and Caesars, including their respective legal and financial advisors, continued to negotiate the remaining outstanding terms of the merger agreement.
On the morning of July 14, 2004, Messrs. Loveman, Bollenbach and representatives of Latham and Watkins LLP and Skadden Arps participated in a conference call to discuss and resolve certain outstanding issues in the merger agreement, including provisions relating to Caesars’ right to terminate the merger agreement in the event it received a superior proposal, the amount of the break-up fee and the scope of Harrah’s and Caesars’ respective obligations regarding antitrust and gaming regulatory matters.
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On July 14, 2004, the Harrah’s board of directors held a special telephonic meeting to consider approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by it. At the meeting:
| • | representatives of Latham & Watkins LLP reviewed with the board its fiduciary duties when considering the acquisition of Caesars and the proposed terms of the merger agreement, including revisions to the merger agreement since the July 12, 2004 board meeting, discussed the results of the due diligence review of Caesars, and reviewed the regulatory and antitrust approval considerations for the proposed transaction; | |
| • | Harrah’s senior management updated the board on the completion of its due diligence review of Caesars and discussed with the board positive and negative factors and risks to be considered in connection with the approval of the proposed merger; and | |
| • | representatives of Deutsche Bank discussed and confirmed its financial analyses presented at the July 12, 2004 meeting and rendered the fairness opinion of Deutsche Bank discussed in “— Opinion of Harrah’s Financial Advisor” on page 59. Such opinion is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex B. |
Following a careful consideration of the proposed merger agreement, and following discussions with its financial and legal advisors, the Harrah’s board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement, the proposed merger, and the issuance of shares in the merger and unanimously resolved to recommend that the Harrah’s stockholders vote to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger.
On July 14, 2004, Caesars’ board of directors held a special meeting at the offices of Skadden Arps in New York, New York to receive an update and to consider and, if appropriate, act on the proposed merger agreement with Harrah’s. Prior to this meeting, the board was provided with materials related to the proposed transaction, including a draft merger agreement and summary thereof and a financial analysis prepared by UBS, as well as other materials prepared by Skadden Arps. At the meeting:
| • | representatives of Skadden Arps reviewed with the board its fiduciary duties when considering the proposed transaction and reviewed the developments in the negotiations with Harrah’s, including reviewing in detail the terms of the merger agreement and the changes that had been effected to the merger agreement since the last board of directors meeting, and discussed the results of the due diligence review of Harrah’s; | |
| • | Caesars’ management updated the board on the completion of the due diligence review of Harrah’s and discussed with the board positive and negative factors and risks to be considered in connection with the proposed merger; | |
| • | representatives of Skadden Arps and Caesars’ management reviewed the antitrust and regulatory approval process and answered various questions related to antitrust and regulatory matters; and | |
| • | representatives of UBS made a financial presentation and rendered to the Caesars board its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated July 14, 2004, to the effect that, as of that date, and based on and subject to the various assumptions made, matters considered and limitations described in the opinion, the aggregate consideration to be received in the merger by the holders of Caesars common stock was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders, as discussed in “— Opinion of Caesars’ Financial Advisor” on page 65. Such opinion is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex C. |
Following a careful consideration of the proposed merger agreement, and after extensive discussion, including discussions with its financial and legal advisors, the Caesars board of directors unanimously determined that the terms and provisions of the merger agreement negotiated with Harrah’s were advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Caesars stockholders, unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger and unanimously resolved to recommend that Caesars stockholders vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
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The merger agreement was executed by the parties on the evening of July 14, 2004.
Prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on July 15, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the merger agreement.
Recommendation of the Harrah’s Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger
The Harrah’s board of directors believes there are substantial benefits to Harrah’s stockholders that can be obtained as a result of the merger. If this transaction is completed, the Harrah’s board of directors believes that the acquisition of Caesars will enhance Harrah’s position as one of the largest casino operators in the world with a diversified portfolio of gaming facilities. At a meeting held on July 14, 2004, the Harrah’s board of directors determined that the merger agreement and the merger are fair to, and in the best interest of, Harrah’s and its stockholders and declared the merger to be advisable to its stockholders, and approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Therefore, the Harrah’s board of directors resolved to recommend that Harrah’s stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock to Caesars stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement.
The Harrah’s board of directors consulted with Harrah’s senior management as well as its legal counsel, Latham & Watkins LLP, and its financial advisor, Deutsche Bank, in reaching its decisions to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and recommend that Harrah’s stockholders also vote to approve the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock to Caesars stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement. Among the matters considered by the Harrah’s board of directors in its deliberations were the following material factors:
| • | the strategic benefits of the merger, including: |
| • | the ability to expand Harrah’s product and service offerings and to diversify Harrah’s portfolio of gaming facilities, including expanding Harrah’s operations in Las Vegas, Nevada; | |
| • | the ability of the combined company to better compete with other participants in the casino industry; | |
| • | the ability to expand Harrah’s customer base and better serve its existing customers; | |
| • | the ability to establish Harrah’s in most U.S. commercial gaming markets; | |
| • | the ability to control premier gaming brands; | |
| • | access to assets in core markets, such as Las Vegas, and new markets; | |
| • | increased exposure to stable regulatory environments; and | |
| • | the operating efficiencies, synergies and the earning power of the combined company; |
| • | the attractive financial terms of the merger in light of: |
| • | information concerning the financial performance, financial condition, business and prospects of Harrah’s and Caesars, as well as conditions in the gaming industry generally; | |
| • | information concerning the recent and past stock price performance of Harrah’s and Caesars common stock, as well as the views of Wall Street equity analysts regarding the two companies; and | |
| • | the prices paid in comparable transactions involving other gaming companies, as well as the trading performance of the stock of comparable companies in the industry; |
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| • | the following terms in the merger agreement: |
| • | the stock cap and cash cap, which provide certainty as to the aggregate number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued to Caesars stockholders and the percentage of the total shares of Harrah’s common stock that current Caesars stockholders will own after the merger; | |
| • | the provisions that prohibit Caesars from soliciting other acquisition offers; and | |
| • | the provisions that require Caesars to pay a $180 million break-up fee if the merger agreement is terminated for specified reasons; |
| • | an assessment of alternatives to the merger, including development opportunities and other possible acquisition candidates, and the determination that the acquisition of Caesars was a strategic fit and presented a unique opportunity to enhance and expand Harrah’s operations, product and service offerings and position for future growth; and | |
| • | the written opinion of Deutsche Bank dated July 14, 2004, that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the considerations described in its opinion and based upon such other matters as Deutsche Bank considered relevant, the merger consideration to be paid by Harrah’s for each outstanding share of Caesars common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to Harrah’s from a financial point of view. |
The Harrah’s board of directors also considered the following factors, uncertainties and risks in its deliberations concerning the merger. However, the Harrah’s board of directors concluded that these risks were outweighed by the potential benefits of the merger:
| • | the incremental debt associated with the merger could cause Harrah’s to have reduced financial flexibility; | |
| • | the risk that the potential benefits sought in the merger might not be fully realized; | |
| • | the possibility that the merger might not be completed, or that completion might be unduly delayed, for reasons beyond Harrah’s control; | |
| • | the effect of the public announcement of the merger on Harrah’s and Caesars’ stock price; | |
| • | the projected dilution of Harrah’s earnings per share as a result of the issuance of the shares in the merger, and the estimated time period for the merger to be accretive to Harrah’s earnings per share; | |
| • | the risk that Harrah’s management’s efforts to integrate Caesars will disrupt Harrah’s operations; | |
| • | the substantial charges to be incurred in connection with the merger, including the costs of integrating the businesses of Harrah’s and Caesars and the transaction expenses arising from the merger; | |
| • | the risk that, despite Harrah’s efforts and the efforts of Caesars after the merger, the combined company may lose key personnel; | |
| • | the risk that governmental entities may require that Harrah’s and/or Caesars divest certain properties in order to gain approval for the merger; | |
| • | the restrictions on the conduct of Harrah’s business during the period between the signing of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger; and | |
| • | the other risks described above under “Risk Factors” on page 30. |
It was not practical to, and thus the Harrah’s board of directors did not, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the wide variety of factors it considered in evaluating the merger and the merger agreement, nor did the board determine that any one factor was of particular importance in deciding that the merger agreement and associated transactions were in the best interests of Harrah’s and its stockholders. This discussion of information and material factors considered by the Harrah’s board of
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Recommendation of the Caesars Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger
The Caesars board of directors believes that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Caesars and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Caesars board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and unanimously recommends that Caesars stockholders vote for approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
The Caesars board of directors, in reaching its decision to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, consulted with Caesars executive officers and Caesars’ financial and legal advisors and considered a variety of factors weighing positively in favor of the merger, including, without limitation, the following:
| • | the strategic nature of the transaction, which will combine Caesars’ and Harrah’s respective businesses to create one of the leading gaming companies in the world, which will be well positioned to compete in the gaming industry and to achieve significant synergies; | |
| • | the value to be received by holders of Caesars common stock in the merger, including the fact that based on the closing price of Harrah’s common stock on July 13, 2004 (the last full trading day before rumors of a possible business combination transaction between Caesars and Harrah’s were reported by several national news organizations, including The Wall Street Journal), the value of the merger consideration represented: |
| • | a premium of approximately 23.4% over the closing price of Caesars common stock on the NYSE on July 13, 2004; and | |
| • | a premium of approximately 20.6%, 30.7% and 51.2% over the average closing price of Caesars common stock on the NYSE for the thirty-day, six-month and twelve-month trading periods respectively including July 13, 2004; |
| • | the fact that the cash/stock election feature of the merger consideration offers Caesars stockholders both the opportunity, subject to proration, to participate in the growth and opportunities of the combined company through the stock component of the merger consideration and/or to realize cash for the value of their shares through the cash component of the merger consideration; | |
| • | the fact that Caesars stockholders will own, on a fully-diluted basis, approximately 37% of the outstanding Harrah’s common stock immediately following the merger; | |
| • | because the stock portion of the merger consideration is a fixed number of shares of Harrah’s common stock, the opportunity for Caesars stockholders to benefit from any increase in the trading price of Harrah’s common shares between the announcement of the merger and the completion of the merger; | |
| • | the conditions in the gaming industry generally and the business, operations, financial performance, financial condition, earnings and prospects of Caesars on a stand-alone basis as compared with the |
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| combined company after giving effect to the transaction, in light of the risks and potential rewards associated with alternatives reasonably available to Caesars; | ||
| • | the recent and historical stock price performance of Caesars common stock and Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | the potential impact on Caesars and the gaming industry of the proposed business combination transaction between MGM MIRAGE and Mandalay and the belief that a combined company with greater size and scale would be better positioned to compete with the combined company resulting from the MGM MIRAGE/ Mandalay transaction; | |
| • | the financial presentation of UBS described in the section entitled “— Opinion of Caesars’ Financial Advisor” on page 65, including UBS’ opinion to the effect that, as of the date of its opinion and based on and subject to various assumptions made, matters considered and limitations described in the opinion, the aggregate merger consideration to be received by holders of Caesars common stock in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders; | |
| • | the expected qualification of the merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or as an exchange under Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, resulting in the common stock portion of the merger consideration to be received by Caesars stockholders not being subject to federal income tax, as described in the section entitled “— Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page 81; | |
| • | the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including: |
| • | 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 — Caesars Prohibited from Soliciting Other Offers” on page 102, Caesars can furnish information to and conduct negotiations with a third party in connection with an unsolicited proposal for a business combination or acquisition of Caesars that is likely to lead to a superior proposal and the Caesars board of directors can terminate the merger agreement for a superior proposal or change its recommendation prior to stockholder approval of the merger agreement; | |
| • | the fact that Harrah’s agreed to assume substantially all the regulatory risk relating to the merger, which provides a very high degree of assurance that the completion of the merger will occur; | |
| • | the fact that the completion of the merger is not conditioned on Harrah’s obtaining financing; and | |
| • | the limited conditions required to be satisfied prior to completion of the merger; and |
| • | the fact that Harrah’s agreed to appoint at least two, and possibly up to four, members of the Caesars board of directors to the Harrah’s board of directors, which is expected to provide a degree of continuity and involvement by Caesars directors in the combined company following the merger. |
In addition to these factors, the Caesars board of directors also considered the potential adverse impact of other factors weighing negatively against the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the following:
| • | the risk that, notwithstanding the likelihood of the merger being completed, the merger might not be completed including the effect of the pendency of the merger and such failure to be completed may have on: |
| • | the trading price of Caesars common stock; | |
| • | Caesars’ operating results, including the costs incurred in connection with the transaction; and | |
| • | Caesars’ ability to attract and retain customers and key personnel; |
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| • | the possibility of significant costs and delays resulting from seeking regulatory approvals necessary for completion of the proposed merger; | |
| • | because the stock portion of the merger consideration is a fixed number of shares of Harrah’s common stock Caesars stockholders could be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of Harrah’s common stock between the date of execution of the merger agreement, and the merger agreement does not provide Caesars with a price-based termination right or other protection for Caesars or its stockholders; | |
| • | the requirement that Caesars must pay to Harrah’s a break-up fee of $180.0 million if the merger agreement is terminated under circumstances specified in the merger agreement, which may discourage other parties that may otherwise have an interest in a business combination with, or an acquisition of, Caesars, as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Break-up Fee” on page 113; | |
| • | the terms of the merger agreement restricting the conduct of Caesars’ business during the period between the signing of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger; | |
| • | the limitations imposed in the merger agreement on the solicitation by Caesars of alternative business combinations prior to the completion of the merger; | |
| • | the challenges of combining the businesses, operations and workforces of Harrah’s and Caesars and of realizing the anticipated synergies; | |
| • | the amount of time it could take to complete the merger, including the fact that completion of the transaction depends on factors outside of Caesars’ control; | |
| • | the proration limitations on the amount of cash and stock available to Caesars stockholders which will result in Caesars stockholders not being assured that they will fully receive the form of merger consideration they prefer; | |
| • | the fact that gains arising from the cash portion of the consideration would be taxable to Caesars stockholders for United States federal income tax purposes; and | |
| • | the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” on page 30. |
The Caesars board of directors also considered the interests that certain executive officers and directors of Caesars may have with respect to the merger in addition to their interests as stockholders of Caesars generally, as described in the Section entitled “— Interests of Caesars’ Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” on page 89, which the Caesars board of directors considered as being neutral in its evaluation of the proposed transaction.
The Caesars board of directors concluded that the positive factors significantly outweighed the negative and neutral factors described above. This discussion of the information and factors considered by the Caesars board of directors includes all the material positive, negative and neutral factors considered by the Caesars board of directors, but it is not intended to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the Caesars board of directors. In reaching its determination to approve and recommend the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, the Caesars 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 by the merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Caesars and its stockholders. Rather, the Caesars 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 Caesars board of directors may have given differing weights to different factors. After considering this information, all members of the Caesars board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and
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Opinion of Harrah’s Financial Advisor
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., which is referred to as Deutsche Bank, has acted as financial advisor to Harrah’s in connection with the merger. On July 14, 2004, Deutsche Bank delivered its oral opinion to the Harrah’s board of directors, subsequently confirmed in its written opinion as of the same date, to the effect that, as of such date, based upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of the review undertaken by Deutsche Bank, the merger consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to Harrah’s.
The full text of Deutsche Bank’s written opinion, dated July 14, 2004, which discusses, among other things, the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of the review undertaken by Deutsche Bank in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex B to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Harrah’s stockholders are urged to read this opinion in its entirety. The following summary of the Deutsche Bank opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.
In connection with Deutsche Bank’s role as financial advisor to Harrah’s, and in arriving at its opinion, Deutsche Bank has reviewed certain publicly available financial and other information concerning Caesars and Harrah’s and certain internal analyses and other information furnished to it by Caesars and Harrah’s. Deutsche Bank has also held discussions with members of the senior managements of Caesars and Harrah’s regarding the businesses and prospects of their respective companies and the joint prospects of a combined company. In addition, Deutsche Bank has:
| • | reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for Caesars common stock and Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | compared certain financial and stock market information for Caesars and Harrah’s with similar information for certain other companies whose securities are publicly traded; | |
| • | reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations which it deemed comparable to the merger in whole or in part; | |
| • | reviewed the terms of the merger agreement and certain related documents; and | |
| • | performed such other studies and analyses and considered such other factors as it deemed appropriate. |
In preparing its opinion, Deutsche Bank did not assume responsibility for the independent verification of, and did not independently verify, any information, whether publicly available or furnished to it, concerning Caesars or Harrah’s, including, without limitation, any financial information, forecasts or projections, considered in connection with the rendering of its opinion. Accordingly, for purposes of its opinion, Deutsche Bank assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all such information. Deutsche Bank did not conduct a physical inspection of any of the properties or assets and did not prepare or obtain any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities of Caesars or Harrah’s. With respect to the financial forecasts and projections, including the analyses and forecasts of certain cost savings, operating efficiencies, revenue effects and other synergies expected by management of Harrah’s to be achieved as a result of the merger, which we collectively refer to as the synergies, made available to Deutsche Bank and used in its analysis, Deutsche Bank has assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of Caesars or Harrah’s as to the matters covered thereby. In rendering its opinion, Deutsche Bank expressed no view as to the reasonableness of those forecasts and projections, including the synergies, or the assumptions on which they are based. Deutsche Bank’s opinion was necessarily based upon economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Deutsche Bank as of, the date of its opinion.
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For purposes of rendering its opinion, Deutsche Bank has assumed that, in all respects material to its analysis:
| • | the representations and warranties of Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company and Caesars contained in the merger agreement are true and correct; | |
| • | Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company and Caesars would each perform all of the covenants and agreements to be performed by it under the merger agreement; | |
| • | all conditions to the obligations of each of Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company and Caesars to complete the merger will be satisfied without any waiver thereof; and | |
| • | all material governmental, regulatory or other approvals and consents required in connection with the completion of the merger will be obtained and that, in connection with obtaining any necessary governmental, regulatory or other approvals and consents, or any amendments, modifications or waivers to any agreements, instruments or orders to which either Caesars or Harrah’s (or any of their respective affiliates) is a party or is subject or by which it is bound, no limitations, restrictions or conditions will be imposed or amendments, modifications or waivers will be made that would have a material adverse effect on Caesars or Harrah’s or materially reduce the contemplated benefits of the merger to Harrah’s. |
In addition, Deutsche Bank has been advised by Harrah’s, and accordingly has assumed for purposes of its opinion, that the merger will be tax-free to Harrah’s.
| Deutsche Bank’s Financial Analysis |
Set forth below is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by Deutsche Bank in connection with its opinion and reviewed with the Harrah’s board of directors at its meeting on July 14, 2004.
Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies. Deutsche Bank reviewed certain financial information and calculated commonly used valuation measurements for Caesars and Harrah’s, as applicable, to corresponding information and measurements for groups of publicly traded companies in the gaming industry.
The publicly traded companies selected in the gaming industry to which Caesars was compared consisted of:
| • | Harrah’s; | |
| • | Mandalay Resort Group (as of June 6, 2004, the last trading day prior to the announcement by MGM MIRAGE of its intent to acquire Mandalay Resort Group); | |
| • | MGM MIRAGE; and | |
| • | Station Casinos, Inc. |
The publicly traded companies selected in the gaming industry to which Harrah’s was compared consisted of:
| • | Caesars; | |
| • | Mandalay Resort Group (as of June 6, 2004, the last trading day prior to the announcement by MGM MIRAGE of its intent to acquire Mandalay Resort Group); | |
| • | MGM MIRAGE; and | |
| • | Station Casinos, Inc. |
The financial information and valuation measurements reviewed by Deutsche Bank included, among other things, ratios of total enterprise value (the sum of equity market valuation and net debt) to estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, for 2004 and 2005.
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To calculate the trading multiples with respect to the comparable companies, Deutsche Bank used publicly available information concerning historical and projected financial performance, including analyst reports and published historical financial information and earnings estimates reported by Deutsche Bank research analysts.
Deutsche Bank observed that the implied value of Caesars common stock based on the selected publicly traded companies analysis ranged from $14.98 to $18.51 per share using the multiple of total enterprise value to estimated 2004 EBITDA, and from $14.56 to $18.26 per share using the multiple of total enterprise value to estimated 2005 EBITDA. Deutsche Bank observed that (i) $17.06, which represents the implied value of the merger consideration per share of Caesars common stock based on Harrah’s closing share price of $51.44 on July 9, 2004, and (ii) $17.39, which represents the implied value per share of Caesars common stock based on the Harrah’s average share price over the 30-day period ending on July 9, 2004 were each within those ranges of values. Deutsche Bank also observed that the implied value of Harrah’s common stock based on the selected publicly traded companies analysis ranged from $50.75 to $62.11 per share using the multiple of total enterprise value to estimated 2004 EBITDA, and from $56.33 to $69.20 per share using the multiple of total enterprise value to estimated 2005 EBITDA. Deutsche Bank observed that (i) $51.44, the Harrah’s closing share price on July 9, 2004, and (ii) $53.01, which represents the Harrah’s average share price over the 30-day period ending on July 9, 2004 were each within the range based on the multiple of total enterprise value to estimated 2004 EBITDA and below the range based on the multiple of total enterprise value to estimated 2005 EBITDA.
