QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
To Tender Shares of Common Stock
of
Cost Plus, Inc., a California corporation
at
$22.00 NET PER SHARE
Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated May 25, 2012
by
Blue Coral Acquisition Corp., a California corporation
a direct wholly owned subsidiary of
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., a New York corporation
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 28, 2012, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED.
The Depositary for the Offer is:
| By First Class Mail: | By Facsimile Transmission: (For Eligible Institutions Only) | By Overnight Courier: | ||
Computershare Inc. c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions PO Box 43011 Providence, RI 02940-3011 | (617) 360-6810 Confirm Facsimile by Telephone: (781) 575-2332 | Computershare Inc. c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions 250 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021 |
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY. YOU MUST SIGN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACE PROVIDED THEREFOR BELOW, WITH SIGNATURE GUARANTEED, IF REQUIRED, AND COMPLETE THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR, IN THE CASE OF A NON-U.S. PERSON, THE APPROPRIATE TYPE OF IRS FORM W-8), IF REQUIRED.
THE INSTRUCTIONS SET FORTH IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
| | DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s) (Please fill in, if blank, exactly as name(s) appear(s) on Share Certificate(s)) | | Shares Tendered (Attach additional signed list, if necessary) | |||||||||||
| | | | Share Certificate Number(s)(1) | | Total Number of Shares Represented by Share Certificate(s)(1) | | Total Number of Shares Tendered(2) | |||||||
| | | | ||||||||||||
| | | | ||||||||||||
| | | | ||||||||||||
| | | | ||||||||||||
| Total Shares | ||||||||||||||
| (1) | Need not be completed by shareholders tendering by book-entry transfer. | |||||||||||||
| (2) | Unless a lower number of Shares to be tendered is otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Shares described above are being tendered. See Instruction 4. | |||||||||||||
The Offer (as defined below) is not being made to (nor will tender of Shares (as defined below) be accepted from or on behalf of) shareholders in any jurisdiction where it would be illegal to do so.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by shareholders of Cost Plus, Inc. (which we refer to as "Cost Plus") if certificates for Shares (which we refer to as "Share Certificates") are to be forwarded herewith or if delivery of Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary at the Depositary Trust Company ("DTC") (pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase).
Shareholders whose Share Certificates are not immediately available, or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, or who cannot deliver all other required documents to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Introduction of the Offer to Purchase), must tender their Shares according to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase in order to participate in the Offer. See Instruction 2.Delivery of documents to DTCdoes notconstitute delivery to the Depositary.
Additional Information if Shares Have Been Lost, Are Being Delivered
By Book-Entry Transfer, or Are Being Delivered Pursuant to a Previous Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery
If any Share Certificate(s) you are tendering with this Letter of Transmittal has been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated, then you should contact Computershare Limited, as transfer agent (which we refer to as the "Transfer Agent"), at (800) 962-4284, regarding the requirements for replacement. You may be required to post a bond to secure against the risk that the Share Certificate(s) may be subsequently recirculated.You are urged to contact the Transfer Agent immediately in order to receive further instructions, for a determination of whether you will need to post a bond and to permit timely processing of this documentation. See Instruction 11.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
2
- o
- Check here if tendered Shares are being delivered by book-entry transfer made to an account maintained by the Depositary with DTC and complete the following (note that only financial institutions that are participants in the system of DTC may deliver Shares by book-entry transfer):
| Name of Tendering Institution | ||
| DTC Account Number | ||
| Transaction Code Number | ||
- o
- Check here if tendered Shares are being delivered pursuant to a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery previously sent to the Depositary and complete the following:
| Name(s) of Tendering Shareholder(s) | ||
| Window Ticket Number (if any) | ||
| Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery | ||
| Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery | ||
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
3
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Blue Coral Acquisition Corp., a California corporation (which we refer to as the "Purchaser") and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., a New York corporation (which we refer to as "Parent"), the above described shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (which we refer to as "Shares"), of Cost Plus pursuant to Purchaser's offer to purchase all outstanding Shares, at a purchase price of $22.00 per Share, net to the tendering shareholder in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes (which we refer to as the "Offer Price"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated May 25, 2012 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, which we refer to as the "Offer to Purchase"), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, what we refer to as this "Letter of Transmittal" and, together with the Offer to Purchase, what we refer to as the "Offer").
