Thomson Canada Limited et al v. Thomson-Reuters.Com
Filing
1
COMPLAINT against Thomson-Reuters.Com ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 100008581.), filed by Thomson Canada Limited, Reuters Limited. (Attachments: #
1 exhibit E, #
2 exhibit F thru M, #
3 Civil Cover Sheet, #
4 Receipt)(nhall)
Thomson Canada Limited et al v. Thomson-Reuters.Com
Doc. 1
TILED
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
Alexandria Division
TM m '3 P 2= 5b
CLERK US DiSTRiCl COURT ALEXANDRIA. VIRGINIA
THOMSON CANADA LIMITED a corporation organized under the ) )
laws of Canada AND REUTERS LIMITED,
a corporation organized under the
) ) )
)
laws of the United Kingdom,
Plaintiffs,
v.
)
Civil Action No. _X
THOMSON-REUTERS.COM
a domain name,
Defendant.
VERIFIED COMPLAINT
Plaintiffs, Thomson Canada Limited and Reuters Limited, by their undersigned attorneys,
for their Verified Complaint against Defendant, TH0MS0N-REUTERS.COM, allege as follows
on knowledge as to themselves and on information and belief as to all other matters:
INTRODUCTION
1.
This is an in rem action against the Internet domain name THOMSON-
REUTERS.COM (the "Domain Name"), brought under the federal Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d), the federal trademark infringement law, 15 U.S.C. §
1114( 1), the federal anti-dilution law, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c), and the federal unfair competition
DB04/835071.0002/452178.1
Dockets.Justia.com
law, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a). The case arises out of the unauthorized registration and use of the
Domain Name which is confusingly similar to, dilutes and unfairly trades off Plaintiffs' corporate names and famous trademarks, including "THOMSON", "REUTERS", and their new name
"THOMSON REUTERS." Plaintiffs seek an order directing the transfer of the Domain Name to
a domain name registrar of their choice.
2.
The Anticybersquatting Act explicitly allows trademark owners to proceed in rem
against Internet domain names where, as here, the registrant has registered and used the domain
name in bad faith, the Court lacks personal jurisdiction over the registrant, and the registry of the
domain name is located in the United States.
3.
The Domain Name has its situs in this District within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. §
1125(d)(2)(C).
The registry for all ".com" domain names, including the Domain Name, is
Verisign Global Registry Services, a division of VeriSign, Inc. ("VeriSign"), which is located in this District. VeriSign is required to deposit a registration certificate for the Domain Name into the Registry of the Court. Therefore, this Court will have complete control over the Domain
Name, and VeriSign will be required to abide by this Court's order regarding transfer of the
Domain Name.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
4.
This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this matter by virtue of the fact that
this is an action arising under the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051-1121
("Lanham Act"), jurisdiction being conferred in accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(2)(A) and 28 U.S.C. § 1338(a) and (b). As described in more detail below, the registrant of the Domain
Name resides in Korea and, upon information and belief, has had no contacts with the United
States. As such, Plaintiffs are unable to obtain inpersonam jurisdiction over this individual.
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Therefore, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. §§ 1125(d)(2)(A) and 1125(d)(2)(A)(ii)(I), the Plaintiffs
are filing this civil action in rem against the Domain Name in the judicial district in which the
domain name is located.
5.
Venue is proper in this judicial district under 28 U.S.C. § 1391 (b) in that the
Domain Name is deemed to be situated in the judicial district in which the domain name registry is located. 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(2)(B)(i). VeriSign, located in this District, is the exclusive
registry for all domain names in the ".com" top-level domain, including the Domain Name. PARTIES
6.
Plaintiff, Thomson Canada Limited, is a corporation organized under the laws of
Ontario, Canada with its principal place of business located at Suite 2706, P.O. Box 24, TD Bank Tower, 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5K 1A1, Canada.
7. Plaintiff, Reuters Limited, is a corporation organized under the laws of the United
Kingdom with its principal place of business located at The Reuters Building, 3 Times Square,
New York, NY 10036.
8.
Defendant Domain Name, THOMSON-REUTERS.COM, is a domain name listed
in the registry operated by VeriSign. FACTS
9.
The Thomson Corporation1 is a leading global provider of information-based
solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson Finance S.A. and Plaintiff Thomson Canada Limited are both wholly owned subsidiaries of The Thomson Corporation. The
On April 17, 2008, The Thomson Corporation was renamed Thomson Reuters Corporation.
-3-
Thomson Corporation, Thomson Finance S.A., and Thomson Canada Limited shall be referred to
collectively as "Thomson."
10.
The THOMSON mark has been used extensively in print publications, the
Internet, and in various other media since at least 1991. The Thomson Corporation has spent
hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on various types of advertising involving the
THOMSON mark.
11.
The THOMSON mark is a world-famous and well-respected mark. Thomson is
the sole and exclusive owner of a number of registered trademarks throughout the world,
including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom, India, Spain, Germany and Switzerland. The
THOMSON mark has become extremely famous in the professional and business information
industry worldwide and is among Thomson's most valuable assets.
12.
By reason of the extensive use and advertising of Thomson's services, the
THOMSON mark has come to be recognized and relied upon by the trade and the public as identifying Thomson and its professional and business information services, and as
distinguishing Thomson from others and the services of others.
13. Thomson has an active presence on the Internet. The principal domain name
currently registered and used by Thomson is THOMSON.COM. Thomson registered
thomson.com with Network Solutions Inc. ("NSI") on July 29, 1993. Thomson also owns
numerous other domain names incorporating the THOMSON mark, such as TH0MS0NFINANCIAL.COM and TH0MS0NSCIENTIFIC.COM.
14. Reuters Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reuters Group PLC. Reuters
Limited and Reuters Group PLC will be referred to collectively as "Reuters." Reuters is a
leading international news and financial information services group. It is also one of the largest
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international news agencies in the world, serving both traditional and new media. Reuters owns
the trademark registrations for the REUTERS mark. 15. The REUTERS mark is among the most famous and well-respected marks in the
world. The REUTERS mark has been used extensively in print since at least 1865, and has in more recent years been used extensively in the Internet and in various other media. Reuters is
the sole and exclusive owner of a number of registered trademarks throughout the world,
including, but not limited to, the United States, Korea, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, France,
Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy and the European Union. The REUTERS mark has become extremely famous in the financial information and news
services industry worldwide and is among Reuters' most valuable assets.
16.
On February 9, 1999, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a
federal trademark registration (U.S. Reg. No. 2,222,475) to Reuters for its REUTERS mark. A
copy of the U.S. Registration Certificate for the REUTERS mark is attached as Exhibit A.
17. The REUTERS mark has been used extensively on television and the Internet, in
newspapers and in various other media. Reuters also has spent many millions of dollars annually
on various types of advertising involving the REUTERS mark.