Other than Caesars and Harrah’s themselves, which were each included in the group of companies compared to the other, none of the companies utilized in either publicly traded company analysis is identical to Caesars or Harrah’s. Accordingly, Deutsche Bank believes the analysis is not simply mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and qualitative judgments, reflected in Deutsche Bank’s opinion, concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the selected companies and other factors that could affect the public trading value of the selected companies.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Deutsche Bank performed a discounted cash flows analysis for (i) Caesars as a stand-alone entity, (ii) Caesars as a part of Harrah’s (i.e. including or excluding the following in the determination of free cash flow: synergies, certain divested assets, amortization of financing fees, transaction costs and tax benefit of transaction costs), and (iii) Harrah’s as a stand-alone entity. Deutsche Bank calculated the discounted cash flow values for each of Caesars and Harrah’s as the sum of the net present values of:
| • | the estimated future free cash flows that Caesars or Harrah’s, as the case may be, would generate for the final six months of 2004 through 2008; and | |
| • | the terminal value of Caesars or Harrah’s at the end of such period. |
The estimated future free cash flows were based on the financial projections for Caesars for the final six months of 2004 through 2008 and on the financial projections for Harrah’s for the final six months of 2004 through 2008, each as provided by Harrah’s management. The terminal values for each of Caesars and Harrah’s were calculated based on projected EBITDA for such company for 2008 (based on projections by Harrah’s management) and a range of multiples of EBITDA ranging from 8.0x to 9.0x. Deutsche Bank used discount rates ranging from 6.5% to 8.5% for both Caesars and Harrah’s. The discount rates for Caesars and Harrah’s were based on Deutsche Bank’s judgment of the estimated weighted average cost of Caesars’ or Harrah’s capital, as applicable, and the EBITDA multiples were based on its review of the trading characteristics of each of Caesars and Harrah’s common stock.
Deutsche Bank observed that (i) the implied value of Caesars common stock, treating Caesars as a stand-alone entity, based on the discounted cash flow analysis ranged from $20.00 to $23.00 per share, and (ii) the implied value of Caesars common stock, treating Caesars as a part of Harrah’s, based on the discounted cash flow analysis ranged from $23.00 to $26.50 per share. Deutsche Bank observed that (i) $17.06, which represents the implied value of the merger consideration per share of Caesars common stock based on Harrah’s closing share price of $51.44 on July 9, 2004, and (ii) $17.39, which represents
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Deutsche Bank observed that (i) $51.44, the Harrah’s share price as of July 9, 2004, and (ii) $53.01, which represents the Harrah’s average share price over the 30-day period ending on July 9, 2004 were each below that range of values.
Analysis of Selected Precedent Transactions. Deutsche Bank reviewed five mergers and acquisitions transactions announced since June 6, 1996, in the gaming industry. The transactions reviewed, which are referred to as the selected transactions, are:
| Date announced | Target | Acquirer | ||
|
06/16/04
|
Mandalay Resort Group | MGM MIRAGE | ||
|
03/06/00
|
Mirage Resorts | MGM Grand, Inc. | ||
|
04/27/99
|
Caesars World, Inc. | Park Place Entertainment | ||
|
12/11/97
|
ITT Corporation | Starwood Lodging Trust | ||
|
06/06/96
|
Bally Entertainment | Hilton Hotels |
Deutsche Bank observed that the relevant ratios of total enterprise value to forward EBITDA for the selected transactions ranged from 9.0x to 10.0x, which, when applied to the estimated 2004 EBITDA for Caesars, implied a range of values of $18.51 to $22.04. Deutsche Bank observed that (i) $17.06, which represents the implied value of the merger consideration per share of Caesars common stock based on Harrah’s closing share price of $51.44 on July 9, 2004, and (ii) $17.39, which represents the implied value per share of Caesars common stock based on the Harrah’s average share price over the 30-day period ending on July 9, 2004 were below that range of values.
The analysis for the selected transactions was based on public information available at the time of announcement of such transactions, without taking into account differing market and other conditions during the period between June 6, 1996 and June 16, 2004, during which the selected transactions were announced. Because the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, each of the selected transactions analyzed were so diverse, and due to the inherent differences between the operations and financial conditions of Caesars and the companies involved in the selected transactions, Deutsche Bank believes that a comparable transaction analysis is not simply mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and qualitative judgments, reflected in Deutsche Bank’s opinion, concerning differences between the characteristics of the selected transactions and the merger that could affect the value of the subject companies and businesses and Caesars.
Premiums Paid Analysis. Deutsche Bank reviewed premiums to stock price paid in 74 non-financial company mergers and acquisitions transactions in the $5 billion to $15 billion total enterprise value range since January 1, 1998. Deutsche Bank reviewed the premiums paid in these transactions over the price of the target stock one day, one week, and four weeks prior to the announcement of such transactions. Based on this analysis, Deutsche Bank observed a range of premiums of 25% to 30% over the market price of the target stock price one day prior to the announcement of such transactions, a range of premiums of 28% to 33% over the market price of the target stock price one week prior to the announcement of such transactions, and a range of premiums of 33% to 38% over the market price of the target stock price one month prior to the announcement of such transactions. Deutsche Bank applied these ranges of premiums to share price of Caesars as if the merger was announced on July 12, 2004, and calculated implied ranges of stock prices of $16.69 to $17.36 per share based on the one day premium range, $18.52 to $19.25 per share based on the one week premium range, and $19.19 to $19.91 based on the one month premium range. Deutsche Bank observed that (i) $17.06, which represents the implied value of the merger consideration per share of Caesars common stock based on Harrah’s closing share price of $51.44 on July 9, 2004 was within the range based on the one-day premium range and below the ranges based on the one week premium range and the one month premium range. Deutsche Bank also observed that $17.39,
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Pro Forma Combined Earnings Growth Analysis. Deutsche Bank analyzed certain pro forma effects of the merger. Based on this analysis, Deutsche Bank computed the resulting compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of each of Harrah’s EBITDA, cash earnings per share (sum of net income plus depreciation and amortization divided by the number of outstanding shares), and earnings per share, or EPS, estimates for the periods 2004 – 2008 and 2005 – 2008, both as a stand-alone entity and pro forma for a combination with Caesars.
The following chart sets forth the results of this analysis:
| 2004-2008 | 2005-2008 | |||||||||
| CAGR | CAGR | |||||||||
|
Harrah’s stand-alone
|
EBITDA % Growth | 8.2% | 6.6% | |||||||
| Cash EPS % Growth | 9.3% | 7.8% | ||||||||
| EPS % Growth | 9.0% | 9.0% | ||||||||
|
Harrah’s pro forma for combination with
Caesars
|
EBITDA % Growth | NM | 7.8% | |||||||
| Cash EPS % Growth | 12.1% | 9.2% | ||||||||
| EPS % Growth | 10.3% | 16.5% | ||||||||
Deutsche Bank used forward estimates of projected financial performance for Harrah’s that were provided by Harrah’s management.
Accretion/(Dilution) Analysis. Deutsche Bank analyzed certain pro forma effects expected to result from the merger, including, among other things, the expected effect of the merger on the estimated earnings per share, and cash earnings per share (the sum of net income plus depreciation and amortization divided by the number of outstanding shares) for Harrah’s for calendar years 2005 through 2008. The pro forma results were based on financial data provided by Harrah’s management. Deutsche Bank calculated CAGR of Harrah’s earnings per share of 10.3% over the period 2004 through 2008, assuming realization of 100% of the synergies, and of 8.6% over the same period, assuming 66.7% of the synergies. Deutsche Bank compared these CAGRs to the status quo earnings per share CAGR projection of 9.0% and observed that the merger is accretive to Harrah’s earnings per share over the period 2004 through 2008, assuming realization of 100% of the synergies, but dilutive to Harrah’s earnings per share over the same period if only 66.7% of the synergies are realized. Deutsche Bank also calculated a CAGR of Harrah’s cash earnings per share of 12.1% over the period 2004 through 2008, assuming realization of 100% of the synergies, and of 11.3% over the same period, assuming 66.7% of the synergies. Deutsche Bank compared these CAGRs to the status quo cash earnings per share CAGR projection of 9.3% and observed that the merger is accretive to Harrah’s cash earnings per share over the period 2004 through 2008, assuming realization of either 100% or 66.7% of the synergies.
General. The foregoing summary describes all analyses and factors that Deutsche Bank deemed material in its presentation to the Harrah’s board of directors, but is not a comprehensive description of all analyses performed and factors considered by Deutsche Bank in connection with preparing its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving the application of subjective business judgment in determining the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, is not readily susceptible to summary description. Deutsche Bank believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that considering any portion of such analyses and of the factors considered without considering all analyses and factors could create a misleading view of the process underlying the opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Deutsche Bank did not assign specific weights to any particular analyses.
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In conducting its analyses and arriving at its opinions, Deutsche Bank utilized a variety of generally accepted valuation methods. The analyses were prepared solely for the purpose of enabling Deutsche Bank to provide its opinion to the Harrah’s board of directors as to the fairness to Harrah’s of the merger consideration and do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold, which are inherently subject to uncertainty. In connection with its analyses, Deutsche Bank made, and was provided by Harrah’s management and Caesars’ management with, numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Deutsche Bank, Caesars or Harrah’s. Analyses based on estimates or forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual past or future values or results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Because such analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of Harrah’s, Caesars or their respective advisors, neither Harrah’s nor Deutsche Bank nor any other person assumes responsibility if future results or actual values are materially different from these forecasts or assumptions.
The terms of the merger were determined through negotiations between Caesars and Harrah’s and were approved by the Harrah’s board of directors. Although Deutsche Bank provided advice to Harrah’s during the course of these negotiations, the decision to enter into the merger was solely that of the Harrah’s board of directors. As described above, the opinion and presentation of Deutsche Bank to the Harrah’s board of directors were only one of a number of factors taken into consideration by the Harrah’s board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Deutsche Bank’s opinion was provided to the Harrah’s board of directors to assist it in connection with its consideration of the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how to vote or take any other action with respect to the merger. Deutsche Bank’s opinion does not in any manner address the prices at which shares of Harrah’s common stock traded after the announcement of or will trade after the completion of the merger.
Harrah’s selected Deutsche Bank as financial advisor in connection with the merger based on Deutsche Bank’s qualifications, expertise, reputation and experience in mergers and acquisitions. Harrah’s has retained Deutsche Bank pursuant to a letter agreement dated July 9, 2004, which is referred to as the “engagement letter.” Deutsche Bank will be paid a reasonable and customary fee for its services as financial advisor to Harrah’s in connection with the merger, a substantial portion of which is contingent upon completion of the merger. Deutsche Bank was paid $750,000 upon delivery of its opinion. If the merger is completed, Deutsche Bank will be paid an additional $14,250,000. Regardless of whether the merger is completed, Harrah’s has agreed to reimburse Deutsche Bank for reasonable fees and disbursements of Deutsche Bank’s counsel and all of Deutsche Bank’s reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the merger or otherwise arising out of the retention of Deutsche Bank under the engagement letter. Harrah’s has also agreed to indemnify Deutsche Bank and certain related persons to the full extent lawful against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws arising out of its engagement or the merger.
Deutsche Bank is an internationally recognized investment banking firm experienced in providing advice in connection with mergers and acquisitions and related transactions. Deutsche Bank is an affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG, which, together with its affiliates, is referred to as the “DB Group.” One or more members of the DB Group have, from time to time, provided investment banking, commercial banking (including extension of credit) and other financial services to Caesars and Harrah’s or their affiliates for which it has received compensation, including (1) the Harrah’s June 2004 $750 million 5.50% senior notes offering for which a member of the DB Group acted as co-manager, (2) the Harrah’s June 2004 $2.5 billion revolving credit agreement, for which a member of the DB Group acted as managing agent, (3) Caesars’ March 2004 $2.0 billion credit agreement, for which a member of the DB Group acted as joint lead arranger and joint book-running manager, (4) Caesars’ March 2004 $375 million floating rate contingent convertible senior notes offering for which a member of the DB Group acted as joint book-running manager, and (5) other securities offerings by Harrah’s and Caesars with respect to which a member of the DB Group participated in a managing role. One or more members of the DB Group have
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In the ordinary course of business, members of the DB Group may actively trade in the securities and other instruments and obligations of Caesars and Harrah’s for their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers. Accordingly, the DB Group may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities, instruments and obligations.
Opinion of Caesars’ Financial Advisor
UBS Securities LLC, which is referred to as UBS, acted as financial advisor to Caesars in connection with the merger and evaluated the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the aggregate merger consideration to be received in the merger by the holders of Caesars common stock. On July 14, 2004, at a meeting of the board of directors of Caesars held to evaluate the merger, UBS delivered to the board an oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated July 14, 2004, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions made, matters considered and limitations described in the opinion, the aggregate merger consideration to be received by the holders of Caesars common stock in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. There were no material differences between the oral and written versions of UBS’ opinion. The only difference between the versions is that the written version describes in detail assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations in connection with UBS’ rendering the opinion. A form of the written version was provided to the Caesars board of directors prior to delivery of UBS’ oral opinion.
The full text of UBS’ opinion describes, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by UBS. UBS’ opinion is attached as Annex C to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. UBS’ opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the aggregate merger consideration to be received in the merger by holders of Caesars common stock and does not address any other aspect of the merger. UBS’ opinion also does not address the merits of the merger as compared to other business strategies or transactions that might be available to Caesars or any underlying business decision of Caesars in connection with the merger or any other matter, nor does the opinion constitute a recommendation to any holder of Caesars common stock as to how such stockholder should vote with respect to the merger agreement or any other matter or as to such stockholder’s election regarding the form of the merger consideration to be paid to such stockholder. Caesars common stockholders are encouraged to read UBS’ opinion carefully in its entirety. The summary of UBS’ opinion described below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, UBS:
| • | reviewed certain publicly available business and historical financial information relating to Caesars and Harrah’s; | |
| • | reviewed certain internal financial information and other data relating to the businesses and financial prospects of Caesars and Harrah’s, including estimates and financial forecasts prepared and provided to UBS by the respective managements of Caesars and Harrah’s and not publicly available; | |
| • | conducted discussions with members of the senior management of Caesars and Harrah’s concerning the businesses and financial prospects of Caesars and Harrah’s; | |
| • | reviewed publicly available financial and stock market data with respect to other companies in lines of business UBS believed to be generally comparable to those of Caesars and Harrah’s; | |
| • | compared the financial terms of the merger with the publicly available financial terms of certain other transactions which UBS believed to be generally relevant; |
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| • | considered certain pro forma effects of the merger on Harrah’s financial statements and reviewed certain estimates of potential synergies prepared and provided to UBS by the managements of Caesars and Harrah’s; | |
| • | reviewed drafts of the merger agreement; and | |
| • | conducted other financial studies, analyses and investigations, and considered other information, as UBS deemed necessary or appropriate. |
In connection with its review, with Caesars’ consent, UBS did not assume any responsibility for independent verification of any of the information that UBS reviewed for the purpose of its opinion and, with Caesars’ consent, UBS relied on that information being complete and accurate in all material respects. In addition, at Caesars’ direction, UBS did not make any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of Caesars or Harrah’s, and was not furnished with any evaluation or appraisal. With respect to the estimates, financial forecasts, pro forma effects and calculations of synergies utilized by UBS in its analyses, UBS assumed, at Caesars’ direction, that they were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of Caesars and the management of Harrah’s as to the future performance of their respective companies and that the estimates, financial forecasts, pro forma effects and calculations of synergies would be achieved at the times and in the amounts projected. In addition, UBS assumed, with the consent of Caesars, that the merger will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. UBS’ opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions existing on, and information available to UBS as of, the date of its opinion. Subsequent developments in those conditions could require a reevaluation of such opinion. UBS does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
UBS was not asked to, except as expressly set forth in its opinion, and it did not, offer any opinion as to the material terms of the merger agreement or the form of the transaction. UBS expressed no opinion as to the value of Harrah’s common stock when issued pursuant to the merger or the price at which Harrah’s common stock may trade in the future. In addition, UBS did not analyze the fairness of each form of merger consideration alternative that an individual stockholder of Caesars may elect to receive in the merger or analyze the impact on any individual Caesars stockholder as to such stockholder’s election. In rendering its opinion, UBS assumed, with Caesars’ consent, that the final executed form of the merger agreement would not differ in any material respect from the draft that UBS examined and that the parties to the merger agreement would comply with all of the material terms of the merger agreement. UBS also assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the completion of the merger would be obtained without any material adverse effect on Caesars and/or Harrah’s and the merger. In connection with its engagement by Caesars, UBS was not authorized to and did not solicit indications of interest from any party with respect to a business combination with Caesars. Except as described above, Caesars imposed no other instructions or limitations on UBS with respect to the investigations made or the procedures followed by UBS in rendering its opinion. The merger consideration was determined through negotiation between Caesars and Harrah’s and not as a result of a recommendation by UBS, and the decision to enter into the merger was solely that of the Caesars board of directors.
In furnishing its opinion, UBS did not purport that it is an expert within the meaning of the term “expert” as used in the Securities Act, nor did it purport that its opinion constitutes a report or valuation within the meaning of the Securities Act.
In connection with rendering its opinion, UBS performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses, including those described below. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and involves various judgments and determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant assumptions and financial analyses and the application of these methods to the particular circumstances involved. Fairness opinions are therefore not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description.
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Accordingly, UBS believes that its analyses and the summary set forth below must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors, or focusing on information 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 the analyses performed by UBS in connection with its opinion. In arriving at its opinion, UBS did not attribute any particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it and did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative), considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, UBS arrived at its ultimate opinion based on the results of all analyses undertaken by it and assessed as a whole, and believes that the totality of the factors considered and analyses it performed in connection with its opinion operated collectively to support its determination as to the fairness of the aggregate merger consideration from a financial point of view to Caesars common stockholders.
The analyses performed by UBS are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by the analyses. The analyses were prepared solely as part of UBS’ analysis of the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Caesars common stockholders of the aggregate merger consideration.
UBS’ opinion and financial analyses were only one of many factors considered by Caesars’ board of directors in its evaluation of the merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of Caesars’ board of directors or management with respect to the merger or the merger consideration.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by UBS in connection with providing its opinion to the board of directors of Caesars on July 14, 2004. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. To fully understand the financial analyses, the tables should be read together with the text of each summary. Considering the data in the tables without considering the narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the financial analyses.
| Historical Stock Price Performance |
UBS reviewed historical trading prices for Caesars common stock. UBS reviewed the closing price of Caesars common stock on July 13, 2004, and average closing prices over specified periods preceding July 13, 2004, and calculated the implied premium of the offered merger consideration over these historical prices. For this analysis, UBS used an implied value of the offered merger consideration of $17.17 per share based on the July 13, 2004 closing price of Harrah’s common stock. A summary of these historical stock price statistics is set forth in the following table:
| Implied Premium | ||||||||
| Specified Period | Average Closing Price | at $17.17 Offer | ||||||
|
July 13, 2004
|
$ | 13.92 | 23.4% | |||||
|
10 Trading Days
|
$ | 14.13 | 21.6% | |||||
|
20 Trading Days
|
$ | 14.28 | 20.2% | |||||
|
30 Trading Days
|
$ | 14.24 | 20.6% | |||||
|
40 Trading Days
|
$ | 13.93 | 23.3% | |||||
|
60 Trading Days
|
$ | 13.79 | 24.5% | |||||
|
Six Months
|
$ | 13.14 | 30.7% | |||||
|
One Year
|
$ | 11.36 | 51.2% | |||||
|
Two Years
|
$ | 9.64 | 78.1% | |||||
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| Historical Implied Exchange Ratio Analysis |
UBS reviewed the historical common stock prices of Caesars and Harrah’s as of July 13, 2002, and for specified periods preceding July 13, 2004. UBS calculated the exchange ratios implied by the common stock prices for specified periods and compared them to a theoretical exchange ratio of 0.3304, which it based on a $17.17 implied offer price and the assumption that the merger consideration consisted solely of Harrah’s common stock. This analysis indicated the following implied exchange ratios:
| Implied Average | Implied Premium to | |||||||
| Specified Period | Exchange Ratio | Average at 0.3304 | ||||||
|
July 13, 2004
|
0.2678 | 23.4% | ||||||
|
10 Trading Days
|
0.2658 | 25.3% | ||||||
|
20 Trading Days
|
0.2685 | 23.1% | ||||||
|
30 Trading Days
|
0.2688 | 22.9% | ||||||
|
40 Trading Days
|
0.2634 | 24.8% | ||||||
|
60 Trading Days
|
0.2583 | 27.7% | ||||||
|
Six Months
|
0.2471 | 33.5% | ||||||
|
One Year
|
0.2321 | 42.3% | ||||||
|
Two Years
|
0.2141 | 54.3% | ||||||
UBS observed that the 0.3304 theoretical exchange ratio implied from the offer price was greater than the exchange ratios implied by the historical prices for Harrah’s and Caesars common stock for the specified dates and periods.
| Selected Gaming Companies’ Trading Statistics |
UBS compared selected financial information, ratios, and public market multiples for Caesars and Harrah’s to the corresponding data for the following nine publicly traded companies:
| • | Ameristar Casinos, Inc.; | |
| • | Argosy Gaming Co.; | |
| • | Aztar Corp.; | |
| • | Boyd Gaming Corp.; | |
| • | Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.; | |
| • | MGM MIRAGE; | |
| • | Penn National Gaming, Inc.; | |
| • | Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.; and | |
| • | Station Casinos, Inc. |
UBS chose the foregoing selected companies because they are publicly traded companies in the gaming industry with operations that were believed to be reasonably similar to Caesars and Harrah’s for the purposes of this analysis. UBS reviewed, among other information, the ratio of the selected companies’ total enterprise value, referred to as TEV, calculated as equity value (based on July 13, 2004 closing stock prices) plus total debt and other long-term liabilities, less cash and cash equivalents, to:
| • | last twelve months, referred to as LTM, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, referred to as EBITDA; and | |
| • | estimated EBITDA for 2004 and 2005; |
UBS also reviewed, among other information, the ratio of the selected companies’ share price as of closing on July 13, 2004 to projected earnings per share, referred to as EPS, for 2004 and 2005.