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment) and subject to, and effective upon, acceptance for payment of Shares validly tendered herewith and not properly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date in accordance with the terms of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the order of Purchaser all right, title and interest in and to all Shares that are being tendered hereby (and any and all dividends, distributions, rights, other Shares or other securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after May 25, 2012 (which we refer to collectively as "Distributions")) and irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Depositary the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest in the Shares tendered by this Letter of Transmittal), to (i) deliver Share Certificates for such Shares (and any and all Distributions) or transfer ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions) on the account books maintained by the DTC, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of Purchaser, (ii) present such Shares (and any and all Distributions) for transfer on the books of Cost Plus and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions), all in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.
By executing this Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints Allan N. Rauch and Michael Callahan, and any other designees of Purchaser, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, (i) to vote at any annual or special meeting of Cost Plus' shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof or otherwise in such manner as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to, (ii) to execute any written consent concerning any matter as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to and (iii) to otherwise act as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to, all Shares (and any and all Distributions) tendered hereby and accepted for payment by Purchaser. This appointment will be effective if and when, and only to the extent that, Purchaser accepts such Shares for payment pursuant to the Offer. This power of attorney and proxy are irrevocable and are granted in consideration of the acceptance for payment of such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for payment shall, without further action, revoke any prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations may be given by the undersigned with respect thereto (and, if given, will not be deemed effective). Purchaser reserves the right to require that, in order for Shares to be deemed validly tendered, immediately upon Purchaser's acceptance for payment of such Shares, Purchaser or its designees
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
4
must be able to exercise full voting, consent and other rights with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), including voting at any meeting of Cost Plus' shareholders.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer any and all Shares tendered hereby (and any and all Distributions) and that, when the same are accepted for payment by Purchaser, Purchaser will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned is the registered owner of the Shares, or the Share Certificate(s) have been endorsed to the undersigned in blank, or the undersigned is a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Shares. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or Purchaser to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of any and all Shares tendered hereby (and any and all Distributions). In addition, the undersigned shall promptly remit and transfer to the Depositary for the account of Purchaser all Distributions in respect of any and all Shares tendered hereby, accompanied by appropriate documentation of transfer, and, pending such remittance and transfer or appropriate assurance thereof, Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights and privileges as owner of each such Distribution and may deduct from the purchase price of Shares tendered hereby the amount or value of such Distribution as determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer to Purchase, this tender is irrevocable.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges that delivery of any Share Certificate shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such Share Certificate shall pass, only upon the proper delivery of such Share Certificate to the Depositary.
The undersigned understands that the valid tender of Shares pursuant to any of the procedures described in the Offer to Purchase and in the Instructions hereto will constitute the undersigned's acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer. Purchaser's acceptance of such Shares for payment will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and Purchaser upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms of or the conditions of any such extension or amendment).
Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Payment Instructions," please issue the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any Share Certificates not tendered or accepted for payment in the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under "Description of Shares Tendered." Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery Instructions," please mail the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any Share Certificates not tendered or not accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the address(es) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under "Description of Shares Tendered." In the event that the boxes entitled "Special Payment Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" are both completed, please issue the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any Share Certificates not tendered or not accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) in the name(s) of, and deliver such check and, if appropriate, return any such Share Certificates (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to, the person(s) so indicated. Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions," please credit any Shares tendered herewith by book-entry transfer that are not accepted for payment by crediting the account at DTC. The undersigned recognizes that Purchaser has no obligation, pursuant to the "Special Payment Instructions," to transfer any Shares from the name of the registered holder thereof if Purchaser does not accept for payment any of such Shares so tendered.
LOST CERTIFICATES: PLEASE CALL COMPUTERSHARE LIMITED AT (800) 962-4284 TO OBTAIN NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO REPLACE YOUR LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
5
SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)
To be completed ONLY if the check for the purchase price of Shares accepted for payment and/or Share Certificates not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned.
Issueo Check and/oro Share Certificates to:
| Name | (Please Print) | |
Address | ||
(Include Zip Code) | ||
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security No.) |
(Also complete IRS Form W-9 included herein
or appropriate IRS Form W-8, as applicable.)
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)
To be completed ONLY if the check for the purchase price of Shares accepted for payment and/or Share Certificates not tendered or not accepted are to be mailed to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown above.
Mailo Check and/oro Share Certificates to:
| Name | (Please Print) | |
Address | ||
(Include Zip Code) | ||
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security No.) |
(Also complete IRS Form W-9 included herein
or appropriate IRS Form W-8, as applicable.)