18.
By reason of the extensive use and advertising of Reuters' services, the
REUTERS mark has come to be recognized and relied upon by the trade and the public as
identifying Reuters and its financial information and news services, and as distinguishing
Reuters from others and the services of others.
19.
Reuters has an active presence on the Internet. The principal domain name
currently registered and used by Reuters is REUTERS.COM. Reuters registered
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REUTERS.COM with NSI on June 3, 1993. Reuters also owns numerous other domain names
incorporating the REUTERS mark, such as REUTERS.NET and REUTERS.ORG. 20. On May 4, 2007, Reuters announced that it had received a preliminary takeover
approach from a third party, which was widely believed to be Thomson. See Press Release
attached hereto as Exhibit B. Although Reuters did not disclose the name of the third party, it
was widely speculated by various well-known news outlets that the third party was Thomson.
See Printouts of various articles attached hereto as Exhibit C.
21. In a joint press-release dated, May 8,2007, Thomson and Reuters announced that
they were in discussions to combine their respective businesses. See Press Release attached
hereto as Exhibit D. Thomson and Reuters each filed an Implementation Agreement with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission on May 23,2007 and May 24,2007, respectively, related to Thomson's proposed acquisition of Reuters. See Implementation Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit E (the "Implementation Agreement"). Thomson closed its
acquisition of Reuters in April 2008.
22. Because Thomson has acquired Reuters and the name of the new company is
"Thomson Reuters", Thomson and Reuters have a common interest in protecting their respective and joint property. The new name, "Thomson Reuters," is one of the most valuable assets of the
new organization. Thomson filed an application for registration of the mark THOMSONREUTERS with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("U.S.P.T.O.") on December 7, 2007. A printout of the status of the application for the registration of the THOMSONREUTERS from the U.S.P.T.O.'s Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval as of April, 2008 is attached as Exhibit F.
-6-
23.
On May 5,2007, the very next day after Reuters announced that it had received a
preliminary takeover bid from a third party, the Domain Name was registered with the Korean
registrar CyDentity, Inc. d/b/a CyPack.com (the "Registrar"). As shown by a database search
conducted through WHOIS on April 16, 2008, a printout of which is attached as Exhibit G, the
Domain Name is registered in the name of Kiwon Ann ("Ann"), an individual residing in Korea. The Domain Name was originally registered in the name of "Z. Digital". As shown by a database
search conducted through WHOIS on October 31, 2007, a printout of which is attached as Exhibit H, "Z. Digital" used the same contact email address (zdigitalffidreamwiz.coiTO as the
current registrant, Ann. In an administrative proceeding brought by Thomson and Reuters against
Ann in accordance with the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy ("UDRP"), Ann
did not deny that "Z. Digital" and Ann were the same registrant. See Translation of Ann's
January 7,2008 Response to Complainant's UDRP Complaint, attached as Exhibit I. Ann has
not provided the UDRP complainants with any evidence related to his purported acquisition of the Domain Name from Z Digital. 24. Upon information and belief, Z Digital registered the Domain Name on Ann's
behalf and/or Z Digital and Ann are the same individual. Upon further information and belief,
Ann is the de facto registrant of the Domain Name, and any transfer of the Domain Name from Z
Digital to Ann likely was a sham transaction.2 Even if Z Digital and Ann are not the same
person, the timing of the registration of the Domain Name is evidence of the registrant's badfaith intent to hijack Plaintiffs' new name.
The only verifiable piece of information that is required to register and subsequently transfer a ".com"
domain name is a valid email address. There are no technical obstacles that would have prevented Ann
from registering the Domain Name under an alias and later transferring it to himself.
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25.
Upon information and belief, other than the fact that the registry that holds the
Domain Name is based in Herndon, Virginia, Ann has had no direct contact with the United
States.
26.
Ann is not actively using the Domain Name. The content on the website
associated with the Domain Name (the "Website") consists of the statement "Welcome to
Thomson-reuters.com" along with a picture of a stack of computer disks and the email address of Ann. See Printout of the Website dated May 9,2008 a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit J.
27.
Ann's registration and misuse of the Domain Name led Reuters to send a demand
letter dated October 12, 2007 (the "Demand Letter"). The Demand Letter stated unequivocally
and with particularity that the registration and use of the Domain Name violated Reuters' legal
rights. A copy of the Demand letter is attached hereto as Exhibit K. 28. 29. Ann did not respond to the Demand Letter. On December 3,2007, after Ann refused to comply with the Demand Letter,
Thomson and Reuters initiated a proceeding against Ann in the National Arbitration Forum
("NAF") in accordance with the UDRP. On February 5,2008, the administrative panel in the UDRP proceeding issued a decision finding that the infringing Domain Name was registered in bad faith and ordering the Registrar to transfer the Domain Name to the complainants unless
within 10 business days of the administrative panel's decision, Ann commenced legal
proceedings in the home jurisdiction of the Registrar, in this case in South Korea. A copy of the panel's decision is attached as Exhibit L. On February 22,2008, the Registrar notified
Complainants that Ann had initiated an action against the UDRP complainants in Korea to
challenge the outcome of the UDRP proceeding. See Exhibit M.
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30.
Ann's registration and misuse of the Domain Name is a flagrant attempt to
subvert the purpose of domain-name use and registration and to circumvent the authority of the
domain-name registration system.
31.
The Domain Name is confusingly similar to the famous THOMSON trademark
owned by Thomson, as well as to the famous REUTERS trademark owned by Reuters. The
THOMSON and REUTERS marks were both famous and distinctive at the time the Domain Name was registered. The Domain Name fully incorporates the THOMSON and REUTERS
marks, and therefore causes a likelihood of confusion. The Domain Name is confusingly similar
to the THOMSON and REUTERS marks individually and to the new THOMSON REUTERS
mark.
32.
Ann has no rights or legitimate interests with respect to the Domain Name. The
Domain Name bears no relationship to the business of Ann. Ann is not commonly known by the Domain Name and has no relationship with or permission from either Thomson or Reuters for
the use of their marks. Ann has not been given a license by either of the Plaintiffs.
33.
Ann is not making a legitimate noncommercial or fair use of the Domain Name.
Rather, Ann has failed to make any active use of the Domain Name. Ann's registration of the
Domain Name can only be viewed as a bad-faith attempt to confuse consumers and capitalize on the famous THOMSON and REUTERS marks, and to profit from the domestic and international
goodwill that Thomson and Reuters have built up in their well-known trademarks. If Ann
possessed a legitimate intention to create a noncommercial website, there is no innocent
explanation for his choice to register and use the combined name of two multinational companies
on the very day that news outlets throughout the world carried stories on the proposed
transaction between these companies.