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Estimated financial data for the selected companies were based on publicly available information, various research reports, and consensus estimates.
This analysis indicated the following multiples:
| TEV/EBITDA | P/E Multiples | ||||||||||||||||||||
| LTM | 2004E | 2005E | 2004E | 2005E | |||||||||||||||||
|
Selected Companies
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mean
|
9.3 | 8.7 | 8.1 | 17.6 | 19.4 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Median
|
8.9 | 8.7 | 8.0 | 16.8 | 15.2 | ||||||||||||||||
|
High
|
14.2 | 12.8 | 11.4 | 24.5 | 53.9 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Low
|
6.2 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 12.4 | 9.7 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Harrah’s
|
8.6 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 16.1 | 14.8 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Caesars at Market Price
|
7.8 | 7.4 | 7.0 | 20.2 | 18.3 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Caesars at Offer Price
|
8.8 | 8.4 | 8.0 | 24.9 | 22.6 | ||||||||||||||||
UBS observed that the implied multiples for Caesars common stock at the offer price and for Harrah’s common stock at the July 13, 2004 closing price were within the range of corresponding implied multiples for the selected companies. UBS noted that none of the selected companies is either identical or directly comparable to Caesars or Harrah’s and that any analysis of selected companies necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the public trading of the selected companies.
| Selected Precedent U.S. Gaming Transactions |
UBS reviewed the purchase prices paid in 18 selected transactions involving target companies in the gaming industry. Financial data for the selected transactions were based on publicly available information, including publicly available research estimates and company filings. UBS then calculated, where available, (1) the ratio of TEV to estimated EBITDA and (2) the premium paid over the stock price one day and 30 days prior to the transaction announcement, for each selected transaction and compared the results of these calculations with corresponding calculations for the merger of Harrah’s and Caesars.
This analysis indicated the following implied ratios and premiums for the selected transactions as compared to the implied ratio and premium for the merger of Harrah’s and Caesars:
| Premium | |||||||||||||
| TEV/Estimated | |||||||||||||
| Transaction Comparables | EBITDA | 1-Day Prior | 30-Days Prior | ||||||||||
|
Comparable Transactions
|
|||||||||||||
|
Mean
|
7.1 | 33% | 31% | ||||||||||
|
Median
|
6.9 | 30% | 28% | ||||||||||
|
High
|
10.0 | 56% | 60% | ||||||||||
|
Low
|
4.8 | 18% | 7% | ||||||||||
|
Caesars
|
8.0 | 23% | 21% | ||||||||||
UBS observed that the implied ratios and premiums for Caesars based on the offer price were within the range of corresponding implied ratios and premiums for the selected precedent transactions. UBS chose the selected precedent transactions because they were business combinations that, for the purpose of the analysis, UBS considered to be reasonably similar to the merger in that these transactions involved companies in the gaming industry. UBS noted that none of the selected precedent transactions is either identical or directly comparable to the merger and that any analysis of selected precedent transactions necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the acquisition values of the companies concerned.
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| Caesars Standalone Discounted Cash Flow Analysis |
UBS performed a discounted cash flow analysis using financial forecasts for 2005 to 2008 internally prepared by Caesars’ management in order to derive an implied per share equity value reference range for Caesars shares. UBS assumed discount rates of 9.0% to 12.0% reflecting Caesars’ estimated weighted average cost of capital. The discounted cash flow analysis determined the discounted present value of the unleveraged after-tax cash flows generated over the period covered by the financial forecasts and then added a terminal value based on a range of multiples of estimated 2009 EBITDA of 6.5x to 7.5x. This analysis indicated an implied equity value reference range per Caesars share of $13.94 to $20.33. UBS observed that $17.17, which represents the implied value of the merger consideration per share of Caesars common stock based on the July 13, 2004 closing price of Harrah’s common stock, was within that range.
| Harrah’s Standalone Discounted Cash Flow Analysis |
UBS also performed a discounted cash flow analysis using financial forecasts for 2005 to 2008 internally prepared by Harrah’s management in order to derive an implied per share equity value reference range for Harrah’s shares. UBS assumed discount rates of 9.0% to 12% reflecting Harrah’s estimated weighted average cost of capital. The discounted cash flow analysis determined the discounted present value of the unleveraged after-tax cash flows generated by the period covered by the financial forecasts and then added a terminal value based on a range of multiples of estimated 2009 EBITDA of 7.5x to 8.5x. This analysis indicated an implied equity value reference range per Harrah’s share of $50.27 to $68.18. UBS noted that $51.98, Harrah’s closing stock price on July 13, 2004, was within that range.
| Pro Forma Combination Analysis |
UBS analyzed the potential pro forma financial effects of the business combination of Caesars and Harrah’s on Harrah’s estimated EPS. UBS performed the analysis using financial projections internally prepared by the managements of Caesars and Harrah’s, and also using IBES consensus estimates which are publicly available, for 2005, 2006 and 2007. The analysis was performed assuming that no divestitures would be required in order to obtain regulatory approvals required to complete the merger, and the analysis was also done assuming that Harrah’s would have to divest properties to obtain such regulatory approvals.
For purposes of its pro forma analysis, at the direction of Caesars, UBS made various assumptions, including (1) annual pre-tax synergies of $50 million, $100 million and $150 million, (2) in the scenario assuming no divestitures, the cash portion of the aggregate merger consideration will be debt-financed and (3) in the scenario assuming divestitures, the cash portion of the aggregate merger consideration will be financed using net proceeds from the divestitures.
Using IBES consensus estimates for Caesars and Harrah’s, the analysis indicated that the merger would be dilutive to Harrah’s estimated pro forma EPS for 2005, 2006 and 2007, except that the merger would be accretive for 2006 and 2007 only in the scenario assuming no divestitures and $150 million of annual pre-tax synergies. Using internally prepared management forecasts for Caesars and Harrah’s, in the scenario assuming no divestitures, the analysis indicated that the merger would be accretive to Harrah’s estimated pro forma EPS for 2005, 2006 and 2007, except that the merger would be dilutive for 2005 and 2006 assuming only $50 million of annual pre-tax synergies. Using the same management forecasts, in the scenario assuming divestitures, the merger would be dilutive to Harrah’s estimated pro forma EPS for 2005, 2006 and 2007, except that the merger would be accretive for 2007 assuming $150 million of annual pre-tax synergies.
| Other Factors |
In the course of preparing its opinion, UBS also reviewed and considered other information and data, including:
| • | historical trading multiples for Caesars and Harrah’s common stock; |
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| • | historical EBITDA margin, return on book equity, consensus projected EPS forecasts and consensus long-term growth rate forecasts for Caesars, Harrah’s and selected other gaming industry companies; and | |
| • | publicly available research analysts’ reports for Caesars and Harrah’s. |
| Miscellaneous |
Caesars selected UBS as its financial advisor in connection with the merger because UBS is an internationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experience in similar transactions. Under the terms of its engagement, UBS earned a fee of $1 million for rendering its financial fairness opinion which was independent of the result of the opinion, and will earn a fee of $20 million payable upon the completion of the merger, against which the opinion fee will be credited to the extent previously paid. In addition, Caesars has agreed to reimburse UBS for its reasonable expenses, including fees and disbursements of its counsel, and to indemnify UBS against liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, relating to or arising out of its engagement as financial advisor to Caesars.
UBS, as part of its investment banking services, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, corporate restructurings, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes.
In the ordinary course of business, UBS acts as a market maker and broker in the publicly traded securities of Caesars and Harrah’s and UBS and its affiliates may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities for its own account or for the accounts of its customers.
Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger
| United States Antitrust |
The merger is subject to review by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Antitrust Division, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, which is referred to as the HSR Act. Under the HSR Act, Harrah’s and Caesars are required to make pre-merger notification filings and to await the expiration or early termination of the statutory waiting period prior to completing the merger. On July 28, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars each filed a Premerger Notification and Report Form with the Antitrust Division and the FTC.
On August 27, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars received from the FTC requests for additional information with respect to the merger. As a result of the requests for additional information, the waiting period under the HSR Act will be extended until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on the 30th day after both Harrah’s and Caesars have substantially complied with the requests for additional information or such later time as is agreed among the parties and the FTC. Both Harrah’s and Caesars certified their substantial compliance with the FTC’s requests for additional information on January 18, 2005.
There can be no assurance that the governmental reviewing authorities will terminate the applicable statutory waiting periods or clear the merger at all or without restrictions or conditions that would have a material adverse effect on the combined company if the merger is completed. These restrictions and conditions could include the grant of a complete or partial license, or the divestiture, spin-off or the holding separate of assets or businesses. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Harrah’s and Caesars, if requested by Harrah’s, are required to commit to any divestitures, licenses or hold separate or similar arrangements with respect to its assets or conduct of business arrangements if such divestiture, license, holding separate or arrangement is a condition to obtain any approval from any governmental entity in order to complete the merger and would not have a material adverse effect on the combined company. Caesars may condition any divesture, license or hold separate or similar arrangement upon the completion of the merger. No additional stockholder approval is expected to be required or sought for any decision by
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In addition, during or after the statutory waiting period and clearance of the merger, and even after completion of the merger, either the Antitrust Division, the FTC or any state attorney general could challenge, seek to block or block the merger under the antitrust laws, as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest. Other competition agencies with jurisdiction over the merger could also initiate action to challenge or block the merger. In addition, in some jurisdictions, a competitor, customer or other third party could initiate a private action under the antitrust laws challenging or seeking to enjoin the merger, before or after it is completed. On August 9, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars received from the Office of Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a request for information with respect to the merger. In addition, on September 13, 2004, Harrah’s received from the Department of Justice of the State of Louisiana a request for information with respect to the merger. Harrah’s and Caesars cannot be sure that a challenge to the merger will not be made or that, if a challenge is made, Harrah’s and Caesars will prevail. Harrah’s and Caesars do not believe that the merger will violate U.S. federal or state laws.
| Gaming Regulation |
The gaming operations of each of Harrah’s and Caesars are subject to extensive regulation, and each of Harrah’s, Caesars and their respective subsidiaries hold registrations, approvals, gaming licenses or permits in each jurisdiction in which it operates gaming activities. In each of these jurisdictions, certain regulatory requirements must be complied with and/or certain approvals must be obtained in connection with the merger. Harrah’s and Caesars’ respective obligations to complete the merger are conditioned upon all material gaming regulatory approvals and authorizations having been obtained. See “The Merger Agreement — Regulatory and Antitrust Approval” on page 107.
The following is only a summary of the various applicable gaming regulatory requirements with respect to the merger. For a complete description of the regulatory requirements applicable to Harrah’s and Caesars, see “Description of Governmental Regulation” filed at Exhibit 99.1 to Harrah’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and “Business — Regulation and Licensing” in Caesars’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
The failure:
| • | to obtain the required approval of the merger and the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | to comply with the procedural requirements prescribed by any applicable gaming regulatory authority; or | |
| • | of Harrah’s or Caesars to qualify or make disclosures or applications as required under the laws and regulations of any applicable gaming regulatory authority, |
in each case as described below or in the information incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, may result in the loss of license or denial of application for licensure in any such jurisdiction.
Nevada Gaming Regulation. As a result of Harrah’s ownership and/or operation of Bill’s Casino (Lake Tahoe), Binion’s Horseshoe (Las Vegas), Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Harrah’s Laughlin, Harrah’s Reno and Rio (Las Vegas), and Caesars’ ownership and operation of Bally’s Las Vegas, Caesars Tahoe, Caesars Palace (Las Vegas), Flamingo Las Vegas, Flamingo Laughlin, Paris Las Vegas and Reno Hilton, both Harrah’s and Caesars are subject to the jurisdiction of the Nevada gaming authorities. The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Nevada are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and its regulations, which are collectively referred to as the Nevada Act, and various local ordinances and regulations. Harrah’s and Caesars’ respective gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and applicable local liquor and gaming authorities, which are collectively referred to as the Nevada Gaming Authorities.
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The Nevada Act provides that the acquisition of control of a registered publicly traded corporation such as Caesars must be approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The Nevada State Gaming Control Board reviews and investigates applications and makes recommendations on those applications to the Nevada Gaming Commission for final action. Harrah’s will file applications with the Nevada State Gaming Control Board for approval of the acquisition of control of Caesars and related amendments to its existing Order of Registration and its existing approval of a continuous or delayed public offering. Harrah’s will also file related applications with all appropriate local jurisdictions. Harrah’s and Caesars are each currently registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as publicly traded corporations and have been found suitable to own the stock of their gaming subsidiaries that have licensed gaming facilities in Nevada. Caesars will file an application for termination of its registration with the Nevada Gaming Commission.
In seeking approval of the merger, Harrah’s must satisfy the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission in a variety of stringent standards prior to the completion of the merger. The Nevada State Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission will consider all relevant material facts in determining whether to grant this approval, and may consider not only the effects of the merger but also any other facts that are deemed relevant. Such facts may include, among others:
| • | the business history of Harrah’s, including its record of financial stability, integrity and success of its operations, as well as its current business activities; | |
| • | the adequacy of the proposed financing; and | |
| • | whether the merger will create a significant risk that Harrah’s, Caesars or their subsidiaries will not satisfy their financial obligations as they become due or satisfy all financial and regulatory requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. |
The Nevada State Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission will also consider whether the merger is in the best interests of the State of Nevada under the multiple licensing criteria in the Nevada Act. Among other factors set forth in such multiple licensing criteria, they may consider whether the merger would create a monopoly, and what the result of the merger will be in respect of the market share of Harrah’s compared to similarly situated competitors on a statewide, countywide and other geographical basis in the following categories:
| • | total number of slot machines; | |
| • | total number of games; | |
| • | total number of tables; | |
| • | gross revenue; | |
| • | percentage tax; | |
| • | live entertainment tax; | |
| • | number of rooms available for the public; | |
| • | number of employees hired; and | |
| • | total payroll. |
The Nevada Gaming Commission may also require controlling stockholders of Harrah’s and certain of the individuals who will be appointed as officers, directors, and key employees of Harrah’s or its licensed subsidiaries in connection with the merger to be investigated and licensed or found suitable as part of the approval process relating to the transaction. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, Harrah’s, Caesars or their Nevada gaming subsidiaries in order to determine whether the individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause that it deems reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation.
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If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with Harrah’s, Caesars or their Nevada gaming subsidiaries, that entity would have to sever all relationships with the person. In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission may require Harrah’s, Caesars or their Nevada gaming subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. All individuals required to file applications for findings of suitability and/or licensing in connection with the merger as officers, directors and key employees of Harrah’s or its licensed subsidiaries will file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities.
Harrah’s may not make a public offering of its securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission if the securities or the proceeds from the public offering of its securities are intended to be used to construct, acquire, or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or retire or extend obligations incurred for those purposes. On November 18, 2004, the Nevada Gaming Commission granted Harrah’s prior approval to make public offerings for a period of two years, subject to specified conditions, which is referred to as the shelf approval. Harrah’s has applied for its renewal. Harrah’s anticipates that the issuance of securities by Harrah’s in connection with the merger will be covered by the shelf approval. The shelf approval, however, may be rescinded for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The shelf approval does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval of the Nevada Gaming Authorities as to the accuracy or adequacy of the offering memorandum or the investment merits of the securities offered by the offering memorandum. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.
On November 19, 2004, Caesars agreed to sell Caesars Tahoe to an affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation. This sale was subject to a right of first refusal, whereby an unrelated third party might have exercised an option to purchase Caesars Tahoe. However, that party notified Caesars on January 20, 2005 that it chose not to exercise that option.
Mississippi Gaming Regulation. As a result of Harrah’s ownership and operation of Harrah’s Tunica and Horseshoe Tunica, and Caesars’ ownership and operation of Bally’s Tunica, Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Casino Gulfport, Grand Casino Tunica and Sheraton Casino & Hotel (Tunica), both Harrah’s and Caesars are subject to the jurisdiction of the Mississippi gaming authorities. The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Mississippi are subject to the Mississippi Gaming Control Act and its regulations, which are collectively referred to as the Mississippi Act, and various local regulations. The gaming operations of Harrah’s and Caesars in Mississippi are subject to the licenses and regulatory control of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The Mississippi Act provides that the acquisition of control of a registered publicly traded corporation or a corporate licensee must be approved by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
In seeking approval to merge with Caesars, Harrah’s must satisfy the Mississippi Gaming Commission as to a variety of stringent standards. The Mississippi Gaming Commission will consider all relevant material facts in determining whether to grant the approval, and may consider not only the effects of the merger but also any other facts that it deems relevant. Such facts may include, among others:
| • | the business history of the applicant, including its record of financial stability, integrity and success of its operations, as well as its current business activities; and | |
| • | whether the merger will create a significant risk that Harrah’s, Caesars or their subsidiaries will not satisfy their financial obligations as they become due or satisfy all financial and regulatory requirements imposed by the Mississippi Act. |
Certain officers, directors and key employees of Caesars prior to the merger, or of Harrah’s after the merger, who will be actively and directly involved in Caesars’ gaming activities may also be required to be found suitable or licensed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Harrah’s will make any new applications for findings of suitability as may be required, and will also request the transfer or extension of any existing findings of suitability. The Mississippi Gaming Commission may deny an application for licensing or registration for any cause that it deems reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to
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Because Harrah’s will assume Caesars’ existing debt in the merger, any pledges, negative pledges or other restrictions on the transfer of the equity securities of Harrah’s licensed or registered subsidiaries associated with all Caesars debt assumed by Harrah’s, and any pledges of the assets of or guarantees by Harrah’s licensed subsidiaries associated with Caesars’ publicly traded debt assumed by Harrah’s, shall be ineffective unless approved in advance by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Likewise, any pledges, negative pledges or other restrictions on the transfer of the equity securities of Caesars’ Mississippi subsidiaries associated with existing Harrah’s bank debt shall be ineffective unless approved in advance by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
On September 27, 2004, Harrah’s and Caesars agreed to sell Harrah’s Tunica and Bally’s Tunica, respectively, to an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC.
Indiana Gaming Regulation. As a result of Harrah’s ownership and operation of Harrah’s East Chicago and Horseshoe Hammond, and Caesars’ ownership and operation of Caesars Indiana, both Harrah’s and Caesars are subject to the jurisdiction of the Indiana gaming authorities. The ownership and operation of riverboat casino gaming facilities in Indiana are subject to the Riverboat Gambling Act and its regulations, which are collectively referred to as the Indiana Act. Harrah’s and Caesars each have riverboat casino gaming facilities in Indiana, which are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Indiana Gaming Commission, state and local liquor authorities, United States Coast Guard regulations, Army Corps of Engineer permits and other local authorities. The Indiana Act requires the approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission before an entity may acquire an interest of five percent or more in a riverboat owner’s license, including through a merger, stock acquisition, transfer, sale or purchase transaction. Therefore, the merger, as a transfer of ownership in the riverboat license, requires the approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission.
To obtain approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission to transfer a riverboat owner’s license, Harrah’s must submit a completed application to transfer a riverboat owner’s license and a requisite fee. Upon receipt of the application and fee, the Indiana State Police, Gaming Division, will investigate Harrah’s, its key persons and substantial owners, or persons owning five percent or more of Harrah’s, and will provide related information to the Indiana Gaming Commission. In connection with the merger, the Indiana Gaming Commission may require both Harrah’s and Caesars to provide confidential financial information to the Indiana Gaming Commission for a confidential evaluation of the financial stability of both companies prior to the merger and the financial stability of the combined company. This evaluation may include an analysis of Harrah’s and Caesars management and their ability to effectively operate the combined companies.
The Indiana Act requires the Indiana Gaming Commission to consider when determining whether to grant approval of a transfer of a riverboat owner’s license, among other things:
| • | the character, reputation, experience and financial integrity of the applicant; | |
| • | the adequacy of the capitalization to maintain a riverboat for the duration of the license; | |
| • | the actions, if any, taken or recommended by any federal agency, including but not limited to, the Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Coast Guard and the FTC; | |
| • | the existence of skill, knowledge and experience in conducting a gambling operation; | |
| • | the economic impact on Indiana; | |
| • | the willingness of the applicant to accept the local economic development obligations undertaken by the predecessor licensee; and | |
| • | such other standards, terms and conditions as may be adopted by the Indiana Gaming Commission. |
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The Indiana Gaming Commission will also consider whether the merger, as a transfer of ownership in the riverboat license, is in the best interest of the people and the State of Indiana by promoting tourism, assisting economic development and maintaining the public confidence and trust in the gaming operations.
In addition to requiring approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission for the transfer of a riverboat owner’s license, the Indiana Act also limits the number of riverboat owner’s licenses that may be issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission to a total of ten. The Indiana Act further limits the number of riverboat owner’s licenses that can be owned by any entity to two. Presently, Harrah’s owns and operates two riverboat gaming facilities in Indiana, Harrah’s in East Chicago, Indiana and Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. Caesars is the majority owner and operator of Caesars Indiana in Harrison County, Indiana. Pursuant to the license limitations under the Indiana Act, it will be necessary for one of the three Harrah’s and Caesars riverboat gaming facilities in Indiana to be transferred to a non-related third party before the Indiana Gaming Commission may approve the transfer of Caesars’ riverboat licenses in the merger, and therefore, on September 27, 2004, Harrah’s agreed to sell Harrah’s East Chicago to an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC. The approval by the Indiana Gaming Commission of the transfer of any of Harrah’s or Caesars’ Indiana riverboat gaming facilities to a non-related third party prior to the merger is independent of the considerations necessary for the approval of the merger. There can be no assurance that the approval of any transfer to a third party will be granted or will be granted on a timely basis or without the imposition of burdensome conditions. Furthermore, any approval, if granted, does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Indiana Gaming Commission as to the merits of the merger. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.