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
6
IMPORTANT
SHAREHOLDER: SIGN HERE
(Please complete and return the IRS Form W-9 included
in this Letter of Transmittal or an applicable IRS Form W-8)
Signature(s) of Holder(s) of Shares | ||
| Dated: | | , 2012 |
| Name(s) | (Please Print) |
| Capacity (full title) (See Instruction 5) | | |
Address (Include Zip Code) | ||
| Area Code and Telephone No. | |
| Tax Identification or Social Security No. (See IRS Form W-9 included herein) | ||
Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on Share Certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by Share Certificates and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, agent, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 5.
Guarantee of Signature(s)
(If Required—See Instructions 1 and 5)
| Authorized Signature | |
| Name | |
Name of Firm |
Address | ||
(Include Zip Code) | ||
Area Code and Telephone No. |
| Dated: | | , 2012 |
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
7
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
1. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required on this Letter of Transmittal (a) if this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this Instruction 1, includes any participant in DTC's systems whose name(s) appear(s) on a security position listing as the owner(s) of Shares) of Shares tendered herewith, unless such registered holder(s) has completed either the box titled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box titled "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (b) if such Shares are tendered for the account of a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or by any other "eligible guarantor institution," as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the United States Securities Exchange Act, as amended (each, what we refer to as an "Eligible Institution"). In all other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 5.
2. Requirements of Tender. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed if Share Certificates are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an Agent's Message (as defined below) is utilized, if tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedure for tender by book-entry transfer set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Share Certificates evidencing tendered Shares, or timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Shares (which we refer to as a "Book-Entry Confirmation") into the Depositary's account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile hereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in connection with a book-entry transfer, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth herein prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Introduction of the Offer to Purchase). Shareholders whose Share Certificates are not immediately available, or who cannot complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely basis or who cannot deliver all other required documents to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date, may tender their Shares by properly completing and duly executing a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form made available by Purchaser, must be received by the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) Share Certificates (or a Book-Entry Confirmation) evidencing all tendered Shares, in proper form for transfer, in each case together with this Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile hereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees (or, in the case of a book-entry delivery, an Agent's Message) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary within three (3) trading days on the NASDAQ Global Select Market after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If Share Certificates are forwarded separately to the Depositary, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal must accompany each such delivery.
The term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the Depositary and forming part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering the Shares which are the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of this Letter of Transmittal and that Purchaser may enforce such agreement against the participant.
The method of delivery of this Letter of Transmittal, Share Certificates and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC, is at the election and the risk of the tendering shareholder and the delivery of all such documents will be deemed made (and the risk of loss and title to Share Certificates will pass) only when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of Book-Entry Transfer, by Book-Entry Confirmation). If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery prior to the expiration of the Offer.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
8
Purchaser will not accept any alternative, conditional or contingent tenders, and no fractional Shares will be purchased. By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), the tendering shareholder waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of Shares.
3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, Share Certificate numbers, the number of Shares represented by such Share Certificates and/or the number of Shares tendered should be listed on a signed separate schedule attached hereto.
4. Partial Tenders (Not Applicable to Shareholders who Tender by Book-Entry Transfer). If fewer than all Shares represented by any Share Certificate delivered to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares which are to be tendered in the box entitled "Total Number of Shares Tendered." In such case, a new certificate for the remainder of Shares represented by the old certificate will be sent to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, as promptly as practicable following the expiration or termination of the Offer. All Shares represented by Share Certificates delivered to the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
- 5.
- Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements.
(a) Exact Signatures. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of such Share Certificates for such Shares without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
(b) Holders. If any Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more persons, then all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
(c) Different Names on Share Certificates. If any Shares tendered hereby are registered in different names on different Share Certificates, then it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of Share Certificates.
(d) Endorsements. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then no endorsements of Share Certificates for such Shares or separate stock powers are required unless payment of the purchase price is to be made, or Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be returned, in the name of any person other than the registered holder(s). Signatures on any such Share Certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of Shares tendered hereby, then such Share Certificates for such Shares must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case, signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on such Share Certificates for such Shares. Signature(s) on any such Share Certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Share Certificate or stock power is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other legal entity or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, then such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted.
6. Stock Transfer Taxes. Except as otherwise provided in this Instruction 6, Purchaser or any successor entity thereto will pay all stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of any Shares to it or its order pursuant to the Offer (for the avoidance of doubt, transfer taxes do not include United States federal income tax or backup withholding taxes). If, however, payment of the purchase price is to be made to, or if Share Certificate(s) for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be registered in the name of, any person(s) other than the registered holder(s), or if tendered Share Certificate(s) are registered in the name of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, then the
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
9
amount of any stock transfer taxes or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than the registered holder(s) of such Share Certificate (in each case whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person(s)) payable on account of the transfer to such other person(s) will be deducted from the purchase price of such Shares purchased unless evidence satisfactory to Purchaser of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted.
Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to Share Certificate(s) evidencing the Shares tendered hereby.
7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If a check is to be issued for the purchase price of any Shares tendered by the Letter of Transmittal in the name of, and, if appropriate, Share Certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be issued or returned to, any person(s) other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or if a check and, if appropriate, such Share Certificates are to be returned to any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown in this Letter of Transmittal, then the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal must be completed.
8. IRS Forms W-9 and W-8. To avoid backup withholding tax, a tendering shareholder that is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) is required to provide the Depositary with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (which we refer to as a "TIN") on IRS Form W-9, which is included herein following "Important Tax Information" below, and to certify, under penalties of perjury, that such number is correct and that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding of federal income tax, and that such shareholder is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes). If the tendering shareholder has been notified by the United States Internal Revenue Service (which we refer to as the "IRS") that such shareholder is subject to backup withholding tax, such shareholder must cross out item (2) of the Certification section of the IRS Form W-9, unless such shareholder has since been notified by the IRS that such shareholder is no longer subject to backup withholding tax. Failure to provide the information on the IRS Form W-9 may subject the tendering shareholder to federal income tax withholding on the payment of the purchase price of all Shares purchased from such shareholder.
Certain shareholders (including, among others, corporations and certain foreign individuals and entities) may not be subject to backup withholding tax. Shareholders that are not United States persons (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) should submit an appropriate and properly completed applicable IRS Form W-8, a copy of which may be obtained from the Depositary, in order to avoid backup withholding tax. Such shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor to determine which Form W-8 is appropriate. Exempt shareholders, other than non-United States shareholders, should furnish their TIN, check the "Exempt payee" box on the IRS Form W-9 and sign, date and return the IRS Form W-9 to the Depositary in order to avoid erroneous backup withholding tax. See the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for more instructions.
A SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX ADVISOR AS TO HIS OR HER QUALIFICATION FOR EXEMPTION FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX REQUIREMENTS AND THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING AN EXEMPTION.
9. Irregularities. All questions as to purchase price, the form of documents and the validity, eligibility (including, without limitation, time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares will be determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion, which determinations shall be final and binding on all parties. Purchaser reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of Shares it determines not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which or payment for which may, in the opinion of Purchaser, be unlawful. Purchaser also reserves the absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Offer (other than the Minimum Tender Condition (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which may only be
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
10
waived with the prior written consent of Cost Plus) and any defect or irregularity in the tender of any particular Shares, and Purchaser's interpretation of the terms of the Offer (including, without limitation, these instructions), will be final and binding on all parties. No tender of Shares will be deemed to be properly made until all defects and irregularities have been cured or waived. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as Purchaser shall determine. None of Purchaser, the Depositary, the Information Agent (as the foregoing are defined in the Offer to Purchase) or any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, and none of them will incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.
10. Requests for Additional Copies. Questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at its address and telephone number set forth below or to your broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company. Additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and other tender offer materials may be obtained from the Information Agent as set forth below, and will be furnished at Purchaser's expense.
11. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates. If any Share Certificate representing Shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen, then the shareholder should promptly notify the Transfer Agent at (800) 962-4284. The shareholder will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace such Share Certificate(s). This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen Share Certificates have been followed.
This Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, together with Share Certificates evidencing Shares being tendered (or Book-Entry Confirmation) and all other required documents, must be received before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, or the tendering shareholder must comply with the procedures for guaranteed delivery.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
11
Under United States federal income tax law, a shareholder who is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) surrendering Shares must, unless an exemption applies, provide the Depositary (as payer) with the shareholder's correct TIN on IRS Form W-9, a copy of which is included in this Letter of Transmittal. If the shareholder is an individual, then the shareholder's TIN is generally such shareholder's Social Security number. If the correct TIN is not provided, then the shareholder may be subject to a $50.00 penalty imposed by the IRS and payments of cash to the shareholder (or other payee) pursuant to the Offer may be subject to backup withholding tax as described below.