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34.
The fact that the Domain Name was registered on the very next day after Reuters
announced that it had received an acquisition approach from a third party, which was widely
reported to be Thomson, is evidence that the Domain Name was registered in bad faith. 35. Ann has used the THOMSON and REUTERS marks to drive visitors to his
website by leading visitors that type in the Domain Name to the Website, which contains Ann's
email address, thus creating confusion as to Ann's affiliation with THOMSON and REUTERS.
36. Even if Ann's claim that he registered the Domain Name for "non-profit
purposes" were true, that is not enough to overcome the presumption of bad faith created by the
highly suspicious timing of the registration of the Domain Name and by Ann's subsequent
failure to actively use the Domain Name.
COUNT ONE - CYBERPIRACY UNDER 15 U.S.C. S 1125(d)
37.
Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference and re-alleges the allegations contained
in paragraphs 1-36, as if fully and expressly set forth herein.
38.
The Domain Name THOMSON-REUTERS.COM wholly incorporates Plaintiffs'
trademarks. The Domain Name was not registered for any legitimate purpose, but rather to trade
on Plaintiffs' fame and goodwill, constituting cyberpiracy.
39.
Plaintiffs are not affiliated with, do not sponsor or otherwise endorse the registrant
of the Domain Name and have never authorized the registrant to use or register Plaintiffs'
trademarks or any variations thereof.
40.
Upon information and belief, the Domain Name TH0MS0N-REUTERS.COM
was registered with knowledge of Plaintiffs' rights in the trademarks THOMSON, REUTERS,
and THOMSON REUTERS.
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41.
Upon information and belief the registrant of the Domain Name has acted with
the bad-faith intent to profit from Plaintiffs' famous, distinctive trademarks and the goodwill
associated therewith within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(l).
42. The registrant and user of the Domain Name, Ann, does not have any legal names
or titles to justify use and registration of the Domain Name THOMSON-REUTERS.COM.
43.
Plaintiffs' inability to use the Domain Name is hindering their efforts to
communicate information about the recent acquisition to customers, shareholders, and the general business community. As a result, Plaintiffs' reputation, business, and relations with
customers have been and will continue to be adversely affected.
44.
The continued registration of the Domain Name violates 15 U.S.C. §
1125(d)(2)(A)(i) by infringing the valuable rights of (i) Thomson in its registered trademark, (ii)
Reuters in its registered trademark, and (iii) the Plaintiffs in their combined interest in the
THOMSONREUTERS mark protected under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a).
45.
The registration and use of the Domain Name constitutes cyberpiracy in violation
of 15 U.S.C. §1125(d).
COUNT TWO - TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT UNDER 15 U.S.C. S 1114(1)
46.
Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference and realleges the allegations contained
in paragraphs 1-36, as if fully and expressly set forth herein.
47.
The Domain Name TH0MS0N-REUTERS.COM is confusingly similar to the
THOMSON and REUTERS trademarks owned by Plaintiffs and in which Plaintiffs have exclusive rights, as evidenced by their incontestable federal trademark registrations for such
marks.
-11-
48.
The unauthorized use of Plaintiffs' federally registered trademarks infringes on
Plaintiffs' exclusive rights in the marks in violation of Section 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1), in that the
public is likely to be or has been confused, mistaken or deceived regarding the source or
sponsorship of the Domain Name or by the appearance of a relationship between Plaintiffs and
the Domain Name.
49.
Plaintiffs' marks are being used in the Domain Name with knowledge that they
are associated exclusively with Plaintiffs. This conduct, in registering and using the Domain
Name, is intentionally fraudulent, willful, and intentional to benefit from Plaintiffs' goodwill in
their trademarks.
50.
This conduct is causing immediate and irreparable injury to Plaintiffs, and to their
goodwill and reputation, and will continue to damage Plaintiffs and deceive the public unless
enjoined by this Court. Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. COUNT THREE - DILUTION UNDER 15 U.S.C. S 1125fc)
51.
Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference and re-alleges the allegations contained
in paragraphs 1-36, as if fully and expressly set forth herein.
52.
Plaintiffs' THOMSON and REUTERS trademarks are inherently distinctive and
have gained widespread public recognition throughout the U.S. and globally.
53.
When the Domain Name at issue was registered on May 5,2007, Plaintiffs'
THOMSON and REUTERS marks had already achieved a high degree of famousness and
goodwill.
54.
The Domain Name THOMSON-REUTERS.COM deceives the public in that it is
confusingly similar to Plaintiffs' trademarks.
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55.
Plaintiffs' trademarks are injured and diluted by the Domain Name through
blurring the distinctiveness of the THOMSON and REUTERS trademarks and tarnishment of
those marks.
56.
being used.
The Plaintiffs have no control over the content with which the Domain Name is
57.
Based on the foregoing, the Domain Name intentionally dilutes the distinctive
quality of the famous THOMSON and REUTERS trademarks in violation of 15 U.S.C. §
1125(c). COUNT FOUR - UNFAIR COMPETITION UNDER 15 U.S.C. S 1125(a)
58.
Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference and re-allege the allegations contained
in paragraphs 1-36, as if fully and expressly set forth herein.
59.
The Plaintiffs' trademarks have become famous through the U.S. and globally, as
a result of their extensive advertising efforts and campaigns, as well as their long-standing use.
60. The Domain Name unlawfully trades on the value of Plaintiffs' fame and the
goodwill established in their names and trademarks.
61.
It is likely that internet users encountering the Domain Name will associate the
Domain Name with Plaintiffs and are therefore likely to be confused and believe that Plaintiffs have authorized or sponsored the registration of the Domain Name or have otherwise endorsed the Domain Name and/or the registrant of the Domain Name.
62.
The Domain Name is deceptive as it is confusingly similar to Plaintiffs' exclusive
trademark rights in and to THOMSON, REUTERS, and THOMSON REUTERS.
63.
As a result of the aforementioned, the Domain Name is being used in unfair
competition in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a).
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WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for Judgment as follows:
a.
For an Order that the defendant Domain Name has violated 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114(1),
1125(a),(c)&(d).
b.
The domain name THOMSON-REUTERS.COM be immediately transferred to
the Plaintiffs in accordance with 15 U.S.C. §§ 1125(d)(2)(D)(i) and (d)(l)(C). c. For such other further relief as the Court shall deem just and appropriate.
Dated: May 13,2008
Respectfully su
Alexandre A. Montagu (not admitted to practice in Virginia)
-. Tucci
Virginia Bar No. 32523
mtucci(a),stinson.com Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP 1150 18th Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
a 1 tx(qj,montasulaw. com
Thomas S. Walsh (not admitted to practice in Virginia)
tQm(a),montapulaw. com
Alexandre A. Montagu, P.C.