The Indiana Act requires the pre-approval of debt transactions, whether new or assumed debt, of $1,000,000 or more. If the Indiana Gaming Commission approves the transfer of ownership interest in Caesars pursuant to the merger, it will also consider financial information regarding any debt transactions related to the merger, including the assumption of Caesars’ outstanding debt by Harrah’s in the merger. The approval of any debt transactions related to the merger will generally be part of the approval of the transfer of ownership interest pursuant to the merger.
The Indiana Act does not require the pre-approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission for a public offering of securities. However, any person acquiring an ownership interest of five percent or more of a riverboat gaming license owner, regardless of whether the interest is direct or indirect, as a result of any public offering of securities is required to file an application with the Indiana Gaming Commission and submit to a background investigation for the purpose of determining the person’s suitability to be a substantial owner of the license owner. Qualifying institutional investors must file with the Indiana Gaming Commission upon obtaining an ownership interest of five percent and become subject to a background investigation upon acquiring a 15 percent ownership interest. In addition, any information disseminated by a licensee or licensee applicant which is later found to be inappropriate by another agency or the Indiana Gaming Commission may give rise to a disciplinary action.
The Indiana Act requires the payment of a transfer fee in the amount of $2,000,000 by a licensed owner who purchases or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in a second owner’s license.
On January 11, 2005, Caesars agreed to acquire its partner’s minority interest in Caesars Indiana in order to become, as of the consummation of that transaction, the sole owner and operator of Caesars Indiana.
Louisiana Gaming Regulation. As a result of Harrah’s ownership and operation of Horseshoe Bossier City, Harrah’s Lake Charles, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs (Bossier City) and Harrah’s New Orleans, and Caesars’ ownership and operation of Bally’s Casino New Orleans, both Harrah’s and Caesars are subject to the jurisdiction of the Louisiana gaming authorities. The ownership and operation of each of Harrah’s and Caesars’ gaming operations in Louisiana are subject to the Louisiana Gaming Control Act and its regulations. The ownership and operation of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs race-track is subject to Louisiana Revised Statute Title 4, Chapter 4 (Horse Racing) and its regulations, which, collectively with the Louisiana Gaming Control Act and its regulations, are referred to as the Louisiana Act. The Louisiana Act imposes extensive restrictions and requirements upon gaming operators in the State of Louisiana and
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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is responsible for issuing gaming licenses and enforcing the laws, rules and regulations relative to riverboat gaming operations, slots machines at eligible racetrack facilities, and Harrah’s land-based operations in New Orleans. Harrah’s land-based operations in New Orleans are also governed by a Casino Operating Contract with the State of Louisiana. The Louisiana Racing Commission is responsible for issuing licenses and regulating horse racing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs facility. Harrah’s may by required to seek the prior approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board of transactions related to the merger, including the financing of the merger. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board may require action on the part of the Louisiana Racing Commission prior to issuance of such approval.
If an approval related to the merger is required, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and its investigative agency, the Office of the State Police, may consider all relevant facts in determining whether to grant approval to certain transactions related to the merger. These facts include, without limitation:
| • | the suitability of any person who has or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more ownership, income, profit or economic interest in Harrah’s or its Louisiana subsidiaries after the completion of the merger; | |
| • | the suitability of any person who receives five percent or more revenue interest in the form of a commission, finder’s fee or loan repayment as a result of the transaction or otherwise; | |
| • | the suitability of any person who has the ability, in the opinion of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, to exercise a significant influence over any Harrah’s Louisiana licensee; | |
| • | the business history of Harrah’s, including its record of financial stability, its integrity and the success of its operations in Louisiana and elsewhere; and | |
| • | the adequacy of the proposed financing, and whether the merger will create any risk that the various entities will be unable to satisfy their financial and regulatory obligations to the state and otherwise, including without limitation, Harrah’s guaranty of minimum daily contributions required by the Louisiana Act and the Casino Operating Contract, and the debt being assumed under the merger agreement. |
A gaming license is deemed to be a privilege under Louisiana law and as such a license may be revoked, suspended, conditioned or limited at any time by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has similar discretion as to the approval of transactions related to the merger.
On October 22, 2004, Caesars agreed to sell Bally’s Casino New Orleans to an affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation.
New Jersey Gaming Regulation. As a result of Harrah’s ownership and operation of Harrah’s Atlantic City and Showboat Atlantic City, and Caesars’ ownership and operation of Atlantic City Hilton, Bally’s Atlantic City and Caesars Atlantic City, both Harrah’s and Caesars are subject to the jurisdiction of the New Jersey gaming authorities. The ownership and operation of hotel-casino facilities and gaming activities in Atlantic City, New Jersey are subject to extensive state regulation under the New Jersey Casino Control Act, or the New Jersey Act, and related regulations of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, or the New Jersey Commission. Harrah’s and Caesars’ current gaming operations in New Jersey are subject to the authority of the New Jersey Commission and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, which is referred to as the New Jersey Division. The merger requires prior regulatory approval by the New Jersey Commission.
For an applicant to be granted a casino license under the New Jersey Act, officers, directors and certain key employees must be licensed or qualified by the New Jersey Commission. Similar approvals must be granted for the applicant’s intermediary and holding companies, and certain owners and financial
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| • | the financial stability and responsibility, good character, honesty, integrity and business ability of the applicant, its officers, directors, key employees, financial backers, investors and others financially interested in the casino; | |
| • | the nature of casino hotel facilities; and | |
| • | the operating methods and financial and accounting practices used in connection with casino operations. |
In addition, the New Jersey Commission must be satisfied that the merger will not result in undue economic concentration in the Atlantic City casino industry.
The New Jersey Act imposes certain restrictions on the ownership and transfer of any security or ownership interest in a casino licensee or any non-publicly traded subsidiary or holding company and requires prior approval of transferred control of a casino licensee. The New Jersey Act requires that the sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition of any security issued by a corporation that holds a casino license is conditional and shall be ineffective if disapproved by the New Jersey Commission. If at any time the New Jersey Commission finds that an owner or holder of any security of a casino licensee or holding company is not qualified under the New Jersey Act, the New Jersey Commission may propose remedial action, including divestiture of the securities held. If disqualified persons fail to divest themselves of the securities, the New Jersey Commission may revoke or suspend the license.
Harrah’s will notify the New Jersey Commission and New Jersey Division of any new debt or equity issued in order to finance the merger and provide each with required documentation, including lists of the holders or lenders, and may have to petition the New Jersey Commission for waiver of the security holder requirement subsequent to the incurrence of the debt or issuance of the equity securities. If any necessary waivers are not granted, the holder will either have to be found qualified by the New Jersey Commission or divest itself of its interest.
In seeking approval of the New Jersey Commission, Harrah’s must satisfy the New Jersey Commission and the New Jersey Division that the merger meets all requirements of the New Jersey Act. In determining whether to grant the approvals, the New Jersey Commission will consider all relevant facts, including whether:
| • | each officer, director, certain owners and others having the ability to control the casino licensees, holding companies and intermediary companies, key employees and certain financial sources and investors meet the standards for qualification; | |
| • | the agreement to transfer a security holding in a casino licensee or holding or intermediary company contains certain required provisions, including an approved provision for divestiture in the event the applicant is found unqualified for licensure; | |
| • | the proposed financing of the merger is adequate and whether, after the merger, Harrah’s will possess the requisite financial stability; and | |
| • | the merger will result in undue economic concentration in Atlantic City casino operations. |
The regulations of the New Jersey Commission define “undue economic concentration” to mean that a person would have such actual or potential domination of the casino gaming market in Atlantic City as to substantially impede or suppress competition among casino licensees or adversely impact the economic stability of the casino industry in Atlantic City. In determining whether the merger will result in undue economic concentration, the New Jersey Commission will consider the following:
| • | the total number of licensed casinos in New Jersey; |
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| • | the total casino and casino simulcasting facility square footage; | |
| • | the number of guest rooms; | |
| • | the number of slot machines; | |
| • | the number of table games; | |
| • | net revenue; | |
| • | table game win; | |
| • | slot machine win; | |
| • | table game drop; | |
| • | slot machine drop; | |
| • | the number of casino hotel employees; | |
| • | the estimated increase in the market shares in the categories above if the person is issued or permitted to hold the casino license; | |
| • | whether the licensed casinos held or to be held by the person have separate organizational structures or other independent obligations; | |
| • | the relative market shares in the categories above of other persons holding casino licenses; | |
| • | the current and projected financial condition of the casino industry; | |
| • | the potential impact of licensure on the projected future growth and development of the casino industry and Atlantic City; | |
| • | current market conditions including competition levels, consumer demand, market concentration and consolidation trends in the casino industry and any other relevant characteristics of the market; | |
| • | barriers to entry into the casino industry, including the licensure requirements of the Act, and whether the issuance or holding of a casino license by the person will operate as a barrier to new companies and individuals desiring to enter the market; | |
| • | whether the issuance or holding of the license by the person will adversely impact on consumer interests, or whether such issuance or holding is likely to result in enhancing the quality and customer appeal of products and services offered by casino licensees in order to maintain or increase their respective market shares; | |
| • | whether a restriction on the issuance or holding of an additional license by the person is necessary in order to encourage and preserve competition and to prevent undue economic concentration in casino operations; and | |
| • | any other evidence deemed relevant by the New Jersey Commission. |
If the New Jersey Commission finds that Harrah’s will not continue to possess financial stability, integrity and responsibility as a result of the financing of the merger, or that the merger will result in undue economic concentration in the Atlantic City casino industry, the Commission could deny approval of the merger or condition approval upon the satisfaction of certain conditions including, but not limited to, the divestiture of the applicant’s interest in one or more casino in Atlantic City.
On September 27, 2004, Caesars agreed to sell the Atlantic City Hilton to an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC.
Ontario Gaming Regulation. As a result of Caesars’ fifty percent indirect ownership in Windsor Casino Limited, the operator of Casino Windsor, Caesars is subject to the jurisdiction of the Ontario gaming authorities. The gaming operations in Ontario are subject to the regulatory control of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which is referred to as the AGCO, pursuant to the Ontario Gaming
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The Ontario Act provides that the AGCO may require submission of disclosures and informational material from any person who has an interest in a gaming facility in Ontario. This includes parent companies and their directors and officers.
Although neither the merger, a public offering of securities by Harrah’s or Caesars, nor the proxy statement requires the approval of the AGCO, the Registrar of the AGCO may, at any time, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a registration for any reason that would have disentitled the registrant to registration. The criteria to be considered in connection with the registration under the Ontario Act include:
| • | the financial responsibility; | |
| • | the integrity and honesty; and | |
| • | the public interest; |
as each relates to the applicant and persons interested in the applicant, such as parent companies and their directors and officers.
The Registrar of the AGCO is entitled to make inquiries and conduct investigations as it deems necessary to determine that applicants for registration meet the requirements of the Ontario Act.
Pursuant to the Ontario Act and the terms and conditions of Windsor Casino Limited’s registration, the Registrar of the AGCO must approve any change in the directors and officers of Windsor Casino Limited and any change in the directors and officers of Windsor Casino Limited’s parent companies who exercise any advisory or decision-making functions in relation to Windsor Casino Limited.
Nova Scotia Gaming Regulation. As a result of Caesars’ ninety-five percent indirect partnership interest in Metropolitan Entertainment Group, or Metropolitan, the operator of Casino Nova Scotia (Halifax) and Casino Nova Scotia (Sydney), Caesars is subject to the jurisdiction of the Nova Scotia gaming authorities. The gaming operations in Nova Scotia are subject to the regulatory control of the Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority, which is referred to as the NSAGA, pursuant to the Nova Scotia Gaming Control Act and its regulations, which is referred to as the Nova Scotia Act, and certain contractual obligations to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, a provincial crown corporation owned by the Province of Nova Scotia. Metropolitan is required under the Nova Scotia Act to maintain registration as a casino operator with the NSAGA and must operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of its registration.
Under the Nova Scotia Act, the NSAGA must be notified within 15 days of any change in the information contained in the application for the license and must provide a disclosure form in the case of any change in the officers or directors of a partner of a casino operator or any change in the beneficial ownership of the casino operator.
Although neither the merger, a public offering of securities by Harrah’s or Caesars, nor the proxy statement requires the approval of the NSAGA, the NSAGA has the power to suspend or to revoke a registration at any time for any reason that would have disentitled a party to obtain registration or renewal of registration. Grounds for suspension or revocation include:
| • | the lack of financial responsibility; | |
| • | the lack of integrity and honesty; | |
| • | failure to act in the public interest; and | |
| • | failure to disclose information required by the Director of Registration; |
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as each relates to the applicant and persons interested in the applicant, such as parent companies and their directors and officers.
The Nova Scotia Act also provides that the Director of Registration may require information or material and may conduct investigations concerning any person who has an interest in the casino including parent companies and their directors and officers.
Additional Gaming Regulation. Harrah’s and Caesars are also subject to a variety of gaming regulations in the other jurisdictions in which they operate, which include Arizona, Australia, California, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Africa and Uruguay. Certain of the gaming regulatory authorities in these jurisdictions may require approval of certain aspects of the merger, the issuance of Harrah’s common stock in the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, either prior to or after the completion of the merger.
On December 24, 2004, Caesars agreed to sell its interest in Caesars Gauteng, a casino resort near Johannesburg, South Africa to Peermont Global Limited and Marang (East Rand) Gaming Investments.
Harrah’s will make all filings with the appropriate regulatory authorities and take all other actions necessary, in each case in a timely manner, to obtain the approvals necessary under all applicable gaming regulations in each of these jurisdictions in order to complete the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. There can be no assurance that the approvals will be granted or will be granted on a timely basis. Any approval, if granted, does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the applicable regulatory authority as to the merits of the merger. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. For further information regarding the obligations of Harrah’s and Caesars with regards to governmental and regulatory matters, see “The Merger Agreement — Regulatory and Antitrust Approval” on page 107.
Harrah’s and Caesars have not yet obtained any of the governmental or regulatory approvals required to complete the merger.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to Harrah’s, Caesars, Harrah’s stockholders and U.S. holders (as defined below) of Caesars common stock. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial opinions, and administrative pronouncements and published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, all as in effect on the date of this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those set forth below. We have not sought, and will not seek, any ruling from the IRS with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a contrary position regarding the tax consequences of the merger described in this discussion or that any such contrary position would not be sustained.
This discussion is limited to U.S. holders who hold their shares of Caesars common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all of the federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular circumstances, and does not address the tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction. In addition, this discussion does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may be relevant to a stockholder subject to special rules under U.S. federal income tax laws, including without limitation:
| • | banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions; | |
| • | partnerships or other entities treated as partnerships or flow-through entities; | |
| • | tax-exempt organizations; | |
| • | tax-qualified retirement plans; |
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| • | dealers in securities or currencies; | |
| • | traders in securities that elect to use the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings; | |
| • | persons that hold Caesars common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a constructive sale or conversion transaction; | |
| • | persons who acquired their shares of Caesars common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation; | |
| • | persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; and | |
| • | stockholders who are not U.S. holders. |
If a partnership or other entity taxed as a partnership holds Caesars common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and partners in such a partnership should consult their tax advisors about the tax consequences of the merger to them.
The statements of law or legal conclusions in this discussion constitute the opinions of Latham & Watkins LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as to the material United States federal income tax consequences of the merger. Such opinions are based on, and assume the truth and accuracy of, the statements, covenants, representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement (including all exhibits and schedules thereto) and this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Such opinions also are based on the assumptions that the merger will be consummated in the manner contemplated by, and in accordance with the provisions of, the merger agreement and this joint proxy statement/ prospectus, and that the merger will be effective under the laws of the State of Delaware. Such opinions further assume that the parties have complied with and, if applicable, will continue to comply with, the covenants contained in the merger agreement and this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Any inaccuracy in the foregoing assumptions could adversely affect such opinions.
Caesars stockholders are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to them in light of their particular situation, as well any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws or any other federal tax laws.
For purposes of this discussion, we use the term “U.S. holder” to mean a beneficial owner of Caesars common stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:
| • | a citizen or resident of the United States; | |
| • | a corporation or partnership, or other entity treated as a corporation or partnership for federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any State or the District of Columbia; | |
| • | an estate that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income regardless of its source; or | |
| • | a trust, the substantial decisions of which are controlled by one or more U.S. persons and which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court, or a trust that validly has elected under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
| Structure of the Merger |
As a condition to completing the merger, Harrah’s must receive from Latham & Watkins LLP, and Caesars must receive from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, an opinion dated as of closing that the merger qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each opinion will be based on customary factual assumptions and representations, as set forth in representation letters to be delivered by each of Harrah’s and Caesars at the time of closing, substantially in the form of Exhibits B and C to the merger agreement, which assumptions and
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However, if either counsel is unable to render an opinion that the merger qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, then at the option of either Harrah’s or Caesars, acting reasonably, the merger will be restructured in a manner intended to qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code. This restructuring could occur if, for example, the aggregate value of the stock consideration in the merger, as a result of a decline in the sale price of a share of Harrah’s common stock between the date of the merger agreement and the anticipated closing date of the merger, would be less than 45% of the aggregate value of all merger consideration, with the shares of Harrah’s common stock being valued as of the anticipated closing date. The material tax consequences of a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code generally would be the same as those described below.
| Tax Consequences of the Merger |
If the merger qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, subject to the qualifications and assumptions set forth in this discussion, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger are as follows:
| • | no gain or loss will be recognized by Harrah’s, Caesars or Harrah’s stockholders; | |
| • | Caesars stockholders that receive solely Harrah’s common stock in the merger will not recognize gain or loss; | |
| • | Caesars stockholders that receive a combination of cash and Harrah’s common stock generally will recognize capital gain in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any Harrah’s common stock received in the merger over such stockholder’s tax basis in the Caesars common stock exchanged in the merger or (ii) the amount of cash received in the merger. No loss may be recognized, except for loss resulting from the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of Harrah’s common stock. Gain or loss must be calculated separately for each identifiable block of Caesars common stock exchanged in the merger and a loss realized on one block of Caesars common stock cannot be used to offset a gain realized on another block of Caesars common stock; | |
| • | Caesars stockholders that receive solely cash generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between such stockholder’s tax basis in the Caesars common stock exchanged in the merger and the amount of cash received in the merger. Gain or loss must be calculated separately for each identifiable block of Caesars common stock exchanged in the merger; | |
| • | a Caesars stockholder’s aggregate tax basis in (i) the shares of Harrah’s common stock received in the merger plus (ii) any fractional share of Harrah’s common stock for which such stockholder receives cash, will be the same as such stockholder’s aggregate tax basis in the Caesars common stock exchanged in the merger, decreased by the amount of any cash received by such stockholder in the merger, and increased by the amount of any gain recognized by such stockholder in the merger, including any portion of gain that is treated as a dividend. For these purposes, any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Harrah’s common stock and any gain recognized on the receipt of such cash will not be taken into account; | |
| • | a Caesars stockholder’s holding period with respect to the shares of Harrah’s common stock received in the merger will include the holding period of the Caesars common stock exchanged therefor; |
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| • | Caesars stockholders who receive cash in lieu of a fractional share of Harrah’s common stock generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and such stockholder’s tax basis in the fractional share. |
| Tax Character of Gain |
In the case of Caesars stockholders having no direct or indirect control over Harrah’s corporate affairs, any gain should be treated as capital gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, there are circumstances under which all or a part of any gain that a Caesars stockholder recognizes in the merger could be treated as a distribution of a dividend instead of capital gain to the extent of the stockholder’s ratable share of undistributed accumulated earnings and profits of the corporation. Due to the inherently factual nature of this determination, Caesars stockholders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors to determine whether any gain recognized in the merger could be treated as a distribution of a dividend.
| Caesars Stockholders Exercising Dissenters’ Appraisal Rights |
A Caesars stockholder who dissents to the merger generally will recognize capital gain or loss in a net aggregate amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the stockholder’s tax basis in the dissenting shares. Although there is no authority directly on point, it is possible that a stockholder will be required to recognize gain or loss upon completion of the merger, and in advance of the receipt of any cash payment, in an amount generally equal to the trading price of Caesars common stock upon completion of the merger less such stockholder’s tax basis in the dissenting shares. In this event, capital gain or loss also would be recognized by the stockholder at the time the stockholder receives cash payment of the appraised fair market value of the dissenting shares, to the extent that such payment differs from the trading price of Caesars common stock upon completion of the merger. A portion of such payment may be characterized as interest income.
| Backup Withholding |
Non-corporate holders of Caesars common stock may be subject to backup withholding on any cash payments received in the merger. However, backup withholding may be avoided if a stockholder:
| • | furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding on the substitute IRS Form W-9 or any successor form included in the letter of transmittal to be delivered to Caesars stockholders following the completion of the merger; | |
| • | provides a certification of foreign status on IRS Form W-8BEN or any successor form; or | |
| • | is otherwise exempt from backup withholding and properly establishes such exemption. |
Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld may be allowed as a refund or credit against a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the stockholder furnishes the required information to the IRS.
Tax matters are complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to each Caesars stockholder will depend on the facts of each stockholder’s situation. Caesars stockholders are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to them in light of their particular situation, as well any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws or any other federal tax laws.
