DEFINITIVE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant o
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant þ
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
o Definitive Proxy Statement
þ Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Materials Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
CAREMARK RX, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
KEW CORP.
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
þ
|
|
|
|
|
|
No fee required. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
) |
|
Title of each class of securities to which the transaction applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
) |
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
) |
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange
Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
) |
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
) |
|
Total fee paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
|
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the
offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by
registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date
of its filing. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
) |
|
Amount Previously Paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
) |
|
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
) |
|
Filing Party: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
) |
|
Date Filed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No |
|
|
99.1
|
|
Express Scripts Press Release,
dated March 13, 2007 |
99.2
|
|
Express Scripts Press Release,
dated March 13, 2007 |
99.3
|
|
Express Scripts Advertisment published in the Wall Street Journal on March 13, 2007 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
|
|
Investor Contacts:
|
|
Media Contacts: |
Edward Stiften, Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Steve Littlejohn, VP, Public Affairs |
David Myers, Vice President, Investor Relations
|
|
(314) 702-7556 |
(314) 702-7173 |
|
|
|
|
|
Laurie Connell
|
|
Joele Frank / Jamie Moser |
MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
|
|
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher |
(212) 929-5500
|
|
(212) 355-4449 |
EXPRESS SCRIPTS COMMENTS ON ISS RECOMMENDATION
St. Louis, March 13, 2007 Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX) today issued the following
statement in response to the recommendation issued by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS)
regarding the proposed acquisition of Caremark Rx, Inc., (NYSE: CMX) by CVS Corporation (NYSE: CVS)
at Caremarks special meeting of stockholders on March 16, 2007:
It is unfortunate that ISS has chosen not to support a disciplined and stockholder
centric approach to this transaction. The best scenario for Caremark stockholders is
a bidding process with all parties at the table with equal information. Without
that, it is unrealistic and short sighted to believe that stockholders have the
opportunity to maximize value. Our strategy is dictated by creating the best long
term value for Express Scripts and Caremark stockholders.
We urge Caremark stockholders to vote AGAINST the inferior, value-destructive CVS
merger. Caremark has better options than the CVS transaction, which is the product
of a fundamentally flawed process. The CVS merger trades a higher-growth Caremark
stock for a lower-growth CVS stock. Caremark stockholders will receive a full and
fair price only through an open and fair process, which thus far the Caremark
Board of Directors has refused to pursue.
Express Scripts offers more value than CVS and the certainty of cash. If we
identify additional value through confirmatory due diligence, we could increase
our offer price. We believe that we can obtain antitrust approval and close no
later than the third quarter. If Caremark runs an open and fair process, Express
Scripts will be at the table.
Caremark stockholders must vote AGAINST the CVS merger proposal in order to receive more from
Express Scripts or anyone else. Vote the GOLD proxy card AGAINST a flawed merger process to
enhance the value of your investment.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Arnold & Porter LLP, and Young Conaway Stargatt &
Taylor, LLP are acting as legal counsel to Express Scripts, and Citigroup Corporate and Investment
Banking and Credit Suisse are acting as financial advisors. MacKenzie Partners, Inc. is acting as
proxy advisor to Express Scripts.
About Express Scripts
Express Scripts, Inc. is one of the largest PBM companies in North America, providing PBM
services to over 50 million members. Express Scripts serves thousands of client groups, including
managed-care organizations, insurance carriers, employers, third-party administrators, public
sector, and union-sponsored benefit plans.
Express Scripts provides integrated PBM services, including network-pharmacy claims
processing, home delivery services, benefit-design consultation, drug-utilization review, formulary
management, disease management, and medical- and drug-data analysis services. The Company also
distributes a full range of injectable and infusion biopharmaceutical products directly to patients
or their physicians, and provides extensive cost-management and patient-care services.
Express Scripts is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. More information can be found at
www.express-scripts.com, which includes expanded investor information and resources.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements
related to the Companys plans, objectives, expectations (financial and otherwise) or intentions.