1060 Park Avenue Suite IOC New York, NY 10128
Tel: (202) 785-9100 Fax:(202)785-9163
Tel: (212) 996-1287
Fax:(212)996-9579
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Thomson Canada Limited and
Reuters Limited
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VERIFICATION OF COMPLAINT
I, Carolyn Blankenship, a citizen of the United States, hereby declare under penalty of
perjury that I am the Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property at Thomson Reuters and I have read the foregoing Verified Complaint and know the contents thereof, and that the matters contained in the Verified Complaint are true to my own knowledge, except that those matters herein stated to be alleged on information and belief and as to those matters I believe them to be true.
I hereby verify and declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated: New York, NY
May 12,2008
Carolyn Blankenship
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EXHIBIT A
Int. Ob.: 9,16,35, 36,37,38 and 42
Prior U.5. Out 2,5, 21,22,23,26,29,36, 37,38, 50,100,101,102,103,104 and 106
Reg. No. 2,222,475
United States Patent and Trademark Office
TRADEMARK SERVICE MARX PRINCIPAL REGISTER
REUTERS
BBO-t BRS LIMITED (UNITED KINGDOM COR
PORATION) MFLERTSTREET
LONDON. BC4P 4AJT. UNITED KINGDOM
CIAL TRANSACTIONS AND NEWS AOBNORS; DLANK MAGNETIC DATA MEDIA: BLANK OPTICAL DATA MEDIA: BLANK MAQNRTIC DISC* MAONCI1V BNCODfiO
5WARQ DRAUNO, STOCK OBALING, PINAN-
FOR: PRE-RECORDED AUDIO AND VIDEO COMPACT DISCS FBATURINO FINANCIAL DATA: READONLY MnMORY COMPACT DISCS FEATURING FINANCIAL DATA: COM PUTER OPERATING* PROORAMSt COMPUTER. ntOORAMS FOR USB IN TRADINO STOCKS AND BONDS; COMPUTER SOFTWARE RC LATING TO THB COLLECTION AND DISTRI BUTION OP DATA. FINANCIAL EXCHANGES.
AND rUDLICATIONS, NAMEI.Y, IIROCHURFA. PAMPHLETS AND MAGAZINES IN THE FIELD OF THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ANI) COMMBRUAL INFORMA'IION AND NEWS, AND CURRENT AFFAIRS) PRINTED INSTRUCTIONAL AND TEACHING MATERI AL REI-VnNO TO ECONOMIC AND F1NAN, CIAL INFORMATION. COMPUTER HARD. WARE AND COMPVmR SOFTWARE AND
FOR: NON-nCTlON BOOKS. PERIODICALS
NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS; PHOTO GRAPHIC PRINTS, IN CLASS 16 (U.S. CLS- 2* S.
U»J7MANDM*
FIRST USB CMMKJ; IN COMMERCE 0-0-11(5. FORi ADVSRnSING SERVICES. NAMELY. - DISSEMINATING TUB ADVCRTTStNQ MATTER OF OTHERS: DUSINKSS APPRAISAL SERVICES; BUSINESS INFORMATION SERV
COMMEROAL INFORMATION ECONOMIC FORBCASTTNO AOBNOBSj SBRVICESt
CARDS: USER INTERFACES TOR, COMPUT
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TUS. NAMELY. TELEVISION SCREENS; TELE
COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND
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STRUMENTS. NAMELY, FACSIMILE MACHINES; COMPUTERS; COMPUTER KEYBOARDS:
IN-.
RENTAL OP OFFICE MACHINERY'AND EQUIPMENT; BUSINESS RESEARCH SERV.
TION; PROVIDINO TAX P-STIMATE5, fN CLASS IS (US. CLS. ton, lot AND 101% FIRST USB O-O-IW* IN COMMERCE
POR.t FINANCIAL ANALYSIS; FINANCIAL CONSULTANCY: FISCAL ASSESSMENTS; STOCK EXCHANGE PRICE QUOTATIONS: ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFERS; PROVID
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ER* MODEMS; COMPUT£R MOUSE: COM
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MtNALS. NAMELY, BLEVIUONIC TRANSMIT SION OF DATA. MBSSftOes, AND DOCUMRNT3 VIA OOMrUTER TBRMWALS; COMWTER.AIDEI> TRANSMISSION OP DATA,
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pCRtPHERAL towices and computer SYSTEMS. IN CLASS 37 (US. CLS. 100.103 AND
106).
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TRANSMISSION OF MESSAOES; RENTAL OP MBSSAOB 8BNOIKC APPARATUS TCLSGRAPH SERVICES. IN CLASS M (UJ, Cl* 100, lOt AND 104). FIRST USE WM961: IN COMMERCE
MB35AOE3. INFORMATION AND JMAOES; ELECTRONIC MAIL SBRVICESt KLECTRONIC
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USE
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FOR: MA1NTENANCS VP COMPU1ER SOPTWARE, IN CLASS 41 (US. CLS. 100. AND I0IX
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FOR: TULCOOMMUNICA-JIONS SERVICES. NAMELY. PROVIDING TELECOMMUNICA TIONS CONNECTIONS TO A GLOBAL COM PUTER NBTWORXi BROADCASTING 5BRV. ICES, NAMELY. TBLEVlStONL RADIO AND CABLE TELBVISION BROADCASnNO SERV.
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KAtllT DB JONCH, FXAMINlNG ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT B
Reuters - About Reuters - Media Relations - Press releases - Press rele...
http-y/about.reuters.cora/home/raediarelations/prcssreleases/index.aspx..
Skip to content
Press releases
Press release list
Statement Regarding Share Price Movement
Friday, May 04,2007
The board of Reuters Group PLC ("Reuters") notes the recent move in the Reuters share price. The board of Reuters confirms it has received a preliminary approach from a third
party which may or may not lead to an offer being made for Reuters. There is no certainty an offer will be made or necessary approvals, including those required under Reuters
constitution, will be received.
A further announcement will be made when appropriate.
ENDS
Investors Miriam McKay Tel:+44 (0)20 7542 7057
miriam.mckav@reuters.com
Press Steve Clarke Tel: 444 (0)207 542 6865
steve.clarke@reuters.com
Go back to the list of Press Releases
©2007
Reuters Group PLC. Registered office: The Reuters Building, South Colonnade, Canary
Wharf, London E14 5EP, UK. Registered number: 3296375. Registered in England and
Wales.
lofl
11/13/2007 3:17 PN
EXHIBIT C
Reuters shares rise on news of takeover offer - Print Version - Intcmat...
http^/www.ihtcom/bia/printphp?id=556405:
HeraliSrlbtine
Reuters shares rise on news of takeover offer
Reuters Friday, May 4, 2007
INTERNATIONAL
provider Reuters Group Pic said on Friday it had received a preliminary takeover approach from an unidentified suitor, sending its shares up as much as 30 percent
LONDON: Financial news and information
Earlier, traders had reported market speculation of a 600-pence-a-share bid from
Canada's Thomson Corp or Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.