Accounting Treatment
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, Harrah’s will account for the merger as a business combination. Upon the completion of the merger, Harrah’s will record the cash consideration, the market value of its common stock issued (based on an average of the closing prices of Harrah’s common stock for a range of trading days from two days before and after July 14, 2004, the announcement date) in the merger, the fair value of Caesars’ outstanding debt at the
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In accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill resulting from the business combination will not be amortized but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually (more frequently if certain indicators are present). In the event that Harrah’s management determines that the value of goodwill has become impaired, the combined company will incur an accounting charge for the amount of impairment during the fiscal quarter in which the determination is made.
Listing of Harrah’s Common Stock
Harrah’s will use all reasonable efforts to cause the shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued in connection with the merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE upon the completion of the merger.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal
Under Delaware law, holders of Harrah’s common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ appraisal rights in connection with the issuance of Harrah’s common stock in the merger.
Holders of shares of Caesars common stock who do not vote in favor of approving and adopting the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and properly demand appraisal of their shares will be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to the merger agreement under Section 262 of the DGCL, which is referred to as Section 262.
The following discussion is not a complete discussion of the law pertaining to appraisal rights under Section 262 and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of Section 262 which is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex E. The following summary does not constitute any legal or other advice, nor does it constitute a recommendation that Caesars stockholders exercise their right to seek appraisal under Section 262. All references in Section 262 and in this summary to a “stockholder” are to the record holder of the shares of Caesars common stock as to which appraisal rights are asserted. A person having a beneficial interest in shares of Caesars common stock 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 below properly and in a timely manner to perfect appraisal rights.
Under Section 262, persons who hold shares of Caesars common stock who do not vote in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and who otherwise follow the procedures set forth in Section 262 will be entitled to have their shares appraised by the Delaware Court of Chancery and to receive payment of the “fair value” of the shares, exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, as determined by the court.
Under Section 262, where a merger is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of stockholders, as in the case of the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, by Caesars stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting, must notify each of its stockholders entitled to appraisal rights that appraisal rights are available and include in the notice a copy of Section 262. This joint proxy statement/ prospectus shall constitute the notice, and the full text of Section 262 is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex E. Any holder of Caesars common stock who wishes to exercise appraisal rights or who wishes to preserve such holder’s right to do so, should review the following discussion and Annex E carefully
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Any Caesars stockholder wishing to exercise appraisal rights under Section 262 must:
| • | deliver to Caesars, before the vote on the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, at the Caesars special meeting, a written demand for the appraisal of the stockholder’s shares; | |
| • | not vote its shares of common stock in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger; and | |
| • | hold of record the shares of Caesars common stock on the date the written demand for appraisal is made and continue to hold the shares of record through the effective time of the merger. |
A proxy that is signed and does not contain voting instructions will, unless revoked, be voted in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and it will constitute a waiver of the stockholder’s right of appraisal and will nullify any previously delivered written demand for appraisal. Therefore, a stockholder who votes by proxy and who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must vote against the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, or abstain from voting on the merger agreement.
Neither voting against the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the transaction (in person or by proxy), nor abstaining from voting or failing to vote on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, will in and of itself constitute a written demand for appraisal satisfying the requirements of Section 262. The written demand for appraisal must be in addition to and separate from any proxy or vote. The demand must reasonably inform Caesars of the identity of the holder as well as the intention of the holder to demand an appraisal of the “fair value” of the shares held by the holder. A stockholder’s failure to make the written demand prior to the taking of the vote on the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, at the Caesars special meeting will constitute a waiver of appraisal rights.
Only a holder of record of shares of Caesars common stock on the record date for the Caesars special meeting is entitled to assert appraisal rights for the shares registered in that holder’s name. A demand for appraisal in respect of shares of Caesars common stock should be executed by or on behalf of the holder of record, fully and correctly, as the holder’s name appears on the holder’s stock certificates, should specify the holder’s mailing address and the number of shares registered in the holder’s name, and must state that the person intends to demand appraisal of the holder’s shares pursuant to the merger agreement. If the shares are owned of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian, execution of the demand should be made in that capacity. If the shares are owned of record by more than one person, as in a joint tenancy and tenancy in common, the demand should be executed by or on behalf of all joint owners. An authorized agent, including an agent for two or more joint owners, may execute a demand for appraisal on behalf of a holder of record. However, the agent must identify the record owner or owners and expressly disclose the fact that, in executing the demand, the agent is acting as agent for the record owner or owners. A record holder such as a broker who holds shares as nominee for several beneficial owners may exercise appraisal rights with respect to the shares held for one or more beneficial owners while not exercising the rights with respect to the shares held for other beneficial owners. In such case, however, the written demand should set forth the number of shares as to which appraisal is sought. If no number of shares is expressly mentioned, the demand will be presumed to cover all shares of Caesars common stock held in the name of the record owner. Stockholders who hold their shares in brokerage accounts or other nominee forms and who wish to exercise appraisal rights are urged to consult with their brokers to determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand for appraisal by such a nominee.
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All written demands for appraisal pursuant to Section 262 should be sent or delivered to Caesars Entertainment, Inc., 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, Attention: Secretary.
Within ten days after the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s Operating Company, or its successor in interest, which we refer to generally as the surviving corporation, must notify each holder of Caesars common stock who has complied with Section 262 and who has not voted in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, that the merger has become effective. Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, but not thereafter, the surviving corporation or any holder of Caesars common stock who has complied with Section 262 and is entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 may file a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the fair value of the holder’s shares. The surviving corporation is under no obligation to and has no present intention to file a petition. Accordingly, it is the obligation of the holders of Caesars common stock to initiate all necessary action to perfect their appraisal rights in respect of shares of Caesars common stock within the time prescribed in Section 262.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, any holder of Caesars common stock who has complied with the requirements for exercise of appraisal rights will be entitled, upon written request, to receive from the surviving corporation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock not voted in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and the aggregate number of shares which have made demands for appraisal. The statement must be mailed within ten days after a written request has been received by the surviving corporation or within ten days after the expiration of the period for delivery of demands for appraisal, whichever is later.
If a petition for an appraisal is timely filed by a holder of shares of Caesars common stock and a copy is served upon the surviving corporation, the surviving corporation will then be obligated within 20 days to file with the Delaware Register in Chancery a duly verified list containing the names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded an appraisal of their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been reached. After notice to the stockholders as required by the Court, the Delaware Court of Chancery is empowered to conduct a hearing on the petition to determine those stockholders who have complied with Section 262 and who have become entitled to appraisal rights thereunder. The Delaware Court of Chancery may require the stockholders who demanded payment for their shares to submit their stock certificates to the Register in Chancery for notation on the certificates of the pending appraisal proceeding. If any stockholder fails to comply with the direction, the Delaware Court of Chancery may dismiss the proceedings as to that stockholder.
After determining the holders of Caesars common stock entitled to appraisal, the Delaware Court of Chancery will appraise the “fair value” of their shares, exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value. Stockholders considering seeking appraisal should be aware that the fair value of their shares as so determined could be more than, the same as or less than the consideration they would receive pursuant to the merger if they did not seek appraisal of their shares and that an investment banking opinion as to fairness from a financial point of view is not necessarily an opinion as to fair value under Section 262. You should not expect the surviving corporation to offer more than the applicable merger consideration to any stockholder exercising appraisal rights and Harrah’s reserves the right to assert, in any appraisal proceeding, that for purposes of Section 262, the “fair value” of a share of Caesars common stock is less than the applicable merger consideration.
Although Caesars believes that the merger consideration is fair, no representation is made as to the outcome of the appraisal of fair value as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery. Delaware courts have decided that the statutory appraisal remedy, depending on factual circumstances, may or may not be a dissenter’s exclusive remedy. The Delaware Court of Chancery will determine the amount of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amounts to be received by persons whose shares of common stock of Caesars have been appraised. If a petition for appraisal is not timely filed, then the right to an appraisal will cease.
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In determining fair value and, if applicable, a fair rate of interest, the Delaware Court of Chancery is 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 “fair price obviously requires consideration of all relevant factors involving the value of the company.” The Delaware Supreme Court 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 that could be ascertained as of the date of the merger that 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 costs of the action may be determined by the Court and levied upon the parties as the Court deems equitable. The Court may also order that all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with an appraisal, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and the fees and expenses of experts utilized in the appraisal proceeding, be charged pro rata against the value of all the shares entitled to be appraised.
Any holder of shares of Caesars common stock who has demanded an appraisal in compliance with Section 262 will not, after the effective time of the merger, be entitled to vote the shares subject to the demand for any purpose or be entitled to the payment of dividends or other distributions on those shares, except dividends or other distributions payable to holders of record of Caesars common stock as of a record date prior to the effective time of the merger.
Any Caesars stockholder may withdraw his or her demand for appraisal and accept the consideration offered pursuant to the merger agreement by delivering to the surviving corporation a written withdrawal of the demand for appraisal. However, any such attempt to withdraw the demand made more than 60 days after the effective date of the merger will require written approval of the surviving corporation. No appraisal proceeding in the Delaware Court of Chancery will be dismissed without the approval of the Delaware Court of Chancery, and such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems just. If the surviving corporation does not approve a request to withdraw a demand for appraisal when that approval is required, or if the Delaware Court of Chancery does not approve the dismissal of an appraisal proceeding, the stockholder will be entitled to receive only the appraised value determined in any such appraisal proceeding, which value could be less than, equal to or more than the consideration being offered pursuant to the merger agreement.
If any stockholder who demands appraisal of shares of Caesars common stock under Section 262 fails to perfect, or effectively withdraws or loses, such holder’s right to appraisal, the stockholder’s shares of Caesars common stock will be deemed to have been converted at the effective time of the merger into the right to receive the merger consideration, subject to certain pro rata adjustments described under the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Merger Consideration — Stock Cap and Proration” on page 97. A stockholder will fail to perfect, or effectively lose or withdraw, the stockholder’s right to appraisal if no petition for appraisal is filed within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, or if the stockholder delivers to the surviving corporation a written withdrawal of the holder’s demand for appraisal and an acceptance of the merger consideration, except that any attempt to withdraw made more than 60 days after the effective time of the merger will require the written approval of the surviving corporation and, once a petition for appraisal is filed, the appraisal proceeding may not be dismissed as to any holder absent court approval.
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Failure to follow the steps required by Section 262 for perfecting appraisal rights may result in the loss of these rights. Consequently, any stockholder willing to exercise appraisal rights is urged to consult with legal counsel prior to attempting to exercise such rights.
Delisting and Deregistration of Caesars Common Stock
If the merger is completed, Caesars common stock will be delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and Caesars will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC.
Restrictions on Sales of Shares of Harrah’s Common Stock Received in the Merger
The shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued in connection with the merger will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and will be freely transferable, except for shares of Harrah’s common stock issued to any person who is deemed to be an “affiliate” of Caesars under the Securities Act of 1933 prior to the completion of the merger. Persons who may be deemed to be “affiliates” of Caesars prior to the completion of the merger include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, Caesars prior to the merger, and may include officers and directors, as well as significant stockholders of Caesars prior to the merger. Affiliates of Caesars prior to the merger may not sell any of the shares of Harrah’s common stock received by them in connection with the merger except pursuant to:
| • | an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 covering the resale of those shares; | |
| • | an exemption under paragraph (d) of Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933; or | |
| • | any other applicable exemption under the Securities Act of 1933. |
Harrah’s registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/ prospectus is a part, does not cover the resale of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be received by affiliates of Caesars in the merger.
Interests of Caesars’ Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger
In considering the recommendation of the Caesars board of directors with respect to the merger, Caesars stockholders should be aware that certain executive officers and directors of Caesars have interests in the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Caesars stockholders generally. The Caesars board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in making its recommendation.
| Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance |
Pursuant to the merger agreement, Harrah’s will, and will cause Harrah’s Operating Company to indemnify Caesars’ directors and executive officers as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Indemnification” on page 111.
| Caesars Employment and Change of Control Agreements |
The following directors and executive officers of Caesars are parties to an employment agreement and/or change of control agreement with Caesars: Messrs. Stephen F. Bollenbach, Wallace R. Barr, Bernard E. DeLury, Jr., Wesley D. Allison and Clive S. Cummis.
| Stephen F. Bollenbach |
Mr. Bollenbach’s employment agreement provides that, upon termination of his employment following a change of control by Caesars without cause or by Mr. Bollenbach for good reason, he is entitled to receive: (i) a lump-sum payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of base salary and the higher of the annual
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For purposes of Mr. Bollenbach’s employment agreement, good reason generally includes: (i) assignment of duties inconsistent with his position or material diminution in position, authority or reporting requirements; (ii) failure of Caesars to pay his compensation; (iii) any purported termination of his employment other than as permitted in the agreement; and (iv) failure to require a successor to assume the agreement. Following a change of control, Mr. Bollenbach may terminate his employment for no reason or any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the change of control and receive the same severance he would receive if he terminated his employment for good reason.
| Wallace R. Barr |
Employment Agreement. Mr. Barr’s employment agreement provides that, following a change of control, upon termination of his employment by Caesars other than for cause, death or disability, or by Mr. Barr for good reason, he is entitled to receive: (i) a lump-sum severance payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of base salary and the higher of the annual bonus paid for the year in which the change of control occurs or for the immediately preceding year (fifty percent of which is consideration for certain restrictive covenants in Mr. Barr’s employment agreement, including confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions); (ii) a lump-sum payment in respect of various accrued cash obligations (including unpaid salary, a pro rata bonus for the year of termination, compensation previously deferred but unpaid and accrued but unpaid vacation); and (iii) continued health and life insurance benefits through March 31, 2006. If Mr. Barr’s employment is terminated following a change of control, he and his family will be entitled to lifetime health, medical, prescription and dental benefits. Caesars will also pay Mr. Barr’s brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and closing costs incurred in selling his Las Vegas residence or will purchase the residence under certain conditions. Mr. Barr’s employment agreement provides that upon a change of control, all options and stock retention units vest and Caesars will continue to insure and indemnify him for not less than three years after the termination date. Mr. Barr’s supplemental retirement benefit will become fully vested upon a change of control as further consideration for Mr. Barr’s restrictive covenants. Mr. Barr will be entitled to a “gross-up” payment to compensate him for any excise tax on excess parachute payments. Stockholder approval of the merger will constitute a change of control under Mr. Barr’s employment agreement.
For purposes of Mr. Barr’s employment agreement, good reason includes, generally: (i) assignment of duties inconsistent with his position or material diminution in position, authority or reporting requirements; (ii) failure of Caesars to pay his compensation; (iii) relocation from Las Vegas, Nevada or relocation further than 50 miles from Atlantic City, New Jersey or the Borough of Manhattan; (iv) any purported termination of his employment other than as permitted in the agreement; (v) failure to re-elect him to the board; and (vi) failure to require a successor to assume the agreement. Additionally, Mr. Barr may terminate his employment for no reason or any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the change of control and receive the same severance he would receive if he terminated his employment for good reason.
Change of Control Agreement. Mr. Barr’s change of control agreement entitles him to receive, upon termination of his employment following a change of control by Caesars other than for cause, death or disability: (i) a lump-sum severance payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of base salary and the higher of the annual bonus paid for the last full fiscal year ending during the employment period or for the last full fiscal year prior to the change of control (fifty percent of which is consideration for certain restrictive
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For purposes of Mr. Barr’s change of control agreement, good reason includes, generally: (i) assignment of duties inconsistent with his position or material diminution in position, authority or reporting requirements; (ii) failure of Caesars to pay his compensation; (iii) relocation further than 35 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada; (iv) any purported termination of his employment other than as permitted in the agreement; and (v) failure to require a successor to assume the agreement. Additionally, Mr. Barr may terminate his employment for no reason or any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the change of control and receive the same severance he would receive if he terminated his employment for good reason.
| Bernard E. DeLury, Jr. |
Employment Agreement. Under Mr. DeLury’s employment agreement, upon termination of his employment by Caesars without cause, he is entitled to receive: (i) base salary through the longer of the balance of term (May 25, 2007) or 12 months; (ii) a lump-sum severance payment equal to the greater of (x) the average of the annual bonus for the three years prior to such termination or (y) the annual bonus paid for the prior year; and (iii) continued health and dental benefits through May 25, 2007. All options and stock retention units will vest and become exercisable upon termination of Mr. DeLury’s employment by Caesars without cause.
Change of Control Agreement. Under Mr. DeLury’s change of control agreement, upon termination of his employment following a change of control by Mr. DeLury for good reason or by Caesars other than for cause, disability or death, he is entitled to receive: (i) a lump-sum severance payment equal to two times the sum of base salary plus the higher of the annual bonus paid for the last full fiscal year ending during the employment period or for the last full fiscal year prior to the change of control (fifty percent of which is consideration for certain restrictive covenants in Mr. DeLury’s employment agreement, including confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions); (ii) a pro rata bonus for the year of termination (based on the annual bonus as determined according to clause (i)); (iii) a lump-sum payment equal to unpaid compensation previously deferred and accrued vacation; (iv) a lump-sum payment equal to the amount which Caesars would have credited to his account under the deferred compensation plan from the date of termination through the date that is three years following the change of control if he had deferred the average amount deferred in the prior 12 months; and (v) continued health and life insurance benefits through the date that is three years following the change of control date or such longer period provided in the employment agreement or any plan, program, practice or policy. Mr. DeLury will be entitled to a “gross-up” payment to compensate him for any excise tax on excess parachute payments. Completion of the merger will constitute a change of control under Mr. DeLury’s change of control agreement.
For purposes of Mr. DeLury’s change of control agreement, “good reason” includes, generally: (i) assignment of duties inconsistent with his position or material diminution in position, authority or reporting requirements; (ii) failure of the Company to pay his compensation; (iii) relocation further than 35 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada, or Atlantic City, New Jersey; (iv) any purported termination of his employment other than as permitted in the agreement; and (v) failure to require a successor to assume the agreement.
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| Wesley D. Allison |
Under Mr. Allison’s employment agreement, as amended, upon termination of his employment by Caesars without cause, he is entitled to receive: (i) base salary through the longer of the balance of the term (December 31, 2007) or 12 months and (ii) a pro rata bonus based on the target bonus for the year of termination, paid when other employees are paid bonuses. Mr. Allison’s employment agreement does not contain change of control provisions.
| Clive S. Cummis |
Mr. Cummis is party to an agreement with Caesars under which he began transitioning out of his employment duties beginning on January 1, 2002 and ending with his retirement on December 31, 2004. The agreement provides for compensation of $1,000 per month through December 31, 2004 and $1,464,000 paid in equal bi-weekly installments from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2004. The agreement also provides for continued vesting of options through December 31, 2004, at which time his options will expire and no longer be exercisable. In connection with this transaction, and with Harrah’s consent, Caesars and Mr. Cummis have agreed to amend Mr. Cummis’ transition agreement with Caesars to extend the term (and his continued ability to exercise vested stock options) until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2005 and (ii) 180 days after completion of the merger.
In connection with this transaction, Mr. Barr has reached an understanding with Caesars and Harrah’s that should his employment be terminated by Caesars (or its successor) without cause or by Mr. Barr for good reason after completion of the merger, he will be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits pursuant to his employment agreement rather than pursuant to his change of control agreement. Mr. DeLury has also reached an understanding with Caesars and Harrah’s that should his employment be terminated by Caesars (or its successor) without cause or by Mr. DeLury for good reason after the completion of the merger, he will be entitled to receive compensation and benefits pursuant to his change of control agreement rather than pursuant to his employment agreement. Caesars and Harrah’s have reached an understanding with Mr. DeLury that the amount of severance payable to him under these circumstances will be equal to the sum of three times his base salary plus two times his annual bonus for fiscal 2004.
In addition, Messrs. Barr and DeLury each has reached an understanding with Caesars and Harrah’s that in lieu of the non-competition restrictive covenants in their respective employment agreements, for a period of one year following the termination of their employment, each will not be associated with certain gaming companies, any affiliate of the restricted companies or any company that operates any of the assets of the restricted companies. Pursuant to the understanding, neither Mr. Barr nor Mr. DeLury will be restricted from associating with any entity that is not specifically listed as one of the restricted companies.
Taking into account the understandings reached by Caesars and Harrah’s with Messrs. Barr and DeLury, if the employment of Messrs. Bollenbach, Barr, DeLury and Allison is terminated following a change of control under circumstances entitling them to the compensation and benefits described above, the approximate cash amount of the severance payments due to each executive (excluding accrued obligations, pro rata bonuses, additional deferred compensation credits and gross-up payments), would be as follows: Mr. Bollenbach $299,000; Mr. Barr, $6,742,450; Mr. DeLury, $2,709,000; and Mr. Allison, $1,250,000. The computations of the estimated cash severance for Messrs. Barr and DeLury were based in part on their annual bonuses for 2003, which were paid in 2004. The actual bonus component of severance may be based upon their 2004 bonuses, which will not be determined until after the Caesars special meeting. The computation of the estimated cash severance for Mr. Allison was based on an assumed termination date of June 30, 2005.
| Equity Based Awards |
Under Caesars’ equity plans, all options held by directors and executive officers of Caesars will vest and become exercisable either at stockholder approval or the effective time of the merger. Based on options outstanding as of January 18, 2005, the number of unvested options to acquire shares of Caesars
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Pursuant to the terms of the Caesars’ 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, holders of options granted under that plan that are or become exercisable at stockholder approval may elect to surrender such options to Caesars during the 60-day period following the Caesars special meeting and receive cash in an amount equal to the number of applicable options multiplied by the “spread.” The “spread” is equal to: (a) the greater of (i) the highest price of Caesars common stock during the 60-day period prior to and including the date of the Caesars special meeting or (ii) the highest price per share of Caesars common stock paid in the proposed merger; less (b) the exercise price of such option. Based on the options outstanding as of January 18, 2005, the number of options held by directors and executive officers that are or become exercisable at stockholder approval and that may be surrendered for cash during the 60-day period following Caesars’ special meeting of stockholders is: Mr. Stephen Bollenbach, 1,000,000; Mr. Wallace Barr, 2,078,000; Mr. Bernard DeLury, 105,000; and Mr. Wesley Allison, 96,000.