Actual results may differ significantly from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking
statements. Factors that may impact these forward-looking statements include but are not limited
to:
|
|
|
uncertainties associated with our acquisitions, which include integration risks and
costs, uncertainties associated with client retention and repricing of client
contracts, and uncertainties associated with the operations of acquired businesses |
|
|
|
|
costs and uncertainties of adverse results in litigation, including a number of
pending class action cases that challenge certain of our business practices |
|
|
|
|
investigations of certain PBM practices and pharmaceutical pricing, marketing and
distribution practices currently being conducted by the U.S. Attorney offices in
Philadelphia and Boston, and by other regulatory agencies including the Department of
Labor, and various state attorneys general |
|
|
|
|
changes in average wholesale prices (AWP), which could reduce prices and margins,
including the impact of a proposed settlement in a class action case involving First
DataBank, an AWP reporting service |
|
|
|
|
uncertainties regarding the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug
benefit, including the financial impact to us to the extent that we participate in the
program on a risk-bearing basis, uncertainties of client or member losses to other
providers under Medicare Part D, and increased regulatory risk |
|
|
|
|
uncertainties associated with U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaids (CMS)
implementation of the Medicare Part B Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP), |
|
|
|
including the potential loss of clients/revenues to providers choosing to participate in
the CAP |
|
|
|
|
our ability to maintain growth rates, or to control operating or capital costs |
|
|
|
|
continued pressure on margins resulting from client demands for lower prices,
enhanced service offerings and/or higher service levels, and the possible termination
of, or unfavorable modification to, contracts with key clients or providers |
|
|
|
|
competition in the PBM and specialty pharmacy industries, and our ability to
consummate contract negotiations with prospective clients, as well as competition from
new competitors offering services that may in whole or in part replace services that we
now provide to our customers |
|
|
|
|
results in regulatory matters, the adoption of new legislation or regulations
(including increased costs associated with compliance with new laws and regulations),
more aggressive enforcement of existing legislation or regulations, or a change in the
interpretation of existing legislation or regulations |
|
|
|
|
increased compliance relating to our contracts with the DoD TRICARE Management
Activity and various state governments and agencies |
|
|
|
|
the possible loss, or adverse modification of the terms, of relationships with
pharmaceutical manufacturers, or changes in pricing, discount or other practices of
pharmaceutical manufacturers or interruption of the supply of any pharmaceutical
products |
|
|
|
|
the possible loss, or adverse modification of the terms, of contracts with
pharmaciesin our retail pharmacy network |
|
|
|
|
the use and protection of the intellectual property we use in our business |
|
|
|
|
our leverage and debt service obligations, including the effect of certain covenants
in our borrowing agreements |
|
|
|
|
our ability to continue to develop new products, services and delivery channels |
|
|
|
|
general developments in the health care industry, including the impact of increases
in health care costs, changes in drug utilization and cost patterns and introductions
of new drugs |
|
|
|
|
increase in credit risk relative to our clients due to adverse economic trends |
|
|
|
|
our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel |
|
|
|
|
other risks described from time to time in our filings with the SEC |
Risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed transaction that may impact forward-looking
statements include but are not limited to:
|
|
|
Express Scripts and Caremark may not enter into any definitive agreement with
respect to the proposed transaction |
|
|
|
|
required regulatory approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner, if at all |
|
|
|
|
the proposed transaction may not be consummated |
|
|
|
|
the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction may not be realized |
|
|
|
|
the integration of Caremarks operations with Express Scripts may be materially
delayed or may be more costly or difficult than expected |
|
|
|
the proposed transaction would materially increase leverage and debt service
obligations, including the effect of certain covenants in any new borrowing agreements. |
We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
Important Information
Express Scripts has filed a proxy statement and proxy supplement in connection with Caremarks
special meeting of stockholders at which the Caremark stockholders will consider the CVS Merger
Agreement and matters in connection therewith. Express Scripts stockholders are strongly advised to
read that proxy statement and proxy supplement and the accompanying form of GOLD proxy card, as
they contain important information. Express Scripts also intends to file a proxy statement in
connection with Caremarks annual meeting of stockholders at which the Caremark stockholders will
vote on the election of directors to the board of directors of Caremark. Express Scripts
stockholders are strongly advised to read this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card when
they become available, as each will contain important information. Stockholders may obtain each
proxy statement, proxy card and any amendments or supplements thereto which are or will be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) free of charge at the SECs website
(www.sec.gov) or by directing a request to MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at 800-322-2885 or by email at
expressscripts@mackenziepartners.com.
In addition, this material is not a substitute for the prospectus/offer to exchange and
registration statement that Express Scripts has filed with the SEC regarding its exchange offer for
all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Caremark. Investors and security holders are urged
to read these documents, all other applicable documents, and any amendments or supplements thereto
when they become available, because each contains or will contain important information. Such
documents are or will be available free of charge at the SECs website (www.sec.gov) or by
directing a request to MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at 800-322-2885 or by email at
expressscripts@mackenziepartners.com.
Express Scripts and its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be
participants in any solicitation of Express Scripts or Caremark shareholders in connection with the
proposed transaction. Information about Express Scripts directors and executive officers is
available in Express Scripts proxy statement, dated April 18, 2006, filed in connection with its
2006 annual meeting of stockholders. Additional information about the interests of potential
participants is included in the proxy statement filed in connection with Caremarks special meeting
to approve the proposed merger with CVS and will be included in any proxy statement regarding the
proposed transaction. We have also filed additional information regarding our solicitation of
stockholders with respect to Caremarks annual meeting on a Schedule 14A pursuant to Rule 14a-12 on
January 9, 2007.