Reuters declined further comment Thomson Corp declined to comment News Corp could not Immediately be reached. At 0935 GMT, Reuters shares were up 27.5 percent at 627-1/2 pence, valuing the business at about 7.9 billion pounds ($15.7 billion). They had earlier touched a 5-year high of 644 pence.
·We believe the most likely bidder is Thomson, which is already a player in the financial space and, with the sale of its College Education business for $5 billion well advanced, has the firepower to fund a deal,' Numis Securities analysts wrote in a research note. They forecast any bid was likely to be in the range of 610 pence a share to 660 pence.
The board of Reuters confirms it has received a preliminary approach from a third party which may or may not lead to an offer being made for Reuters," Reuters said in its statement.
There is no certainty an offer will be made or necessary approvals, including those required under
Reuters constitution, will be received."
block a hostile bid.
Under ReutBrs ownership structure, a single golden share heid by The Reuters Founder Share Co. can
The Reuters Founder Share Co is run by 15 trustees, charged with ensuring the 'independence, impartiality, integrity and freedom from bias" of the global news organisation.
An agreed bid, however, would be possible.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has bid $5 billion for Dow Jones & Co Inc, but the offer has been turned down by Dow Jones' controlling family. Dow Jones owns The Wall Street Journal newspaper and is a rival with Reuters, Thomson and privately-owned Bloomberg in providing real-time financial news.
consolidation in the media sector.
News of Murdoch's bid for Dow Jones on Tuesday sparked a wave of speculation about further
Thomson moved last year to expand its financial news content by buying London-based AFX News for around $20 million. The new Thomson-branded service is expected to launch by the end of next
month.
Notes:
Iof2
11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Reuters shares rise on news of takeover offer - Print Version - Internal...
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2 of 2
11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Reuters looks set to endorse Thomson offer - MarketWatch
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FT: Reuters looks set to endorse Thomson offer
ByQt&MUadny L*3Wp(ttf*;3.*7PMETMay4.2007
SAN FRANCISCO (MarkatWateh) - In an unsowced report, the Hnancial Times reported Friday that Rauttra Group (RTRSY) (UK.-RTR) appears willing to
recommend on acquisition offer tram Thomson Corp. (TOC). Earlier Friday, Reuters dtedosed thai It has received 'a preliminary approach (ram a third party
which may or may not lead to an offer being made.' The bidder Is reported to be
Canada's Thomson. Share* of UK-baeod Reutam jumped 2S% to doso el 615.75 pence on the London Stock Exchange. E3
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11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Reuters Jumps on Possible Bid
http://www.thestrtet.com/pPnewsanaJysis/mcdiaentertaininent/103548..
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Reuters Jumps on Possible Bid
BvTSC Staff
6/4/2007 4:16 PM EOT
URL http://www.thestreet.eom/nBwsanalV3ls/m8dlaentertalnment/10354810.html
Updated from 7:45 a.m. EDT
Reuters (RTRSY) surged 27% Friday after saying it got a takeover bid from an unnamed suitor, which Is widely believed to be rival financial information conglomerate Thomson (TOC).
Early Friday, London-based Reuters said it had a 'preliminary approach from a third party which may or may not lead to an offer being made" for the company.
Several media outlets reported that the potential buyer Is Thomson, which Is selling its education business and could therefore have the necessary cash. Late Friday, the Financial Times reported that Reuters is set to endorse
the offer.
Thomson declined to comment on the report.
Shares of Reuters climbed $16.06 to $75 Friday.
lofi
11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Media Makes a Comeback
http^/www.thestreet.com/pf/newsanalysis/mediaentertainment/103549..
TheStreet.com
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Media/Entertainment
Media Makes a Comeback
BvNatWorden
TheStreeLcom Staff Reporter
8/4/2007 2:34 PM EDT
URL http://www.thestreet.eom/newsanalvsl8/mediaentertainment/10354969.html
lof3
11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Media Makes a Comeback
Strange things are afoot in the media.
http:/Avww.thesbeetcoin/pffnewsanalysis/mediaentertainnient/103549.,
The sector is steeped in uncertainty as the business models of yore get ravaged by the new technologies of a digital age. But valuations are on the rise in the wake of News Corp-'s (NWS) monster bid for Dow Jones (DJ),
and other strategic buyers flush with cash appear to be getting Itchy trigger fingers.
for deals to get done."
"Anytime a major player like Dow Jones comes into play, or someone makes an unsolicited bid like this, it makes other buyers and sellers take a hard look at the market," says Michael Goodman, analyst with the Yankee Group. "It may make them nervous, or it may embolden them. Such periods of change are some of the most fertile times
a deal.
Dow Jones' controlling family, the Bancrofts, have signaled initial resistance to accepting News Corp.'s $5 billion buyout bid, which offers them a 67% premium to the company's market value Monday, the day before the offer was made public. But News Corp.'s CEO, Rupert Murdoch, will continue to press his case while Wall Street hungers for
Shares of Dow Jones were recently up 16 cents, or 0.3%, to $55.93, leaving them up 54% from Monday's closing
price.
approach.
Meanwhile, shares of Dow Jones' longtime competitor in financial news publishing, Britain's Reuters Group (RTRSY), rocketed up 25% to $73.60 on Friday after the company said it received a preliminary takeover Reuters didn't name its suitor, but The Globe and Mail newspaper of Canada reported, citing unnamed sources,
that the buyout offer came from Thomson Corp (TOC).
spokeswoman for Reuters also declined to comment.
Jason Stewart, a spokesman for Thomson, said the company "will not comment on rumors or speculation.' A
Thursday.
Elsewhere, the New York Post reported Friday that Microsoft (MSFT) has asked Yahoo! (YHOO) to enter formal negotiations for an acquisition that could be worth $50 billion - a 31% premium to Yahool's market value on
Yahoo!, one of the leading distributors of financial news on the web, may not hold the same allure to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer that Dow Jones' flagship newspaper, The Watt Street Journal, holds for Rupert Murdoch, but a $50 billion offer is still a hefty premium by Wall Street's standards. Shares of Yahool were recently up $4.78, or 17%, to $32.96.