In connection with the merger, each Caesars option that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will remain outstanding following the effective time of the merger and will be converted into the right to acquire shares of Harrah’s common stock as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Caesars Equity Awards and Benefits Plans” on page 109. Based on the number of Caesars options outstanding as of January 18, 2005, the following number of Caesars options held by Caesars’ executive officers and directors will be so converted at the effective time of the merger: Mr. Stephen Bollenbach, 3,000,000; Mr. Wallace Barr, 2,550,000; Mr. Bernard DeLury, 271,800; Mr. Clive Cummis, 250,000; Mr. Wesley Allison, 106,100; Mr. A. Stephen Crown, 56,000; Ms. Barbara Coleman, 52,000; Mr. Gilbert Shelton, 52,000; Mr. Peter Ernaut, 50,000; Mr. Eric Hilton, 52,000; and Mr. William Barron Hilton, 52,000.
All restricted stock units held by executive officers of Caesars under the equity compensation plans maintained by Caesars will vest and become nonforfeitable as of the effective time of the merger. No directors other than Mr. Barr hold restricted stock units. Based on restricted stock units outstanding as of January 18, 2005, the number of restricted stock units held by executive officers that will become fully vested and nonforfeitable as a result of the merger is: Mr. Wallace Barr, 80,000; Mr. Bernard DeLury, 116,700 and Mr. Wesley Allison, 4,000.
At the effective time of the merger, the forfeiture conditions on each outstanding performance award will lapse and Harrah’s will issue the holder shares of Harrah’s common stock as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Caesars Equity Awards and Benefits Plans” on page 109. No directors hold performance awards. Based on the number of Caesars performance awards outstanding as of January 18, 2005, the number of Caesars performance awards held by Caesars’s executive officers that will be so converted at the effective time of the merger is: Mr. Bernard DeLury, 20,900 and Mr. Wesley Allison, 5,000.
Under Mr. Barr’s employment agreement, all 417,000 of his unvested supplemental retention units will become vested upon stockholder approval of the merger. All supplemental retention units outstanding under Caesars’ Supplemental Retention Plan, whether or not vested, will be canceled at the effective time of the merger in exchange for shares of Harrah’s common stock as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Caesars Equity Awards and Benefits Plans” on page 109. Based on the number of Caesars supplemental retention units outstanding as of January 18, 2005, the number of Caesars supplemental retention units held by Caesars executive officers that will be so converted at the effective time of the merger is: Mr. Wallace Barr, 755,000; Mr. Bernard DeLury, 40,000; and Mr. Wesley Allison, 20,000.
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| Continued Benefits |
In connection with the merger, individuals employed by Caesars immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be provided benefits (other than equity or equity-based compensation plans) for a period of one year following the effective time of the merger or for the remainder of the employment period that are, in the aggregate, no less favorable than the benefits provided under Caesars’ benefit plans in effect as of the signing of the merger agreement. All the executive officers currently participate in Caesars’ benefit plans, which include medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short term and long term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, executive deferred compensation plan, executive death benefit plan and executive incentive plan. Harrah’s will also, and will cause Harrah’s Operating Company to, honor the terms of employment, severance and termination agreements, provide service credit and waive pre-existing condition limitations as further described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Caesars Equity Awards and Benefits Plans” on page 109.
| Fiscal 2005 Bonus and Stay Bonus |
Caesars and Harrah’s have reached an understanding regarding bonuses for employees of Caesars and its subsidiaries in respect of fiscal 2005. In general, if the completion of the merger occurs on or prior to June 30, 2005, bonuses will be paid out at 50% of target levels and if the completion of the merger occurs on or after July 1, 2005, bonuses will be paid out at 100% of target levels. For individuals who are principally employed at a property which Caesars sells during fiscal 2005 prior to the completion of the merger, bonuses will be paid out at 50% of target levels if the sale of the property occurs on or prior to June 30, 2005 and at 100% of target levels if the sale occurs on or after July 1, 2005. In the event the merger is terminated, bonuses will be paid at 100% of target levels and the timing of the payments will be according to past practice. Should the employment of Mr. Barr, Mr. DeLury or Mr. Allison terminate in 2005 under circumstances (described above) qualifying him for pro rata bonus payments, he will be entitled to the greater of (i) the pro rata bonus payments pursuant to the applicable employment or change of control agreement or (ii) the bonus payable pursuant to the fiscal 2005 bonus program described in this paragraph.
Caesars and Harrah’s have also reached an understanding whereby “stay bonuses” of approximately $19 million in total will be paid to select employees who are critical to the continued operation of Caesars through the completion of the merger. The bonuses will become payable either at completion of the merger or on the date the merger has been terminated, provided in either case that the employee has remained in employment with Caesars to the applicable date. No non-employee directors are eligible to receive a stay bonus. Caesars’s executive officers are eligible to receive the following payments: Mr. Wallace Barr, $1,000,000; Mr. Bernard DeLury, $600,000; and Mr. Wesley Allison, $500,000.
| Appointment to Harrah’s Board of Directors |
Pursuant to the merger agreement, Harrah’s board of directors will take all necessary action so that, effective immediately following the completion of the merger, William Barron Hilton and Stephen F. Bollenbach, who are both currently directors of Caesars, will be appointed to Harrah’s board of directors. In addition, as soon as practicable after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the completion of the merger, the Nominating/ Corporate Governance Committee of Harrah’s board of directors will consider recommending for appointment an additional current Caesars director to the Harrah’s board of directors. Harrah’s board of directors will also consider the nomination of one further additional current Caesars director to Harrah’s board of directors. See “The Merger Agreement — Harrah’s Board of Directors” on page 116.
Litigation Related to the Merger
On July 15, 2004, a lawsuit was filed by William Derasmo against Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and all of the members of the Caesars board of directors (Stephen F. Bollenbach, Wallace R. Barr, Barbara
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| • | an order declaring that the action is properly maintainable as a class action; | |
| • | an order declaring that the proposed transaction was entered into in breach of the fiduciary duties of defendants; | |
| • | and order enjoining defendants from proceeding with the proposed transaction as planned; | |
| • | an order directing that the defendants exercise their fiduciary duties to obtain a transaction which is in the best interests of Caesars stockholders; | |
| • | an order rescinding the proposed transaction to the extent already implemented; | |
| • | an order imposing a constructive trust in favor of plaintiff on any benefits received by defendants as a result of their allegedly wrongful conduct; | |
| • | an award of costs and disbursements; and | |
| • | such other and further equitable relief as the court may deem just and proper. |
On September 9, 2004, a motion was filed on behalf of all defendants to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted in accordance with Nevada Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(5). The motion was set by the court to be heard on October 4, 2004. At the request of the plaintiff, the hearing date on the motion was continued to October 25, 2004. The plaintiff did not file a response to the motion and decided to dismiss the complaint without prejudice. A stipulation and order to dismiss the complaint without prejudice was signed by counsel as of October 13, 2004 and the stipulation and order of dismissal was entered and filed by the court on October 20, 2004. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, to Caesars’ knowledge, the plaintiff has not filed a new lawsuit.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following summary describes certain material provisions of the merger agreement, which is included in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex A and is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. You are encouraged to read the merger agreement carefully in its entirety.
Structure of the Merger
The merger agreement provides for the merger of Caesars with Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah’s. As a result of the merger, Caesars will cease to exist and Harrah’s Operating Company will continue as the surviving corporation.
Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger
The closing of the merger will occur on the second business day after the conditions to completion of the merger contained in the merger agreement are satisfied or waived, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. See the section entitled “— Conditions to Completion of the Merger” below. The merger will become effective upon the filing of the certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Harrah’s and Caesars are working to complete the merger as soon as practicable. However, because completion of the merger is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions, Harrah’s and Caesars cannot predict the actual timing.
Merger Consideration
| General |
Upon completion of the merger, each share of Caesars common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be cancelled and retired and converted into, at the election of the holder of the Caesars common stock and subject to the limitations described below under “— Stock Cap and Proration,” the right to receive either 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock or $17.75 in cash upon surrender of the certificate representing the share of Caesars common stock in the manner provided in the merger agreement. In addition, shares held by Caesars stockholders who validly exercise dissenters’ rights will be subject to appraisal in accordance with Delaware law as described further below under “— Dissenters’ Shares.”
The value of the merger consideration that a Caesars stockholder receives in the merger may vary depending on whether a Caesars stockholder elects to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock or cash. The value of the cash portion of the merger consideration is fixed at $17.75 for each share of Caesars common stock. The value of the stock portion of the merger consideration is not fixed and will depend upon the value of 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock upon completion of the merger.
Upon completion of the merger and as described further below under “— Caesars Equity Awards and Benefit Plans — Caesars Equity Awards”:
| • | each outstanding option to purchase Caesars common stock, whether or not then exercisable, will be converted into an option to purchase Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | each outstanding purchase right under Caesars employee stock purchase plan will be converted into an option to purchase Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | each outstanding restricted stock unit granted under Caesars’ 2004 long term incentive plan will vest according to its terms and will be converted into the right to receive Harrah’s common stock; | |
| • | the forfeiture conditions on each performance award will lapse according to its terms and Harrah’s will issue shares of common stock to each holder of a performance award; and |
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| • | Caesars will take all actions necessary to terminate its supplemental retention plan as of the effective time of the merger and Harrah’s will issue Harrah’s common stock to each participant in the supplemental retention plan according to its terms. |
The exchange ratio in the merger and the cash consideration will be adjusted to reflect the effect of any reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange or shares or readjustment, or stock dividend, or other like change with respect to Harrah’s common stock or Caesars common stock having a record date on or after the date of the merger agreement and prior to completion of the merger.
Upon completion of the merger, each share of Caesars common stock held by Harrah’s or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Harrah’s immediately prior to the merger will be automatically cancelled and extinguished, and none of Harrah’s or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries will receive any securities of Harrah’s or other consideration in exchange for those shares.
| Stock Cap and Proration |
Caesars stockholders may elect to receive 0.3247 of a share of Harrah’s common stock for each share of Caesars common stock that they own, or if Caesars stockholders do not make such an election to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock, they will be deemed to have elected to receive $17.75 in cash for each share of Caesars common stock that they own, subject to proration due to the aggregate amount of cash and the number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger and other adjustments as described in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus.
The merger has been structured, and adjustments to the elections of Caesars stockholders will be made by the exchange agent, so that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock to be converted into shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger will equal 66.42% of the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger, which amount is referred to as the stock cap. Therefore, assuming there are no adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Harrah’s common stock which will be issued to Caesars stockholders as consideration in the merger is fixed at approximately 67.7 million shares and the aggregate amount of cash which will be paid to Caesars stockholders is fixed at $1.87 billion in cash based on the number of shares of Caesars common stock outstanding as of the record date for the Caesars special meeting, which is referred to as the cash cap. The stock elections in the merger are subject to proration to preserve this fixed aggregate number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued and cash to be paid in the merger. As a result, even if a Caesars stockholder elects to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger, he or she will likely receive a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash. Similarly, if he or she is deemed to have elected to receive cash in the merger, he or she will likely receive a mix of Harrah’s common stock and cash.
If the aggregate number of shares held by Caesars stockholders electing to receive Harrah’s common stock exceeds the stock cap, then the exchange agent will allocate, pro rata to those Caesars stockholders electing to receive the stock consideration, a sufficient amount of cash consideration instead of stock consideration so that the aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock to be converted into shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger equals the stock cap, subject to rounding and the adjustment provisions of the merger agreement.
If the aggregate number of shares held by Caesars stockholders who are deemed to have elected to receive cash exceeds the aggregate amount of cash that will be paid to Caesars stockholders in the merger, then the exchange agent will allocate, pro rata to those Caesars stockholders who are deemed to have elected to receive cash, a sufficient amount of stock consideration instead of cash consideration so that the aggregate number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued by Harrah’s in the merger equals the stock cap, subject to rounding and the adjustment provisions of the merger agreement.
As a result of this proration feature, in most cases, the form of merger consideration actually received by a Caesars stockholder may differ in part from the form of consideration that a Caesars stockholder elects to receive. Because the aggregate number of shares of Caesars common stock to be converted into shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger will equal 66.42% of the number of shares of Caesars
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| Dissenters’ Shares |
Shares of Caesars common stock held by any Caesars stockholder that properly demands payment for its shares in compliance with the dissenters’ appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL, will not be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration. Caesars stockholders properly exercising dissenters’ rights will be entitled to payment as further described above under “The Merger — Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal.” However, if any Caesars stockholder fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws or loses the right to receive payment under Section 262 of the DGCL, then that Caesars stockholder will not be paid in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL and the shares of Caesars common stock held by that Caesars stockholder will be exchangeable solely for the right to receive the merger consideration.
Exchange of Caesars Stock Certificates for Harrah’s Stock Certificates
Harrah’s has retained The Bank of New York as the exchange agent for the merger to handle the exchange of shares of Caesars common stock for the merger consideration, including the payment of cash for fractional shares.
Only those holders of Caesars common stock who properly surrender their Caesars stock certificates in accordance with the exchange agent’s instructions will receive:
| • | a statement indicating book-entry ownership of Harrah’s common stock or, if requested, a certificate representing Harrah’s common stock or the cash consideration; | |
| • | cash in lieu of any fractional share of Harrah’s common stock; and | |
| • | dividends or other distributions, if any, on Harrah’s common stock to which they are entitled under the terms of the merger agreement. |
After the effective time of the merger, each certificate representing shares of Caesars common stock that has not been surrendered will represent only the right to receive upon surrender of that certificate each of the items listed in the preceding sentence. Following completion of the merger, Caesars will not register any transfers of Caesars common stock outstanding on its stock transfer books prior to the merger.
To effect the exchange of shares of Caesars common stock, the exchange agent will take the actions described below.
| Caesars Common Stock — General |
As soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent will mail to each record holder of shares of Caesars common stock, other than holders who make an election as described below under “— Caesars Common Stock — Election,” a letter of transmittal and instructions for surrendering the certificates representing shares of Caesars common stock for merger consideration. Upon surrender of certificates representing shares of Caesars common stock for cancellation, together with an executed letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent, the holder of those certificates will be entitled to receive the appropriate merger consideration. The surrendered certificates representing Caesars common stock will be cancelled.
| Caesars Common Stock — Election |
Each record holder of shares of Caesars common stock received, together with this joint proxy statement/prospectus, an election form/letter of transmittal pursuant to which such holder may elect to receive shares of Harrah’s common stock in exchange for his or her shares of Caesars common stock in the merger. To be effective, an election form/letter of transmittal must be properly completed and signed
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Unless required by law, forms of election may be revoked only by written notice received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. If a form of election is revoked, all certificates surrendered to the exchange agent with the revoked form of election will be returned to the Caesars stockholder who submitted the revoked form of election.
Fractional Shares
Harrah’s will not issue fractional shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger. As a result, each holder of shares of Caesars common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive fractional shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger will be entitled to an amount of cash, without interest, rounded to the nearest cent, equal to the product of the amount of the fractional share interest in a share of Harrah’s common stock to which that stockholder is entitled by an amount equal to the average of the closing sale prices of a share of Harrah’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, Northeastern edition, for each of the ten consecutive trading days ending with the second complete trading day prior to the effective time of the merger.
Termination of Exchange Fund
Six months after the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s may require the exchange agent to deliver to Harrah’s all cash and shares of Harrah’s common stock remaining in the exchange fund. Thereafter, Caesars stockholders must look only to Harrah’s for payment of the merger consideration on their shares of Caesars common stock.
No Liability
None of Harrah’s, Caesars, Harrah’s Operating Company or the exchange agent will be liable to any holder of a certificate representing shares of Caesars common stock or any cash payable in respect of any distributions or dividends or in lieu of any fractional shares of Harrah’s common stock, delivered to a public official under any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law. If any stock certificates representing shares of Caesars common stock have not been surrendered prior to five years after the effective time of the merger, any cash, shares, dividends or distributions with respect to these stock certificates will become property of Harrah’s, to the extent permitted by law.
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Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares
Holders of Caesars common stock are not entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions on Harrah’s common stock until the merger is completed. After the merger is completed, holders of Caesars common stock certificates will be entitled to dividends and other distributions declared or made after completion of the merger with respect to the number of whole shares of Harrah’s common stock which they are entitled upon exchange of their Caesars stock certificates, but they will not be paid any dividends or other distributions on Harrah’s common stock until they surrender their Caesars stock certificates to the exchange agent in accordance with the exchange agent instructions.
Transfers of Ownership and Lost Stock Certificates
Harrah’s only will issue merger consideration, cash in lieu of a fractional share and any dividends or distributions on Harrah’s common stock that may be applicable in a name other than the name in which a surrendered Caesars stock certificate is registered if the certificate is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form and any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
The obligations of Harrah’s and Caesars to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, if legally permissible, of the following conditions:
| • | the approval and adoption of the merger agreement by Caesars stockholders and the approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger by Harrah’s stockholders; | |
| • | the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/ prospectus is a part must be declared effective under the Securities Act and the registration statement shall not be subject to any stop order or proceeds seeking a stop order and all state securities authorizations necessary to issue Harrah’s common stock in the merger have been received; | |
| • | the approval for listing on the NYSE of the shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued in the merger, subject to official notice of issuance; | |
| • | the receipt of all material governmental and regulatory consents, approvals, orders and authorizations required to complete the merger, including all necessary approvals under any applicable gaming laws; | |
| • | the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period and any extension of the waiting period under the HSR Act; | |
| • | the absence of any legal prohibition having the effect of preventing or prohibiting completion of the merger except that this condition cannot be asserted by either party unless they have used reasonable efforts to prevent the legal prohibition and appealed the legal prohibition; | |
| • | the absence of any litigation by any governmental entity seeking to prohibit or restrain the merger or that otherwise would have a material adverse effect on the combined company; | |
| • | the representations and warranties of the other party, disregarding all qualifications and exceptions relating to materiality or material adverse effect, being true and correct at and as of the effective time of the merger as if they were made on that date (except to the extent that the representations and warranties speak as of another date), except where the failure of the representations and warranties to be true and correct would not have a material adverse effect on the other party, and the receipt of a certificate of an executive officer of the other party to that effect; | |
| • | the other party having performed or complied with its agreements and covenants in the merger agreement in all material respects, and the receipt of a certificate of an executive officer of the other party to that effect; |
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| • | absence of any facts, events, changes, effects, developments, conditions or occurrences, except as disclosed by Caesars, since the date of the merger agreement, that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the other party; and | |
| • | the receipt of an opinion from the party’s counsel that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or, alternatively, if applicable, that the alternative transaction described below under “— Tax Treatment” will qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code. |
“Material adverse effect,” when used in reference to Harrah’s or Caesars, means a material adverse effect on:
| • | the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the referenced company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; | |
| • | the ability of the referenced person to perform its obligations under the merger agreement; or | |
| • | the ability of the referenced person to complete the merger and related transactions. |
However, any facts, events, changes, effects, developments or occurrences, will not be deemed to have a material adverse effect if they relate to:
| • | the economy in general in the U.S. or in any state in which Harrah’s or Caesars, as the case may be, or any of their subsidiaries operates, which events, changes, effects, developments, conditions or occurrences do not disproportionately affect Harrah’s or Caesars relative to the other participants in the travel, hospitality or gaming industries; | |
| • | the travel, hospitality or gaming industries in general in the U.S. or in any state in which Harrah’s or Caesars or any of their subsidiaries operates, which events, changes, effects, developments, conditions or occurrences do not disproportionately affect Harrah’s or Caesars relative to the other participants in the travel, hospitality or gaming industries; | |
| • | the execution of the merger agreement; or | |
| • | any change in Harrah’s or Caesars’ stock price or trading volume, in and of itself. |
In addition, compliance with the terms of the merger agreement, including the provisions with respect to the actions to be taken to obtain regulatory and antitrust approvals, and the consequences of compliance with the terms of the merger agreement will not be taken into account in determining whether a material adverse effect will have occurred or will be expected to occur.
Harrah’s and Caesars are diligently pursuing the required material governmental and regulatory consents, approvals, orders and authorizations required to complete the merger, including all necessary approvals under any applicable gaming laws. There are a number of conditions, however, that, by their nature, can only be satisfied in the future or at the time of completion of the merger. There can be no assurance that these conditions will be satisfied, including: obtaining the requisite stockholder approval; the absence of court orders or injunctions prohibiting the merger; the absence of events resulting in or that would reasonably be likely to result in a material adverse effect; and the receipt of required material governmental and regulatory approvals.
Representations and Warranties
The merger agreement contains customary representations and warranties of Harrah’s and Caesars, which are subject to materiality and knowledge qualifications in many respects, and expire at the effective time of the merger. The representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement relate to:
| • | corporate organization, qualification and power; | |
| • | subsidiaries; | |
| • | capital structure; | |
| • | corporate power and authority and board approval; | |
| • | absence of conflicts and required filings and consents; |
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| • | SEC filings and undisclosed liabilities; | |
| • | information supplied for inclusion in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus; | |
| • | absence of certain changes or events since December 31, 2003; | |
| • | tax matters; | |
| • | absence of changes in benefit plans; | |
| • | ERISA compliance and excess parachute payments | |
| • | litigation; | |
| • | compliance with applicable laws; | |
| • | assets other than real property interests; | |
| • | real property matters; | |
| • | labor and other employment matters; | |
| • | validity and absence of breaches of material contracts; | |
| • | environmental matters; | |
| • | intellectual property; | |
| • | brokers used in connection with the merger agreement; and | |
| • | opinions of financial advisors. |
The merger agreement also contains additional representations and warranties of Caesars relating to an amendment to the Caesars rights agreement.
