UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrantþ
Filed by a Party other than the Registranto
Filed by a Party other than the Registranto
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o | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
o | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
o | Definitive Proxy Statement | |
o | Definitive Additional Materials | |
þ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Laidlaw International, Inc.
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Set forth below is a copy of talking points used during discussions with employees of Laidlaw International, Inc. on and after February 9, 2007.
Today, Laidlaw announced that it will merge with FirstGroup, once all shareholder and regulatory approvals can be obtained.
This is an exciting opportunity for Laidlaw to combine its resources and leadership to provide our customers with improved services, without increasing costs.
As a management team, we’re excited by the possibilities this merger creates. Today’s announcement is exciting because it means good things for Laidlaw, for its employees and for its customers.
• | Laidlaw can continue to invest in systems and technology that will benefit the industry as a whole. |
• | And, it can now spread the cost of those investments over 60,000 buses. |
• | That means it can meet customer demands for improved services. |
The combination of Laidlaw’s companies will bring together well known brands and well respected companies that share a very strong focus on employee and customer satisfaction.
Until the deal closes, the vast majority of employees at our three operating companies will see little change to their daily activities.
We must continue to focus on our business, and providing excellent service to our customers. We are a separate and independent company until the deal closes.
While today Laidlaw has just announced this transaction, we have many hurdles to pass. Shareholders from both companies must approve the deal. Various regulatory approvals must happen as well.
FAQs about the deal, and what it means for Laidlaw, are now available online.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed merger and required stockholder approval, Laidlaw International will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement. The proxy statement will be mailed to Laidlaw’s stockholders. Laidlaw’s stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about the above-described transactions and Laidlaw. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC at its web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Laidlaw by going to Laidlaw’s Investors page on its corporate website at www.laidlaw.com or by directing a request to Laidlaw International, 55 Shuman Boulevard, Naperville, IL, 60563. Attention: Investor Relations.
In connection with the proposed merger and required stockholder approval, Laidlaw International will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement. The proxy statement will be mailed to Laidlaw’s stockholders. Laidlaw’s stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about the above-described transactions and Laidlaw. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC at its web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Laidlaw by going to Laidlaw’s Investors page on its corporate website at www.laidlaw.com or by directing a request to Laidlaw International, 55 Shuman Boulevard, Naperville, IL, 60563. Attention: Investor Relations.
Laidlaw and FirstGroup and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Laidlaw in connection with the above-described transactions. Information about Laidlaw and its directors and officers can be found in Laidlaw’s Proxy Statements and Annual Reports onForm 10-K filed with the SEC. Information about FirstGroup and its directors and officers can be found in FirstGroup’s Annual Reports available on FirstGroup’s Investor Centre page on its corporate website at www.firstgroup.com. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons may be obtained by reading the proxy statement when it becomes available.