"Yahoo! and Microsoft really need each other now to compete with Google (GOOG)," says Harold Vogel, analyst with Vogel Capital Management. "Microsoft has really been caught flat-footed here. They could have made a high
waited, and now they're feeling the heat'
bid for Yahoo! years ago [when it was cheap] like Murdoch Is doing now for Dow Jones, but they didnt They
Speculation swirled around media players. Shares of News Corp.'s archrival, Time Warner (TWX), were recently up 31 cents, or 1.5%, to $21.36. Its CEO, Dick Parsons, told CNBC on Thursday that private-equity buyers had inquired about buyingits Internet business, AOL He also said there were no plans to sell the company's magazine publishing business, Time Inc. Time Warner stock is up 2.2% since Monday.
Shares of Viacom (VIA.B) have traded flat, but Disney (DIS) shares are up 2.3% for the week.
3% for the week and McClatchy (MM) has added 1.8%.
Shares of newspaper publishers have caught fire since the Murdoch bid. New York Times (NYT) has added 11% on speculation that a buyer could launch a Murdoch-like bid to win control of the Gray Lady. Gannett (GCI) is up
" [News Corp.'s move] could spark a wave of mega-mergers in the space," says Dan Primack, editor of PEHub.com. 'Some people will get bigger, while others will get smaller or go away. A lot of strategic buyers are probably taking a look at Dow Jones with the idea that if News Corp. succeeds, it may turn around and sell off
some pieces of the company."
A spokeswoman for Bloomberg, a privately held financial news publisher, could not be reached for comment on
the action, but the company has said previously it has no interest In bidding for Dow Jones. General Electric (GE),
2of3
"
11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Media Makes a Comeback
httpy/www.thestreet.com/pf/newsanalysis/mediacntcrtainment/l03549..
which owns CNBC, a business cable news channel that has a content-sharing partnership with Dow Jones, also said it has no interest, its shares were recently down 9 cents, or 0.2%, to $37.25, but they're up 1% for the week.
The publisher of this Web site, TheStraet.com (TSCM), was recently trading down a few pennies, but its shares
have climbed 2.6% for the week.
down."
"When the dust settles from all this, you'll get a return to normalcy in some of these valuations," says Goodman. "If News Corp. succeeds but nobody else acquires anyone else, a lot of these other valuations are going to go back
3of3
11/13/2007 3:20 PM
Forbes.com - Magazine Article
, GaryKnon
http^/www.lbrbes.«)ni/2007/05/04/lreuteis-bid-approach-niaikets-equi..
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Forbes
com
Market Scan
Parmy Olson, 05.04.07, 8:20 AM ET
Mystery Bidder Puts Reuters In Play
LONDON -Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like you couldn't give news organizations away. Now, with Dow Jones the subject of $5 billion unsolicited bid from Rupert Murdoch, Reuters Group also finds itself on the auction block. Shares in the British news
that it too had drawn the attention of a potential buyer.
company skyrocketed 25.0%, or 123.5 pence ($2.45), to 615.50 pence ($12.23), on Friday afternoon in London after It revealed
The company said in a statement that it had received an approach from an unnamed third party that "may or may not lead to an offer" for the company. The statement was released after shares in Reuters surged in momlng trade, which, according to a Reuters news report, was caused by speculation that a 600 pence ($11.92) per share bid could come from media conglomerate Thomson or Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. There is no certainty an offer will be made or necessary approvals, Including those
required under Reuters constitution, will be received," the company said.
One analyst who did not wish to be named said Thomson was currently the most likely candidate for buying Reuters because a
there should be money available for an acquisition.
merger between the two would make industrial sense. Thomson Is selling its education division, Thomson Learning, meaning that
Reuters also looks attractive because of several new products it has In the works, most notably FX MarketsSpace, a 50-50 joint venture with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Reuters is spending about $45 million on the project, and if successful, it could
add between 40 pence (79 cents) and 50 pence (99 cents) to the company's share price, the analyst said.
The company, which has a workforce of 15,300, has been trying to boost sales by focusing on new areas of business and expanding geographically, last year having opened up its first wholly owned development center in Beijing. Though It unveiled a 30% drop in full-year profit for 2006, it had slightly-better-than-expected sales of £626 million ($1 2 billion) for
the first quarter and was upbeat about all of 2007.
Market confidence In the company has also improved In recent months. Its share price has risen around 10% since the beginning
of the year as concerns about its restructuring program have abated, the analyst said.
year it sold its 50% stake In news and information Joint venture Factiva to Dow Jones for about $160 million.
Reuters Group has around 200 news bureaus around the globe, making it the world's largest international news agency. Late last
Though the initial bid for Dow Jones by Murdoch Is unlikely to pass, since members of the controlling Bancroft family are keen to vote against it it almost certainty spurred the mooted bidders of Reuters to act quickly as market chatter buoyed share prices across the sector. (See: 'Dow Jones Bid Boosts Competitors") "Whoever is was had to make a move before the stock went to
high," the analyst said.
The interest In Dow and Reuters follows a bidding war for Tribune, the Chicago-based media conglomerate that owns the Los
AngelesTmos and the Chicago Tribune. (See: "ZeD's Bid Wins')
lofl
11/13/2007 3:2] PM
Reuters Receives Takeover Approach - Mergers, Acquisitions, Ventur...
HOMEPAGE MTTMES TOOAVS PAPER VIDEO MOST POPULAR TNEB1DPICS
bttp^/deaIbook.bIogs.nytirnes.coin/2007/05/04/reuters-receives-takeov..
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MAY 4,8)07,135 AM
Reuters Receives Takeover Approach
LlnktoThia E-mail Thta
TOPICS DTOUSTIUES Mergers*. Acquisitions Financial Sarvicaa, Media
There's another media roegadeal in the air. Days after Dow Jones & Company disclosed a $s billion takeover offer
Together.
F re e. y p u ren e r ° j es
from Rupert Murdoch, Reuters Group, the world's largest publicly traded provider of financial data, said it had been approached by an unidentified suitor.
The company making the approach appears to be Thomson of Canada.
The Financial Tiroes reported on its Web site on Friday that executives for Thomson and
Reuters had met this week to discuss a takeover. The approach by Thomson was described
by the paper as "friendly."
LATEST DEAUOOK HEADLINES
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(Sting unnamed sources, The Globe and Mai) also reported on Friday that Thomson was in talks with Reuters. Those sources told
the paper, however, that Thomson's offer was not a reaction to the News Corporation bid for Dow Jones.
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Previous reports had said that the acquirer was either Thomson or
News Corporation, with either making a 6oo-pence-a-share offer
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that valued Reuters at 7.5 bOHon pounds. Shares in Reuters have since risen to 604.25
pence a share on the London Stock Exchange, giving it a market value of 7.8 billion pounds.
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"We believe the most likely bidder is Thomson, which is already a player in the financial space and, with the sale of its College Education business for $5 billion well advanced, has the firepower to fund a deal,* Nurais Securities analysts wrote in a research note. They
forecast any bid was likely to be in the range of 610 pence a share to 660 pence.