The merger agreement also contains additional representations and warranties of Harrah’s relating to the ownership and activities of Harrah’s Operating Company and the funds necessary to pay the merger consideration upon completion of the merger.
Caesars Prohibited from Soliciting Other Offers
Caesars has agreed not to, will not authorize or permit its subsidiaries to, and will use its reasonable best efforts to cause any of its and their officers, directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys or other advisors or representatives not to directly or indirectly:
| • | solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of any takeover proposal; | |
| • | enter into any agreement with respect to any takeover proposal; or | |
| • | other than informing persons of the non-solicitation provisions of the merger agreement, participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any person any non-public information with respect to Caesars in connection with, or take any other action to facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, a takeover proposal. |
Caesars may, however, before Caesars stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, in response to an unsolicited bona fide takeover proposal that the Caesars board of directors determines, in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel and financial advisors, would reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal, furnish information with respect to Caesars to the person making the takeover proposal and its representatives pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement, which agreement is not less restrictive of the person making the takeover proposal than the confidentiality agreement entered into by Caesars with Harrah’s, and participate in discussions or negotiations with such person and its representatives regarding any takeover proposal.
A “takeover proposal” means:
| • | any proposal or offer for a merger, consolidation, dissolution, recapitalization or other business combination involving Caesars or any significant subsidiary; |
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| • | any proposal for the issuance by Caesars of over 20% of its equity securities; | |
| • | any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner, directly or indirectly, over 20% of the equity securities or consolidated total assets of Caesars; or | |
| • | any combination of the above; |
in each case, other than the merger.
A “superior proposal” means any proposal by a third party to acquire substantially all the equity securities or assets of Caesars, pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, a merger, a consolidation, a liquidation or dissolution, a recapitalization, a sale of all or substantially all its assets or otherwise, on terms which the Caesars board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors:
| • | to be more favorable from a financial point of view to the holders of shares of Caesars common stock than the merger with Harrah’s, taking into account all the terms and conditions of such proposal and the merger agreement, including any proposal by Harrah’s to amend the terms of the merger; and | |
| • | is reasonably likely to be completed. |
Caesars will promptly advise Harrah’s orally and in writing of any takeover proposal or inquiry with respect to or that could reasonably be expected to lead to a takeover proposal, the identity of the person making any takeover proposal or inquiry and the material terms of any takeover proposal or inquiry. Caesars will keep Harrah’s informed of the status of any takeover proposal or inquiry and provide to Harrah’s copies of the takeover proposal and all other material information provided in writing to Harrah’s by the party making the takeover proposal as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery by Caesars.
Harrah’s and Caesars have agreed to call, hold and convene a meeting of their respective stockholders as soon as practicable after the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/ prospectus forms a part is declared effective by the SEC. The Harrah’s board of directors also agreed to recommend to Harrah’s stockholders the approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger. The Caesars board of directors agreed to recommend the approval of the merger agreement to its stockholders. Neither the Caesars board of directors nor any committee thereof may:
| • | withdraw or modify, or publicly propose to withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to Harrah’s or Harrah’s Operating Company, the approval or recommendation of the Caesars board of directors of the merger agreement or the merger; | |
| • | approve any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or similar agreement relating to any takeover proposal; or | |
| • | approve or recommend, or publicly propose to approve or recommend, any takeover proposal. |
However, the Caesars board of directors may withdraw or modify its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement or the merger if, prior to receipt of the approval of the merger and the merger agreement by Caesars stockholders:
| • | the Caesars board of directors has determined in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel, that the withdrawal or modification of its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement or the merger is required for the purpose of fulfilling its fiduciary duties, and Caesars has notified Harrah’s in writing of this determination; | |
| • | at least three business days following receipt by Harrah’s of this notice, and taking into account any revised proposal made by Harrah’s since receipt of this notice, the Caesars board of directors maintains its determination made above; and | |
| • | Caesars is in compliance with all of its obligations under the no-solicitation provisions of the merger agreement. |
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The merger agreement does not prohibit Caesars 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 Caesars common stock or from making any other disclosure to Caesars stockholders if, in the good faith judgment of the Caesars 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 Caesars board of directors under applicable law.
Conduct of Business Before Completion of the Merger
| General Restrictions on Operations |
Harrah’s and Caesars have agreed to restrictions on their activities until either the completion of the merger or the termination of the merger agreement, except as specifically permitted by the merger agreement. In general, each of Harrah’s and Caesars is required to:
| • | conduct its business only in the usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as previously conducted; | |
| • | use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its current business organization and keep available the services of its current officers and employees; | |
| • | pay its liabilities and taxes when due; and | |
| • | use all commercially reasonable efforts to preserve its current relationships with its customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, distributors and other persons with which it has business dealings in order that is goodwill and ongoing business will not be impaired at the time of the completion of the merger. |
| Additional Restrictions on Harrah’s Interim Operations |
In addition, Harrah’s has agreed that, prior to the completion of the merger, unless otherwise approved in writing by Caesars, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, or as required by the merger agreement, it will not:
| • | amend or otherwise change its certificate of incorporation or by-laws, except to increase the authorized number of shares of Harrah’s capital stock; | |
| • | issue any shares of Harrah’s common stock if, following the issuance, there would be an insufficient number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to pay the merger consideration and to be reserved for issuance in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; | |
| • | issue, deliver, sell or grant any shares of its capital stock or voting securities, any securities convertible into its capital stock or voting securities, other than (i) pursuant to the terms of Harrah’s equity awards and Harrah’s stock options, the conversion of convertible debt in accordance with their present terms, in each case, outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, (ii) grants of Harrah’s equity awards and Harrah’s stock options pursuant to its stock plans and (iii) up to 2,500,000 shares of Harrah’s common stock issued in connection with securities offerings or acquisitions; | |
| • | declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend on, or make any other distributions in respect of any of Harrah’s capital stock, other than dividends on Harrah’s common stock in the ordinary course of business; or | |
| • | authorize, commit or agree to take any of the actions listed above. |
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| Additional Restrictions on Caesars’ Interim Operations |
In addition, Caesars has agreed that, prior to the completion of the merger, unless otherwise approved in writing by Harrah’s, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, or as required by the merger agreement or by applicable law, neither it nor any of its subsidiaries will:
| • | declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions in respect of, any of its capital stock, other than dividends and distributions by direct or indirect subsidiary of Caesars to that subsidiary’s security holders in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; | |
| • | enter into any contract with respect to the voting of its capital stock or other equity interests held by Caesars or any Caesars subsidiary; | |
| • | split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock, other than pursuant to the terms of Caesars equity awards outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, pursuant to the conversion of convertible debt outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, or pursuant to Caesars’ employee stock purchase plan; | |
| • | purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries, or securities convertible into capital stock of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries, other than pursuant to the terms of Caesars equity awards outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, pursuant to the conversion of convertible debt outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, or pursuant to Caesars’ employee stock purchase plan; | |
| • | issue, deliver, sell or grant any shares of capital stock, or voting securities, or securities convertible into capital stock of voting securities, of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries, other than the issuance or grant of Caesars common stock, including any associated rights under Caesars’ rights agreement, pursuant to the terms of the Caesars equity awards outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, pursuant to the conversion of convertible debt outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, pursuant to Caesars’ employee stock purchase plan, and grants of up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 Caesars stock options, with exercise prices at the fair market value of Caesars common stock on the date of grant, and other Caesars equity awards with respect to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Caesars common stock pursuant to Caesars stock plans in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; | |
| • | amend or otherwise change its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other comparable charter or organizational documents, other than amendments or changes to any such documents of Caesars’ subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practices; | |
| • | acquire or agree to acquire any equity interest in a business or any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association or other business organization or division thereof, or acquire or agree to acquire any assets that are material, individually or in the aggregate, to Caesars and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except: |
| • | purchases of inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or | |
| • | for acquisitions of assets or equity interests having or involving aggregate consideration not in excess of $10.0 million or development activities having or involving consideration not in excess of $25.0 million per development or $50.0 million in the aggregate, which may be adjusted pursuant to the merger agreement; |
| • | grant to any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries any loan or increase in compensation, benefits, perquisites or any bonus or award, or pay any bonus to any such person, except to the extent required under employment agreements in effect as of the date of the merger agreement; |
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| • | grant to any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries any increase in severance, change in control or termination pay or benefits, except to the extent required under any agreement in effect as of the date of the merger agreement; | |
| • | enter into any employment, loan, retention, consulting, indemnification, termination or similar agreement with any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries; | |
| • | enter into any change of control, severance or similar agreement with any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries, other than renewals of any agreements in effect as of the date of the merger agreement or any such agreements with any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries hired after the date of the merger agreement replacing an employee, officer, director or independent contractor of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries whose employment terminated for any reason, which terms are no more favorable to the new employee, officer, director or independent contractor than the terminated one; | |
| • | take any action to accelerate any rights or benefits, including vesting and payment, or make any material determinations, under any Caesars collective bargaining agreement or benefit plan; | |
| • | make any change in accounting methods, principles or practices materially affecting the reported consolidated assets, liabilities or results of operations of Caesars, other than as may have been required by a change in generally accepted accounting principles or any governmental entity; | |
| • | sell, lease, license, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of or subject to any lien any properties or assets that have a fair market value, individually, in excess of $5.0 million or, in the aggregate, in excess of $20.0 million; | |
| • | other than debt incurrence pursuant to any credit facility or line of credit existing prior to the date of the merger agreement or any refinancing of such existing credit facility or line of credit that does not exceed the amount borrowable under such existing credit facility or line of credit and provided that at no time Caesars’ aggregate indebtedness on a consolidated basis exceeded $4.6 billion, excluding any indebtedness incurred after the date of the merger agreement by any subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caesars: |
| • | incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness of another person; | |
| • | issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries; | |
| • | guarantee any debt securities of another person; | |
| • | enter into any “keep well” or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition of another person or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing, except for short-term borrowings incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or | |
| • | make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person, other than to or in Caesars or any wholly-owned subsidiary of Caesars, individually in excess of $5.0 million or in the aggregate in excess of $20.0 million, other than development activities which shall not exceed $25.0 per development or $50.0 million in the aggregate, which amounts shall not include amounts on the 2004 or 2005 budgets of Caesars presented to Harrah’s; |
| • | make or agree to make any new capital expenditures such during 2004 and 2005 that combined would exceed $1.311 billion, other than capital expenditures for emergency repairs and other capital expenditures necessary in light of circumstances not anticipated as of the date of the merger agreement, which are necessary to avoid significant disruption to Caesars’ business or operations consistent with past practices; |
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| • | make any material tax election or settle or compromise any material tax liability or refund, other than tax elections required by law; | |
| • | write up, write down or write off the book value of any assets, individually or in the aggregate, for Caesars and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, in excess of $1.0 million, except for depreciation and amortization in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied or except as required by generally accepted accounting principles or a governmental entity; | |
| • | cancel any indebtedness owed by Caesars or waive any claims or rights of substantial value of Caesars or waive the benefits of, or agreed to modify in any manner, any confidentiality, standstill, non-competition, exclusivity or similar agreement to which Caesars is a party, except in the ordinary course of business; | |
| • | cancel, terminate, or adversely modify or amend any material contract of Caesars, or waiver, release, assign, settle or compromise any material rights or claims, or any material litigation or arbitration, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; | |
| • | enter into any contract having a duration of more than one year and total payment obligations of Caesars in excess of $5.0 million, other than the renewal, on substantially similar terms, of any contract existing on the date of the merger agreement and contracts entered into in respect of permitted capital expenditures; or | |
| • | authorize, commit or agree to take any of the actions above. |
In addition, Harrah’s and Caesars will not, and will not permit any of their subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in any of the representations and warranties, disregarding all qualifications and exceptions relating to materiality or material adverse effect, made by it in the merger agreement becoming untrue, except where the failure of the representations and warranties to be true and correct would not have a material adverse effect on the other party, or result in any condition to the effectiveness of the merger not being satisfied.
Harrah’s and Caesars will promptly advise each other of any state of facts, event, change, effect, development, condition or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on such party.
Access to Information; Confidentiality
During the period prior to the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s and Caesars will, and will cause each of their subsidiaries to, afford to the other party and its representatives reasonable access during normal business hours to all of their respective properties, books, contracts, commitments, personnel and records, except that Caesars is not required to provide Harrah’s with any information that it reasonably believes it can not deliver to Harrah’s due to contractual restrictions or legal restrictions, or which it believes is competitively sensitive information. During that period, each party will promptly provide to the other party all information concerning its business, properties and personnel as the other party reasonably requests. The information will be held in confidence to the extent required by the provisions of the confidentiality agreement between Harrah’s and Caesars.
Regulatory and Antitrust Approval
Harrah’s and Caesars will use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to complete and make effective the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as promptly as practicable, but in no event later July 14, 2005, unless the date is extended up to and including October 14, 2005, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. This includes:
| • | in the case of Harrah’s, obtaining all necessary approvals under any applicable gaming laws required in connection with the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; |
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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; | |
| • | obtaining all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third parties; | |
| • | defending any lawsuits or other legal proceedings challenging the merger agreement or the completion of the merger to be performed or completed by Harrah’s or Caesars, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order vacated or reversed; and | |
| • | executing and delivering any additional instruments necessary to complete the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement to be performed or completed by Harrah’s or Caesars, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, and to fully carry out the purposes of the merger agreement. |
Harrah’s and its subsidiaries are required to commit to any and all divestures, licenses or hold separate or similar arrangements with respect to its assets or conduct of business arrangements as a condition to obtaining any and all approvals from any government entity for any reason in order to complete, as promptly as practicable, the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement to be performed or completed by Harrah’s and its subsidiaries. Harrah’s and its subsidiaries will take any and all actions necessary to ensure that:
| • | no requirement for non-action, a waiver, consent or approval of the FTC, the Antitrust Division, any authority enforcing applicable gaming laws, any State Attorney General or other governmental entity; | |
| • | no decree, judgment, injunction, temporary restraining order or any other order in any suit or proceeding; and | |
| • | no other matter relating to any antitrust or competition law or regulation or relating to any gaming law; |
would preclude completion of the merger by the latest applicable date to which Harrah’s and Caesars agreed, unless any such action would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the combined company.
Caesars will be required, only if requested by Harrah’s, to divest, hold separate or otherwise take or commit to take any action with respect to the businesses, services, or assets of Caesars or any of its subsidiaries. Caesars may condition any such action upon the completion of the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Neither Harrah’s nor Caesars will knowingly take or cause to be taken any action which would reasonably be expected to materially delay or prevent the obtaining of required approvals from any government entity by July 14, 2005, unless the date is extended up to and including October 14, 2005 pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.
In addition, Harrah’s and Caesars have agreed that each of Harrah’s and Caesars will:
| • | file as soon as practicable a Notification and Report Form under the HSR Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division and to make such filings and apply for such approvals and consents as are required under the gaming laws; | |
| • | respond as promptly as practicable under the circumstances to any inquiries received from the FTC or the Antitrust Division or any authority enforcing applicable gaming laws for additional information or documentation and to all inquiries and requests received from any State Attorney General or other governmental entity in connection with antitrust matters or gaming laws; |
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| • | not extend any waiting period under the HSR Act or enter into any agreement with the FTC or the Antitrust Division not to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except with the prior written consent of the other parties to the merger agreement; | |
| • | subject to applicable laws and except as may be prohibited by any representative of any governmental entity, promptly notify the other party of any written communication to that party from the FTC, the Antitrust Division, any State Attorney General or any other governmental entity, including regulatory or gaming authorities, and, permit the other party to review in advance any proposed written communication to any of the foregoing; | |
| • | subject to applicable laws and except as may be prohibited by any representative of any governmental entity, not agree to participate in any substantive meeting or discussion with any governmental entity regarding any filings, investigation or inquiry concerning the merger agreement or the merger unless it consults with the other party in advance and, to the extent permitted by the governmental entity, gives the other party the opportunity to attend and participate in the meeting; and | |
| • | subject to applicable laws and except as may be prohibited by any representative of any governmental entity, furnish the other party with copies of all correspondence, filings, and written communications, including summary memoranda, between them and its affiliates and their respective representatives on the one hand, and any governmental entity, including regulatory or gaming authority, or members or their respective staffs on the other hand, with respect to the merger agreement and the merger. |
In connection with and without limiting these obligations, Caesars and its board of directors will take all reasonable action necessary to ensure that no state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation is or becomes applicable to the merger agreement or any transaction contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. If any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation becomes applicable to the merger agreement or any transaction contemplated by the merger agreement, Caesars and its board of directors will take all reasonable action necessary to ensure that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, may be completed as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by the merger agreement and otherwise to minimize the effect of the statute or regulation on the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.
Notification
Caesars and Harrah’s will promptly advise the other party, orally and in writing, of any state of facts, event, change, effect, development, condition or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on it. Caesars will give prompt notice to Harrah’s, and Harrah’s or Harrah’s Operating Company will give prompt notice to Caesars, of any representation or warranty made by such party or contained in the merger agreement that is qualified as to materiality becoming untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or any representation or warranty made by it or contained in the merger agreement that is not qualified as to materiality becoming untrue or inaccurate in any material respect. Additionally, Caesars will give prompt notice to Harrah’s, and Harrah’s or Harrah’s Operating Company will give prompt notice to Caesars, of the failure by it to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under the merger agreement. No notification, however, will affect the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties or the conditions to the obligations of the parties under the merger agreement.
Caesars Equity Awards and Benefit Plans
| Caesars Equity Awards |
Harrah’s will take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Harrah’s common stock for delivery upon exercise or settlement of the Caesars equity awards described
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Stock Options. Harrah’s has agreed to assume the Caesars stock option plans at the effective time of the merger. Under the merger agreement, each outstanding option to purchase shares of Caesars common stock will be converted into an option to purchase Harrah’s common stock. Each of these options will be subject to the same terms and conditions stated in the applicable Caesars stock plan and any agreements under the applicable Caesars stock plan immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. The terms and conditions of the Caesars stock option plans, other than Caesars’ 1998 independent director stock option plan, provide for accelerated vesting of outstanding options in connection with the merger. As of the effective time of the merger:
| • | each unvested Caesars stock option outstanding under any Caesars stock option plan will be fully vested and exercisable, including options under the 1998 independent director stock option plan; | |
| • | each Caesars stock option will be exercisable for the number of whole shares of Harrah’s common stock, determined by multiplying the number of shares of Caesars common stock subject to the option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger by 0.3247 rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of Harrah’s common stock; and | |
| • | the per share exercise price for the shares of Harrah’s common stock issuable upon exercise of any Caesars stock option will be equal to the quotient determined by dividing the exercise price per share of Caesars common stock under the Caesars stock option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger by 0.3247, rounded up to the nearest whole cent. |
The conversion of any Caesars stock options which are “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, into options to purchase Harrah’s common stock will be made so as not to constitute a “modification” of those Caesars stock options within the meaning of Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Harrah’s has agreed to assume the Caesars employee stock purchase plan at the effective time of the merger. Each outstanding purchase right under the Caesars employee stock purchase plan will be assumed by Harrah’s and converted into a right to purchase Harrah’s common stock. Each purchase right assumed and converted by Harrah’s will continue to have the same terms and conditions set forth in the employee stock purchase plan of Caesars and the other documents governing the outstanding purchase rights under the employee stock purchase plan, immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, except that the purchase price of shares of Harrah’s common stock and the number of shares of Harrah’s common stock to be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights will be adjusted in accordance with the stock exchange ratio.
Restricted Stock Units. At the effective time of the merger, each restricted stock unit granted under Caesars’ 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will vest according to its terms and as promptly as practicable following the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s will cause to be issued to each holder of restricted stock units, in complete settlement of those restricted stock units, a number of shares of Harrah’s common stock, rounded to the nearest whole number, net of any applicable withholding, equal to the product of the number of shares of Caesars common stock subject to restricted stock units credited to the holder’s account immediately prior to the effective time of the merger multiplied by 0.3247.
Performance Awards. At the effective time of the merger, the forfeiture conditions on each performance award will lapse according to its terms and, as promptly as practicable following the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s will cause to be issued to each holder of a performance award, in complete
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Supplemental Retention Plan. Caesars will take all actions necessary to terminate its supplemental retention plan as of the effective time of the merger. In connection with the termination of the supplemental retention plan, as promptly as practicable following the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s will cause to be issued to each participant in the supplemental retention plan, in complete settlement of the participant’s rights with respect to supplemental retention units, a number of shares of Harrah’s common stock, rounded to the nearest whole number, net of any applicable withholding, equal to the product of the number of shares of Caesars common stock subject to supplemental retention units credited to the participant’s account immediately prior to the effective time of the merger multiplied by 0.3247.
| Caesars Benefit Plans |
Subject to the terms of any collective bargaining agreement in effect on the date of the merger agreement or which may be in effect in the future, Harrah’s will cause Harrah’s Operating Company to maintain, for a period of one year after the effective time of the merger, the Caesars benefit plans as in effect on the date of the merger agreement or to provide benefits, excluding benefits attributable to equity-based plans or grants, to each current employee of Caesars and its subsidiaries that are at least as favorable in the aggregate to those employees as the benefits in effect on the date of the merger agreement. With respect to benefits attributable to equity-based plans or grants, Harrah’s will, or will cause Harrah’s Operating Company to provide that each Caesars employee will be eligible to receive grants in the same manner as similarly situated employees of Harrah’s or any of its subsidiaries.