#####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
|
|
Investor Contacts:
|
|
Media Contacts: |
Edward Stiften, Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Steve Littlejohn, VP, Public Affairs |
David Myers, Vice President, Investor Relations
|
|
(314) 702-7556 |
(314) 702-7173 |
|
|
|
|
|
Laurie Connell
|
|
Joele Frank / Jamie Moser |
MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
|
|
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher |
(212) 929-5500
|
|
(212) 355-4449 |
PROXY GOVERNANCE RECOMMENDS CAREMARK STOCKHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST
ACQUISITION BY CVS
St. Louis, March 13, 2007 Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX) today announced that PROXY
Governance, Inc., a leading independent voting advisory service, recommends that its clients vote
AGAINST the proposed acquisition of Caremark Rx, Inc., (NYSE: CMX) by CVS Corporation (NYSE: CVS)
at Caremarks special meeting of stockholders on March 16, 2007.
In its report, PROXY Governance noted:
We question whether Caremarks management and board negotiated the best deal for
shareholders. The merger agreement contains onerous deal protection measures and
the process appears to have been aimed at discouraging other bidders rather than
eliciting the best price for shareholders. Moreover, the CVS offer includes no
collar to protect shareholders if the price of CVSs stock declines precipitously.
Typically, we would expect an in-depth solicitation process (not just talks with one
company), serious negotiations for enhanced terms, fewer protective measures, and
cooperation with other interested parties.*
Some institutional shareholders have filed suit alleging that stock options for
senior management and directors have been backdated and that the merger is a way for
the Companys directors and executives to avoid associated litigation. Although
Caremark denies any backdating took place, the deal contains indemnification
provisions for directors and management related to backdating.*
We believe there is compelling evidence that the negotiation process for this deal
was flawed. Typically, we would expect more extensive negotiations for a better
price prior to the merger announcement.*
We have concerns over the boards objectivity and willingness to consider all
possible combinations that could deliver enhanced value for shareholders. The
flawed process, along with certain onerous provisions in the merger agreement that
appear designed to shut out competing offers, leave us with doubts that this
transaction is in the best financial interests of shareholders.*
Overall, we feel that the whole process was rushed and we are not comfortable that
Caremark shareholders are getting the best possible transaction from the standpoint
of long-term shareholder value.*
George Paz, president, chief executive officer and chairman of Express Scripts, stated, We
are pleased PROXY Governance, Inc. has recommended that Caremark stockholders vote AGAINST the
acquisition of Caremark by CVS. They recognize that the process run by Caremarks Board of
Directors was flawed and that potential value has been left on the table.
Caremark stockholders must vote AGAINST the CVS merger proposal in order to receive more from
Express Scripts or anyone else. Vote the GOLD proxy card AGAINST a flawed merger process to
enhance the value of your investment.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Arnold & Porter LLP, and Young Conaway Stargatt &
Taylor, LLP are acting as legal counsel to Express Scripts, and Citigroup Corporate and Investment
Banking and Credit Suisse are acting as financial advisors. MacKenzie Partners, Inc. is acting as
proxy advisor to Express Scripts.
*Permission to use quotes neither sought nor obtained
About Express Scripts
Express Scripts, Inc. is one of the largest PBM companies in North America, providing PBM
services to over 50 million members. Express Scripts serves thousands of client groups, including
managed-care organizations, insurance carriers, employers, third-party administrators, public
sector, and union-sponsored benefit plans.
Express Scripts provides integrated PBM services, including network-pharmacy claims
processing, home delivery services, benefit-design consultation, drug-utilization review, formulary
management, disease management, and medical- and drug-data analysis services. The Company also
distributes a full range of injectable and infusion biopharmaceutical products directly to patients
or their physicians, and provides extensive cost-management and patient-care services.
Express Scripts is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. More information can be found at
www.express-scripts.com, which includes expanded investor information and resources.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements
related to the Companys plans, objectives, expectations (financial and otherwise) or intentions.