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An unnamed investment banker in London told The Globe and Mail that private equity
firms may also take an interest in Reuters. News of a possible bid sent Reuters' shares up 31 percent, giving the company a market
capitalization of 7.9 billion pounds ($15.7 billion).
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While the company is widely known as a newsservice, more than 90 percent of its revenues
come from its financial services business, which includes trading systems.
Last year, Reuters reported net income of 305 million pounds, with cash on hand of 339
Tem Fiona Said to UnveO EJCPluu
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million pounds and net debt of 678 million pounds. As for the possible bidden. While Mr. Murdoch seems intent on seeing bis bid for Dow Jones through to a final conclusion, the Bancroft family, Dow Jones' controlling
shareholder, is currently opposing the bid. The Financial Times' Alphaville blog notes that Thomson, valued at $28 billion and listed
Nuptudiinthe Schwinmw Family
Iof3
11/13/2007 3:21PM
Reuters Receives Takeover Approach · Mergers, Acquisitions, Ventur...
httpy/dcalbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/04/reutcrs-rcceiv«-takcov.
DEALBOOK NEWS BY nOUSTRY
Mn
tn New York and Toronto, is certainly big enough to swallow the iconic British media and
market information group. What's more, the blog says, Thomson announced a substantial re-alignment of its business back in October, when it said it would sell its arable education
business.
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While it was not dear whether Reuters welcomed the bid, a provision in the Reuters
constitution would severely hamper any suitor contemplating a hostile bid.
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Under Reuters ownership structure, a single golden share held by The Reuters Founder Share Co. can block a hostile bid. The Reuters Founder Share Co is run by 15 trustees, charged with ensuring the "independence, impartiality, integrity and freedom from bias" of
the global news organization.
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As the company states on its website under "Independence & Trust Principles*:
"If the directors of Renters Founders Share Company believe that any person, together with any associates, is seeking to obtain or has obtained control of Reuters, they may require the
special voting rights attaching to the Founders Share to be exercised. "Control" for this
TECH
purpose means the ability to contra) the exercise of 30 percent or more of the votes which
may be cast on a poll at general meetings of Reuters Group PLC" Reuters said Friday that "there is no certainty an offer will be made or necessary approvals, including those required under Reuters constitution, will be received."
Go to Article from The New York Times »
What happensd to Alicia Koys's MySpaco page?
Abo In Tech:
Go to Article from Reuters via the International Herald Tribune » Go to Article from Bloomberg News »
Go to Item from Alphaville »
Mom from Si»
Go to Previous Article from Reuters via MSN Money »
8 cornntante so far..
. Mty4tb,
3007
9:01am
Wow, I guess this is just the beginning of the liberal" media realty being run by onry ose man. Wait a minute, isn't POX news famous for being a nea-con mouthpiece. Oops, looks Bice aO of those hate-monger ChriitJan Coalition types will have to demonlxe their own media tram now on. If Reuters and Bow Jones go to Murdock, we may as well just throw our radios and TVs out the window. {Unless hours of neo-con fascist talking point propaganda can be considered urgent and informative news.)
- Posted by JTubtan
J. May 4th,
10:421m
That's a bit unfcii. like everything, the free market wuljudge if the quality of reporting falters -this Is a business transaction to complement the WSJ with exisung news assets-not a grab rbrright wing pbtform space. -Posted by Rod
3- May 4th.
3007
12:19 pm
I think the truth is somewhere in the middle of comment #1 and #2. It may very well be a grab tor "right wing platform space," but the free market wfll quiddy abolish that if ifs true.
-- Posted by Dftvs
4. Hay 4th,
2007
12:52 pm
As a long time subscriber to the WSJ and an occasional reader of the NVT I am not at all pleased with the prospect of Mr. Murdoch taking ever. I do not think it is a coincidence that the best aewapapersm the country tend to be &mQy controlled.
That said, I do respect Mr. Murdoch and what he has accomplished. I think he could potentiaQy help the WSJ financially. Outside of the
editorial page, the WSJ does about as good a Job of getting the ftcts straight and being fair as can be dose. If the news content does not get tanned Into the Fox News version of&ir and balanced then the WSJ may do just fine under Mr. Murdoch. But, I will have to think about my subscription dollars going to the NYT Instead.
~ Posted by Paul
5. May 4 th,
rmndther liberal or conservative, but seriously Fox News is to real news
2 of 3
11/13/2007 3:21PM
Reuters Receives Takeover Approach - Mergers, Acquisitions, Ventur...
3007
http^/deaIbook.blogs.nytiines.cont/2007/0S/04/reuters-receives-takeov..
9:36 pm
ullieWWE(ilaWoridWreitlingFederatioutftjnnerly)i5toprofcMioaaJ
sprats; its news entertainmentniewB, not news. Just listen to some ofihe
otterh/ridtculoosh/ biased and un-ashamed hoopU that gets mouthed off by all of the *pnndfts "n«^ experts' that appear throughout the day/night. In a world where most media is at least (lightly biased in one direction or another, Fox/Murdoch ownership of Reuters, Dow Jones, etc would be catastrophic for society at Uije (although as soother commentex painted out Murdoch could prohabjy help the WSJ improve its fioencj&l performance · albeit likely at the expense of its integrity/quality). -Pasted by jt
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11/13/20073:21 PM
EXHIBIT D
REUTERS #
Thomson
LI
May 8 2007
Thomson and Reuters in discussions to form global leader in business-to-business information services
The boards of The Thomson Corporation ("Thomson") and Reuters Group PLC ("Reuters") confirm that they are in discussions for the combination of their two
businesses. Both boards believe there is a powerful and compelling logic for the combination which would create a global leader in the business-to-business information markets. This transaction would also create enhanced value for shareholders through the delivery of in excess of US$500 million of annual synergies expected to be achieved
within three years. The market activity from last Friday and attendant speculation occurred prior to discussions being completed and, as this is a large and complex transaction, much has still to be resolved and there can be no assurance that agreement will be reached.
Under these circumstances, both boards thought that it was in the shareholders' interests to clarify the status of the discussions as they related to a number of the material aspects of the potential transaction. These are as follows:
The enlarged Group would be called Thomson-Reuters and the combined Thomson
Financial unit and Reuters financial and media businesses would be called Reuters.
Key proposed terms:
·
Combination to be effected by the creation of a Dual Listed Company structure by means of an equalisation agreement with both companies' primary listings being maintained. The structure is expected to facilitate retention of the existing equity index inclusions of the two companies. Each Reuters share would be entitled to 3S2.S pence per share in cash and an equity participation based on an equalisation ratio of 0.1600 Thomson shares for each Reuters share.