From and after the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s will, and will cause Harrah’s Operating Company to honor in accordance with their respective terms all of Caesars’ employment, severance and termination agreements, plans and policies.
With respect to any employee benefit plan, program or arrangement maintained by Harrah’s or any of its subsidiaries, including any severance plan, for all purposes of determining eligibility to participate and vesting but not for purposes of benefit accrual, service with Caesars or any of its subsidiaries will be treated as service with Harrah’s or its subsidiaries, but not including any service that would result in any duplication of benefits.
Harrah’s will waive, or cause to be waived, any pre-existing condition limitation under any welfare benefit plan maintained by Harrah’s or any of its affiliates, other than Caesars, in which employees of Caesars and its subsidiaries, as well as their eligible dependents, will be eligible to participate after the effective time of the merger, except to the extent that such pre-existing condition limitation would have been applicable under the comparable Caesars welfare benefit plan immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. Harrah’s will recognize, or cause to be recognized, the dollar amount of all expenses incurred by each Caesars employee, and his or her eligible dependents, during the calendar year in which the effective time of the merger occurs for purposes of satisfying that year’s deductible and co-payment limitations under the relevant welfare benefit plans in which they will be eligible to participate from and after the effective time of the merger.
Indemnification
Harrah’s will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, cause Harrah’s Operating Company to honor all of Caesars’ obligations to indemnify, including any obligations to advance funds for expenses to, the current or former directors or officers of Caesars for acts or omissions by such directors and officers occurring prior to the effective time of the merger to the extent that those obligations of Caesars exist on the date of the merger agreement, whether pursuant to Caesars’ certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended to the date of the merger agreement, individual indemnity or other agreements, and such obligations will survive the merger. The certificate of incorporation of Harrah’s Operating Company will
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For six years from the effective time of the merger, Harrah’s will cause to be maintained in effect the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by Caesars with respect to claims arising from or related to facts or events which occurred at or before the effective time of the merger, although Harrah’s may substitute policies with reputable and financially sound carriers of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous. However, Harrah’s will not be obligated to make annual premium payments for this insurance if the premiums exceed 300% of the annual premiums paid as of the date of the merger agreement by Caesars for the insurance. Further, if the insurance coverage cannot be obtained at all, or can only be obtained at an annual premium in excess of 300% of the annual premium paid by Caesars as of the date of the merger agreement, Harrah’s will maintain the most advantageous policies of directors’ and officers’ insurance obtainable for an annual premium equal to that amount.
If Caesars in its sole discretion elects, by giving written notice to Harrah’s at least 60 days prior to the effective time of the merger, then, instead of the insurance described above, effective as of the effective time of the merger, Caesars will purchase a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance “tail” or “runoff” insurance program for a period of six years after the effective time of the merger with respect to wrongful acts and/or omissions committed or allegedly committed at or prior to the effective time of the merger, provided that the premium for such “tail” or “runoff” coverage does not exceed 300% of the annual premiums paid as of the date of the merger agreement by Caesars for its current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. This coverage will have an aggregate coverage limit over the term of the insurance in an amount not to exceed the annual aggregate coverage limit under Caesars’ existing directors’ and officers’ liability policy, and in all other respects will be comparable to the existing directors’ and officers’ liability policy coverage.
Termination of the Merger Agreement
| Termination by Harrah’s or Caesars |
Either Harrah’s or Caesars may terminate the merger agreement at any time before the effective time of the merger if Harrah’s and Caesars mutually agree in writing to the termination or by written notice of either Harrah’s or Caesars if:
| • | the merger is not completed by or on July 14, 2005, which date may be extended by either party up to and including October 14, 2005 in the event all conditions to effect the merger, other than one or more of the regulatory conditions have been or are capable of being satisfied at the time of the extension, except that this right to terminate the merger agreement is not available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under the merger agreement has been the cause of, or results in, the failure of the merger to occur on or before such date; | |
| • | any governmental entity issues an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the merger, and the order, decree, ruling or other action has become final and nonappealable; | |
| • | Caesars stockholders do not approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, at a duly convened stockholders meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of such stockholders meeting, at which the vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, was taken; or | |
| • | Harrah’s stockholders do not approve the issuance of Harrah’s common stock to Caesars stockholders in the merger at a duly convened stockholders meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of such stockholders meeting, at which the vote to approve the share issuance was taken. |
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| Termination by Harrah’s |
Harrah’s may terminate the merger agreement by written notice at any time prior to completion of the merger if:
| • | Caesars breaches or fails to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in the merger agreement, which would result in a failure of a closing condition relating to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Caesars or the performance by Caesars of its obligations under the merger agreement and the breach or failure to perform cannot be or has not been cured within 60 days after giving written notice to Caesars of the breach; | |
| • | the Caesars board of directors withdraws or adversely modifies its recommendation, or resolves to do so, of the merger agreement; or | |
| • | the Caesars board of directors approves or recommends to Caesars stockholders, or resolves to do so, a takeover proposal other than the merger agreement. |
| Termination by Caesars |
Caesars may terminate the merger agreement by written notice at any time prior to completion of the merger if:
| • | Harrah’s or Harrah’s Operating Company breaches or fails to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in the merger agreement, which would result in a failure of a closing condition relating to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Harrah’s or Harrah’s Operating Company or the performance by them of their obligations under the merger agreement and the breach or failure to perform cannot be or has not been cured within 60 days after giving written notice to Harrah’s of the breach; or | |
| • | prior to the receipt of the approval of the merger agreement by Caesars stockholders, Caesars (a) receives a superior proposal as described above under “— Caesars Prohibited From Soliciting Other Offers,” (b) resolves to accept such superior proposal, (c) gives Harrah’s three business days prior written notice of its intention to terminate the merger agreement, (d) the proposal continues to constitute a superior proposal taking into account any revised proposal made by Harrah’s during such three business day period and (e) Caesars pays the break-up fee described below under “— Break-up Fee.” |
Caesars may not terminate the merger agreement pursuant to the superior proposal termination provision described above if it is in breach of its obligations under the no solicitation provisions of the merger agreement.
Break-up Fee
Caesars has agreed to pay Harrah’s a break-up fee of $180.0 million within two business days of written notice of termination if the merger agreement is terminated by Harrah’s because the Caesars board of directors withdraws or adversely modifies its recommendation, or resolves to do so, of the merger agreement or approves or recommends, or resolves to do so, to Caesars stockholders a takeover proposal other than the merger agreement.
Caesars has agreed to pay Harrah’s the break-up fee concurrently with termination of the merger agreement if the merger agreement is terminated by Caesars because, prior to receipt of the approval of the merger agreement by Caesars stockholders, Caesars:
| • | receives a superior proposal as described above under “— Caesars Prohibited From Soliciting Other Offers;” | |
| • | resolves to accept the superior proposal; |
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| • | gives Harrah’s three business days prior written notice of its intention to terminate the merger agreement; and | |
| • | the proposal continues to constitute a superior proposal after taking into account any revised proposal made by Harrah’s during such three business day period. |
Caesars will pay Harrah’s the break-up fee on the date of the completion of a takeover proposal as described below if:
| • | after July 14, 2004, any person publicly announces a takeover proposal which has not been expressly and bona fide publicly withdrawn; | |
| • | the merger agreement is terminated by either Caesars or Harrah’s because Caesars stockholders did not approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, at a duly convened stockholders meeting at which the vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, was taken and at that time Harrah’s is not in breach in any material respect of any of its representations, warranties and covenants contained in the merger agreement; | |
| • | within 12 months after the date of the merger agreement Caesars enters into a definitive agreement to complete, or completes, a takeover proposal; and | |
| • | the takeover proposal is completed. |
For purposes of determining whether a break-up fee is payable in the situation described in the previous paragraph, the term “takeover proposal” will mean:
| • | any proposal or offer for a merger, consolidation, dissolution, recapitalization or other business combination involving Caesars or any significant subsidiary; | |
| • | any proposal for the issuance by Caesars of over 50% of its equity securities; | |
| • | any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner, directly or indirectly, over 50% of the equity securities or consolidated total assets of Caesars; or | |
| • | any combination of the above, |
in each case, other than the merger.
If Caesars fails promptly to pay the break-up fee when required, and, in order to obtain the payment, Harrah’s commences a suit that results in a judgment against Caesars for the break-up fee, Caesars will pay to Harrah’s interest on the break-up fee from and including the date payment of the break-up fee was due to, but excluding, the date of actual payment at the prime rate of Bank of America, National Association in effect on the date the payment was required to be made.
Effect of Termination
In the event of termination of the merger agreement by either Harrah’s or Caesars in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the merger agreement will immediately become void and have no effect. Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company or Caesars will not have any liability or obligation to the other parties, except to the extent that the termination results from the willful and material breach by a party of any representation, warranty or covenant set forth in the merger agreement, and other than the payment of fees and expenses described above under “— Fees and Expenses” and “— Break-up Fee,” certain provisions relating to confidentiality, and certain other general provisions which will survive the termination.
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Fees and Expenses
Except as provided under “— Break-up Fee,” all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger will be paid by the party incurring the fees or expenses, whether or not the merger is completed, other than expenses incurred in connection with filing, printing and mailing this joint proxy statement/ prospectus which will be shared equally by Harrah’s and Caesars.
Public Announcements
Harrah’s and Harrah’s Operating Company, on the one hand, and Caesars, on the other hand, will consult with each other before issuing, and provide each other reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon, any press release or other public statements with respect to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and will not issue any such press release or make any public statement prior to consultation with the other, except as may be required by applicable law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange.
Transfer Taxes
All stock transfer, real estate transfer, documentary, stamp, recording and other similar taxes, including interest, penalties and additions to those taxes, incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by Harrah’s Operating Company, and Caesars will cooperate with Harrah’s Operating Company, and Harrah’s in preparing, executing and filing any tax returns with respect to those taxes.
Stock Exchange Listing
Harrah’s will use all reasonable efforts to cause the shares of Caesars common stock to be issued in the merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the closing date of the merger.
Tax Treatment
Harrah’s and Caesars intend the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each party and its respective subsidiaries will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Except with respect to any divestures that may be undertaken pursuant to the merger agreement, Harrah’s, Caesars and their respective subsidiaries will not take any action that would disqualify the merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. For a description of certain tax consequences of the merger, see “The Merger — Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequence” on page 81.
Harrah’s and Caesars will cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts in order for Harrah’s to obtain from Latham & Watkins LLP, and Caesars to obtain from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, an opinion that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, in the event that either counsel is unable to render such an opinion, at either party’s option, acting reasonably, the merger will be restructured in a manner intended to qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code. In such event, the merger would be restructured to provide for the formation by Harrah’s and Caesars of a new corporation, the formation by the new corporation of two wholly-owned corporations and the merger of one of the newly formed subsidiaries with and into Harrah’s, with Harrah’s being the surviving entity, and the merger of the other newly formed subsidiary with and into Caesars, with Caesars being the surviving entity. In such case, each party and its respective subsidiaries will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the alternative transaction to qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code and will not take any action that would cause the alternative transaction not to qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code. The material tax
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Each of Harrah’s and Caesars also have the option, acting reasonably, to restructure the merger in the event the total fair market value of Harrah’s common stock received by Caesars stockholders in the merger is greater than or equal to 80% of the aggregate fair market value of the Caesars common stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger, with the shares of Harrah’s common stock being valued as of the anticipated closing date. In such event, Harrah’s would form a new wholly-owned subsidiary that would merge with and into Caesars, with Caesars being the surviving entity, in a transaction that would qualify as reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The material tax consequences of this alternative merger would be the same as those described in the section entitled “The Merger — Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” on page 81.
If the merger is restructured in either manner, the merger agreement and certain exhibits to the merger agreement will be amended by the parties as appropriate. However, no restructuring of the merger may (i) result in any change in the merger consideration, (ii) be materially adverse to the interests of Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company, Caesars, the holders of Harrah’s common stock or holders of Caesars common stock or (iii) unreasonably impede or delay completion of the merger.
Stockholder Litigation
Caesars will give Harrah’s the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any stockholder litigation against Caesars and its directors relating to the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement. Harrah’s will give Caesars the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any stockholder litigation against Harrah’s and its directors relating to the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement. No settlement agreement with respect to any stockholder litigation against Harrah’s or Caesars and their respective directors relating to the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement may be agreed to without the consent of the other party.
Harrah’s Board of Directors
After completion of the merger, there will be at least 12 members of the Harrah’s board of directors, but no more than 14 members. All of the ten current members of the Harrah’s board of directors are expected to remain as members of the Harrah’s board of directors after the completion of the merger. Philip G. Satre previously announced his resignation as Chairman of Harrah’s board of directors, which was effective December 31, 2004. The Harrah’s board of directors is classified into three separate classes of directors, with staggered three year terms. There are currently three Class I directors with terms expiring in 2006, three Class II directors with terms expiring in 2007 and four Class III directors with terms expiring in 2005. At or prior to the effective date of the merger, Harrah’s board of directors will take all necessary action so that, effective immediately following the effective date of the merger, William Barron Hilton and Stephen F. Bollenbach will be appointed to Harrah’s board of directors. Mr. Hilton will be a Class I director, with a term expiring in 2006, and Mr. Bollenbach will be a Class II director, with a term expiring in 2007. In addition, as soon as practicable after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the completion of the merger, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of Harrah’s board of directors will consider recommending for appointment an additional Caesars director to the Harrah’s board of directors. Harrah’s board of directors will also consider the nomination of one further additional Caesars director to Harrah’s board of directors.
Caesars Rights Agreement
Except for any actions permitted to be taken by the merger agreement, Caesars will not:
| • | redeem the rights associated with Caesars’ rights agreement with Wells Fargo Bank as rights agent; | |
| • | amend its rights agreement; |
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| • | take any action which would allow any person other than Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company or any subsidiary of Harrah’s to become a beneficial owner of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Caesars common stock without causing a “shares acquisition date,” or a “distribution date” as such terms are defined in Caesars’ rights agreement, to occur; or | |
| • | adopt a stockholder rights plan or “poison pill.” |
In addition, the board of directors shall not make a determination that Harrah’s, Harrah’s Operating Company or any of their respective affiliates or associates is an acquiring person for purposes of Caesars’ rights agreement.
Amendments, Extensions and Waivers
| Amendments |
The merger agreement may be amended by the parties at any time prior to the effective time of the merger by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties. However, after the approval of the merger agreement at the special meeting of Caesars stockholders or the approval of the issuance of shares of Harrah’s common stock in the merger at the special meeting of Harrah’s stockholders, there will be no amendment to the merger agreement made that by law, or, in the case of the approval at the special meeting of Harrah’s stockholders, by the regulations established by the NYSE, requires further approval by the stockholders of Caesars or Harrah’s without the further approval of the stockholders of Caesars or Harrah’s. No amendment will be made to the merger agreement after the effective time of the merger and, except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment will be made to the merger agreement if it will require the approval of the stockholders of Caesars.
| Extensions and Waivers |
At any time prior to the effective time of the merger, any party to the merger agreement may:
| • | extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties; | |
| • | waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other parties contained in the merger agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the merger agreement; or | |
| • | waive compliance by the other parties with any of the agreements or conditions contained in the merger agreement except as limited by the provisions of the merger agreement described above in the section “— Amendments.” |
Except as described above in the section “— Amendments,” no extension or waiver by Caesars shall require the approval of the stockholders of Caesars. Any agreement on the part of either party to any extension or waiver will be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by that party. The failure of any party to the merger agreement to assert any of its rights under the merger agreement or otherwise will not constitute a waiver of those rights.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are derived from and should be read in conjunction with historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Harrah’s, Horseshoe, and Caesars, which are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. Harrah’s, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah’s Operating Company, acquired Horseshoe on July 1, 2004.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and the year ended December 31, 2003, give effect to:
| • | Harrah’s acquisition of Horseshoe; | |
| • | certain adjustments that are directly attributable to the acquisition of Horseshoe and will have a continuing impact, including certain operational benefits arising from the elimination of duplicative corporate office and operational support functions; | |
| • | Harrah’s financing of the Horseshoe acquisition and refinancing of the existing indebtedness of Horseshoe, including the redemption of all of Horseshoe’s $535 million, face amount, 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due July 2009 on August 2, 2004, pursuant to a redemption notice dated July 1, 2004; | |
| • | Harrah’s sale of all of the outstanding limited and general partnership interests of the partnership that owns Harrah’s Shreveport Hotel and Casino, or Harrah’s Shreveport, which was completed in May 2004; | |
| • | Harrah’s and Caesars’ agreement to sell the assets and certain related current liabilities of Harrah’s East Chicago and Tunica properties and of Caesars’ Atlantic City Hilton and Bally’s Tunica properties; | |
| • | Caesars’ agreement to sell the equity interests of Belle of Orleans, LLC, which does business as Bally’s Casino New Orleans; | |
| • | Caesars’ agreement to sell the assets and certain related liabilities of Caesars Tahoe; | |
| • | the merger of Caesars with Harrah’s Operating Company, after giving pro forma effect to Harrah’s sale of Harrah’s Shreveport, acquisition of Horseshoe, Harrah’s and Caesars’ proposed sales of Harrah’s East Chicago, Harrah’s Tunica, Caesars’ Atlantic City Hilton and Bally’s Tunica and Caesars’ proposed sales of Bally’s Casino New Orleans and Caesars Tahoe; and | |
| • | Harrah’s financing of the cash portion of the Caesars merger with $1.9 billion in new debt, including anticipated acquisition costs. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income assume that each of these transactions were consummated on January 1, 2003.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet presents the combined financial position of Harrah’s and Caesars as if Harrah’s merger with Caesars was consummated on September 30, 2004, and gives effect to the merger with Caesars and the estimated incremental debt.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared based upon currently available information and assumptions that are deemed appropriate by Harrah’s management. The pro forma information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of the actual consolidated financial position or consolidated results that would have been reported had the transactions occurred on the dates indicated, nor does the information represent a forecast of the consolidated financial position at any future date or the combined financial results of Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Caesars for any future period.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Harrah’s are prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X.
You should read the financial information in this section along with Harrah’s, Horseshoe’s and Caesars’ historical consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. See “Additional Information — Where You Can Find More Information” on page 147.
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HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
| Shreveport | Horseshoe | Caesars | Harrah’s as | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Harrah’s | Sale | Horseshoe | Pro Forma | Harrah’s as | Caesars | Proposed | Pro Forma | Adjusted for | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Historical | Adjustments | Historical | Adjustments | Adjusted for | Historical | Dispositions | Adjustments | Horseshoe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Note 1) | (Note 2) | (Note 3) | (Note 4) | Horseshoe | (Note 5) | (Note 6) | (Note 8) | and Caesars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Revenues
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Casino
|
$ | 2,999.8 | $ | (64.1 | ) | $ | 437.2 | $ | — | $ | 3,372.9 | $ | 2,254.0 | $ | (77.0 | ) | $ | — | $ | 5,549.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Food and beverage
|
497.5 | (8.4 | ) | 40.1 | — | 529.2 | 584.0 | (21.0 | ) | — | 1,092.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Rooms
|
293.5 | (6.3 | ) | 15.3 | — | 302.5 | 560.0 | (13.0 | ) | — | 849.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Management fees
|
45.4 | — | — | — | 45.4 | 23.0 | — | — | 68.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other
|
161.1 | (1.9 | ) | 9.2 | — | 168.4 | 256.0 | (7.0 | ) | — | 417.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less: casino promotional allowances
|
(638.0 | ) | 15.9 | (79.4 | ) | — | (701.5 | ) | (372.0 | ) | 14.0 | — | (1,059.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenues
|
3,359.3 | (64.8 | ) | 422.4 | — | 3,716.9 | 3,305.0 | (104.0 | ) | — | 6,917.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating expenses
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Direct
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Casino
|
1,497.6 | (36.4 | ) | 244.5 | — | 1,705.7 | 1,131.0 | (51.0 | ) | — | 2,785.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Food and beverage
|
205.9 | (1.7 | ) | 12.4 | — | 216.6 | 327.0 | (11.0 | ) | — | 532.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Rooms
|
50.4 | (0.5 | ) | 1.0 | — | 50.9 | 134.0 | (2.0 | ) | — | 182.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
243.8 | — | 27.0 | (10.8 | )(a) | 260.0 | 314.0 | (7.0 | ) | — | 567.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries
|
2.1 | (0.2 | ) | — | — | 1.9 | 11.0 | (9.0 | ) | — | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Project opening costs
|
7.8 | — | — | — | 7.8 | 7.0 | — | — | 14.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Property general, administrative and other
|
677.2 | (12.7 | ) | 108.7 | (45.6 | )(b) | 731.6 | 834.0 | (38.0 | ) | — | 1,527.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.0 | (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Corporate expense
|
48.0 | — | 31.5 | (30.8 | )(b) | 48.7 | 40.0 | — | — | 88.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(Income) losses on interests in nonconsolidated
affiliates
|
0.3 | — | — | — | 0.3 | (14.0 | ) | — | — | (13.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total operating expenses
|
2,733.1 | (51.5 | ) | 425.1 | (83.2 | ) | 3,023.5 | 2,784.0 | (118.0 | ) | — | 5,689.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||