Actual results may differ significantly from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking
statements. Factors that may impact these forward-looking statements include but are not limited
to:
|
|
|
uncertainties associated with our acquisitions, which include integration risks and
costs, uncertainties associated with client retention and repricing of client
contracts, and uncertainties associated with the operations of acquired businesses |
|
|
|
|
costs and uncertainties of adverse results in litigation, including a number of
pending class action cases that challenge certain of our business practices |
|
|
|
|
investigations of certain PBM practices and pharmaceutical pricing, marketing and
distribution practices currently being conducted by the U.S. Attorney offices in
Philadelphia and Boston, and by other regulatory agencies including the Department of
Labor, and various state attorneys general |
|
|
|
changes in average wholesale prices (AWP), which could reduce prices and margins,
including the impact of a proposed settlement in a class action case involving First
DataBank, an AWP reporting service |
|
|
|
|
uncertainties regarding the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug
benefit, including the financial impact to us to the extent that we participate in the
program on a risk-bearing basis, uncertainties of client or member losses to other
providers under Medicare Part D, and increased regulatory risk |
|
|
|
|
uncertainties associated with U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaids (CMS)
implementation of the Medicare Part B Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP),
including the potential loss of clients/revenues to providers choosing to participate
in the CAP |
|
|
|
|
our ability to maintain growth rates, or to control operating or capital costs |
|
|
|
|
continued pressure on margins resulting from client demands for lower prices,
enhanced service offerings and/or higher service levels, and the possible termination
of, or unfavorable modification to, contracts with key clients or providers |
|
|
|
|
competition in the PBM and specialty pharmacy industries, and our ability to
consummate contract negotiations with prospective clients, as well as competition from
new competitors offering services that may in whole or in part replace services that we
now provide to our customers |
|
|
|
|
results in regulatory matters, the adoption of new legislation or regulations
(including increased costs associated with compliance with new laws and regulations),
more aggressive enforcement of existing legislation or regulations, or a change in the
interpretation of existing legislation or regulations |
|
|
|
|
increased compliance relating to our contracts with the DoD TRICARE Management
Activity and various state governments and agencies |
|
|
|
|
the possible loss, or adverse modification of the terms, of relationships with
pharmaceutical manufacturers, or changes in pricing, discount or other practices of
pharmaceutical manufacturers or interruption of the supply of any pharmaceutical
products |
|
|
|
|
the possible loss, or adverse modification of the terms, of contracts with
pharmaciesin our retail pharmacy network |
|
|
|
|
the use and protection of the intellectual property we use in our business |
|
|
|
|
our leverage and debt service obligations, including the effect of certain covenants
in our borrowing agreements |
|
|
|
|
our ability to continue to develop new products, services and delivery channels |
|
|
|
|
general developments in the health care industry, including the impact of increases
in health care costs, changes in drug utilization and cost patterns and introductions
of new drugs |
|
|
|
|
increase in credit risk relative to our clients due to adverse economic trends |
|
|
|
|
our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel |
|
|
|
|
other risks described from time to time in our filings with the SEC |
Risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed transaction that may impact forward-looking
statements include but are not limited to:
|
|
|
Express Scripts and Caremark may not enter into any definitive agreement with
respect to the proposed transaction |
|
|
|
|
required regulatory approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner, if at all |
|
|
|
|
the proposed transaction may not be consummated |
|
|
|
|
the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction may not be realized |
|
|
|
|
the integration of Caremarks operations with Express Scripts may be materially
delayed or may be more costly or difficult than expected |
|
|
|
the proposed transaction would materially increase leverage and debt service
obligations, including the effect of certain covenants in any new borrowing agreements. |
We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
Important Information
Express Scripts has filed a proxy statement and proxy supplement in connection with Caremarks
special meeting of stockholders at which the Caremark stockholders will consider the CVS Merger
Agreement and matters in connection therewith. Express Scripts stockholders are strongly advised to
read that proxy statement and proxy supplement and the accompanying form of GOLD proxy card, as
they contain important information. Express Scripts also intends to file a proxy statement in
connection with Caremarks annual meeting of stockholders at which the Caremark stockholders will
vote on the election of directors to the board of directors of Caremark. Express Scripts
stockholders are strongly advised to read this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card when
they become available, as each will contain important information. Stockholders may obtain each
proxy statement, proxy card and any amendments or supplements thereto which are or will be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) free of charge at the SECs website
(www.sec.gov) or by directing a request to MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at 800-322-2885 or by email at
expressscripts@mackenziepartners.com.
In addition, this material is not a substitute for the prospectus/offer to exchange and
registration statement that Express Scripts has filed with the SEC regarding its exchange offer for
all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Caremark. Investors and security holders are urged
to read these documents, all other applicable documents, and any amendments or supplements thereto
when they become available, because each contains or will contain important information. Such
documents are or will be available free of charge at the SECs website (www.sec.gov) or by
directing a request to MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at 800-322-2885 or by email at
expressscripts@mackenziepartners.com.
Express Scripts and its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be
participants in any solicitation of Express Scripts or Caremark shareholders in connection with the
proposed transaction. Information about Express Scripts directors and executive officers is
available in Express Scripts proxy statement, dated April 18, 2006, filed in connection with its
2006 annual meeting of stockholders. Additional information about the interests of potential
participants is included in the proxy statement filed in connection with Caremarks special meeting
to approve the proposed merger with CVS and will be included in any proxy statement regarding the
proposed transaction. We have also filed additional information regarding our solicitation of
stockholders with respect to Caremarks annual meeting on a Schedule 14A pursuant to Rule 14a-12 on
January 9, 2007.
#####