Based on the closing Thomson share price of C$48.46 on the Toronto Stock
·
·
Exchange on Thursday, 3 May 2007, the day before the announcement by Reuters (and at an exchange rate of C$/£2.19795), this would value each Reuters share at 705
pence representing a premium of 43% to the closing share price of Reuters on Thursday, 3 May 2007. · Based on the closing Thomson share price and exchange rate on Monday, 7 May 2007 the day before this announcement, this would value each Reuters share at 697
pence per share.
·
In addition, Reuters will declare a dividend of 12p for 2007, with Sp payable as an interim dividend and 7p payable as a final dividend subject to proportionate adjustment if closing occurs before year end. If closing occurs after the year end a proportionate 2008 dividend will also be paid. Thomson will also pay dividends in the ordinary course pending closing, including a proportionate adjustment to the date of closing.
Based on the current issued share capital of Thomson and Reuters, Woodbridge, the Thomson family holding company, would own approximately S3 per cent of
·
Thomson-Reuters, other Thomson shareholders approximately 23 per cent, and Reuters shareholders approximately 24 per cent.
·
Thomson-Reuters to adopt the Reuters Trust Principles and Reuters Founders Share Company structure. Thomson-Reuters and Woodbridge would support the Reuters Trust Principles and Woodbridge has further agreed that it would use its voting
control to give effect to this support.
·
The boards of the Dual Listed Companies to be identical and consisting of IS Directors, five of whom are to be current Directors of Reuters (including a Deputy Chairman) and an additional one of whom to be the CEO. Of the remaining nine, not more than four to be from Woodbridge. Woodbridge to be entitled to nominate the
Chairman.
·
Woodbridge to use its voting control of Thomson to support the transaction.
Thomson President and CEO, Richard J. Harrington, 60, who led the transformation of the company from traditional publishing to electronic solutions, software and services,
would retire at the successful completion of the transaction. Reuters CEO, Tom Glocer, 47, would become CEO of the combined company at that time.
It should be emphasised that discussions are at a stage where there can be no assurance that agreement will be reached. No transaction will be announced without the support of the Reuters Founders Share Company. This is a non-waivable pre-condition. Any announcement of a transaction pursuant to rule 2.S of the Takeover Code would be subject to conditions including antitrust, regulatory and tax clearances and would require approval by both companies' shareholders (including amendments to both companies'
constitutions).
A further announcement will be made in due course.
The Directors of each of Thomson and Reuters accept responsibility for the information contained in this document. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the respective Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this document is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
Dealing Disclosure Requirements Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the 'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant
securities' of Thomson or of Reuters, all 'dealings' in any "relevant securities' of that
company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer
period' otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or
understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an 'interest' in "relevant securities' of Thomson or Reuters, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule
8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all 'dealings' in "relevant securities' of Thomson or Reuters by Thomson or Reuters, or by any of their respective 'associates', must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant securities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. Interests in securities' arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities. Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
Notes to editors: 1. The Dual Listed Company structure would enable Thomson and Reuters to combine their management and operations as a single economic entity while retaining their separate legal identities, primary listings and, it is intended, their existing index participations. This would be accomplished through contractual arrangements and amendments to each company's constitutional documents. On
implementation it is intended that the share capitals will be reorganised so that
one Reuters share will be equivalent to one Thomson share, both companies will adopt the Thomson-Reuters name, and both companies will have identical Boards of Directors.
2. About The Thomson Corporation:
The Thomson Corporation fwww.thomson.com) is a global leader in providing essential electronic workflow solutions to business and professional customers. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson provides valueadded information, software tools and applications to professionals in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, scientific research and healthcare. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC).
3. About Reuters: Reuters fwww.reuters.com). the global information company, provides indispensable information tailored for professionals in the financial services, media and corporate markets. Through reuters.com and other digital properties, Reuters now also supplies its trusted content direct to individuals. Reuters drives decision making across the globe based on a reputation for speed, accuracy and
independence. Reuters has 16,900 staff in 94 countries, including 2,400 editorial staff in 196 bureaux serving 131 countries.
4. Reuters ordinary shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (RTR.L) and ADRs trade on NASDAQ (RTRSY.O). One ADR is equivalent to 6 ordinary shares. This press release includes forward-looking statements, such as The Thomson Corporation's and Reuters Group PLC's beliefs and expectations regarding the
proposed combination of the two businesses. These statements are based on certain assumptions and reflect The Thomson Corporation's and Reuters Group PLC's current expectations. Forward-looking statements also include statements about The Thomson Corporation's and Reuters Group PLC's beliefs and expectations related to the proposed transaction structure and consideration, as well as the parties' ability to enhance shareholder value through the delivery of synergies. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be signed by the parties, or that the proposed transaction will be consummated or that the anticipated benefits will be realised. The proposed transaction would be subject to various regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of certain conditions, and there can be no assurance that any such approvals will be obtained and/or such conditions will be met. All forward-looking statements in this press release are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of the factors that
could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations
are discussed in The Thomson Corporation's and Reuters Group PLC's respective
materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States (as the case may be) from time to time including The Thomson Corporation's 2006 Annual Report on Form 40-F and Reuters Group PLC's 2006 Annual Report on Form 20-F, each of which has been filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of The Thomson Corporation or Reuters Group PLC speak only as of the date they are made. The Thomson Corporation and Reuters Group PLC each disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
This document does not constitute an offer for sale of any securities or an offer or an invitation to purchase any such securities. If and when the parties enter into a definitive agreement, transaction documents will either be furnished to or filed with the SEC. Holders of Reuters securities who are US persons or who are
located in the United States are urged to read such documents if and when they become available before they make any decision with respect to any combination transaction. Such documents to be furnished or filed by Thomson and Reuters
with the SEC will be available free of charge at the SEC's web site at
www.sec.gov and from Thomson and Reuters. These documents will also be available for inspection and copying at the public reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, US. For further information about the public reference room, call the SEC at +1 800 732 0330.
Contacts:
Reuters:
Investor Relations enquiries
Miriam McKay Global Head of Investor Relations, Reuters
+44(0)207 5427057 444(0)7990567057
Miriam.mckav@reuters.com
Media enquiries
Ed Williams
Director of Corporate Affairs, Reuters
+44(0)207 542 6005 +44(0)7990 563717
Ed. williams ©reuters.com
Nick Claydon
Brunswick Group LLP +44(0)7974 982547
Nclavdon@brunswickgroup.com
The Thomson Corporation:
Investor Relations enquiries
Frank J. Golden Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 (203) 539 8470
frank, golden@thomson.corn US Media enquiries Jason Stewart
Vice President, Media Relations
+1 (203) 539 8339
j ason.stewart@thomson.com
UK Media enquiries
James Leviton
Finsbury +44(0)2072513801 james.leviton@finsbury.com
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