Certain shareholders (including, among others, corporations and certain foreign individuals and entities) may not be subject to backup withholding tax and reporting requirements. In order for an exempt non-United States shareholder to avoid backup withholding tax, such person should complete, sign and submit an appropriate IRS Form W-8 (and any applicable attachments thereto) signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to his, her or its exempt status. An IRS Form W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary. Such shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor to determine which IRS Form W-8 is appropriate. Exempt shareholders, other than non-United States shareholders, should furnish their TIN, check the "Exempt payee" box on the IRS Form W-9 and sign, date and return the IRS Form W-9 to the Depositary in order to avoid erroneous backup withholding tax. See the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for additional instructions.
If backup withholding tax applies, the Depositary is required to withhold and pay over to the IRS a portion (currently, 28%) of any payment made to a shareholder. Backup withholding tax is not an additional tax. Rather, the United States federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding tax will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding tax results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the IRS if required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Purpose of IRS Form W-9
To prevent backup withholding tax on payments that are made to a shareholder that is a United States person with respect to Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer, the shareholder is required to notify the Depositary of the shareholder's correct TIN by completing the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal certifying that (1) the TIN provided on the IRS Form W-9 is correct, (2) the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding tax because (i) the shareholder is exempt from backup withholding tax, (ii) the shareholder has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding tax as a result of a failure to report all interest and dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified the shareholder that the shareholder is no longer subject to backup withholding tax, and (3) the shareholder is a United States person (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes). The following section, entitled "What Number to Give the Depositary," is applicable only to shareholders that are United States persons.
What Number to Give the Depositary
The tendering shareholder is required to give the Depositary the TIN, generally the Social Security number or employer identification number, of the record holder of all Shares tendered hereby. If such Shares are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for additional guidance on which number to report. If the Depositary is provided with an incorrect TIN in connection with such payments, then the shareholder may be subject to a $50.00 penalty imposed by the IRS.
NOTE: | NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX ON ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS ENCLOSED WITH THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. |
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
12
Form W-9 | Request for Taxpayer | |
Print or type
SeeSpecific Instructions on page 2.
| Name (as shown on your income tax return) | ||||||||||||||
| Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above | ||||||||||||||
Check appropriate box for federal tax | ||||||||||||||
classification (required): o Individual/sole proprietor o C Corporation o S Corporation o Partnership o Trust/estate | ||||||||||||||
| o Exempt payee | ||||||||||||||
| o Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=partnership)> ..... | ||||||||||||||
o Other (see instructions)> | ||||||||||||||
| Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) | Requester's name and address (optional) | |||||||||||||
| City, state, and ZIP code | ||||||||||||||
| List account number(s) here (optional) | ||||||||||||||
Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on the "Name" line to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, seeHow to get a TIN on page 3.
Note.If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whose number to enter.
| Social security number [ ][ ][ ]-[ ][ ]-[ ][ ][ ][ ] | ||||
| Employer identification number [ ][ ]-[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] |
Part II Certification
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
1. | The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and | |
2. | I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and | |
3. | I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below). |
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 4.
| Sign Here | Signature of U.S. person> | Date> |
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.
Purpose of Form
A person who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) to report, for example, income paid to you, real estate transactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA.
Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the person requesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to:
1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),
2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or
3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners' share of effectively connected income.
Note. If a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester's form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.
Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:
• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien,
• A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States,
• An estate (other than a foreign estate), or
• A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7).
Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax on any foreign partners' share of income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, a partnership is required to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid withholding on your share of partnership income.
| Cat. No. 10231X | FormW-9 (Rev. 12-2011) | |||
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
| Form W-9 (Rev. 12-2011) | Page2 | |
The person who gives Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States is in the following cases:
• The U.S. owner of a disregarded entity and not the entity,
• The U.S. grantor or other owner of a grantor trust and not the trust, and
• The U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust.
Foreign person. If you are a foreign person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 (see Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).
Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a "saving clause." Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.
If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items:
1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.
2. The treaty article addressing the income.
3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.
4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.
5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.
Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption.
If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8.
What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS a percentage of such payments. This is called "backup withholding." Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding.
You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.
Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if:
1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester,
2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the Part II instructions on page 3 for details),
3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN,
4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or
5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only).
Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See the instructions below and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9.
Also seeSpecial rules for partnerships on page 1.
Updating Your Information
You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you no longer are tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new Form W-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account, for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies.
Penalties
Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Specific Instructions
Name
If you are an individual, you must generally enter the name shown on your income tax return. However, if you have changed your last name, for instance, due to marriage without informing the Social Security Administration of the name change, enter your first name, the last name shown on your social security card, and your new last name.
If the account is in joint names, list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of the form.
Sole proprietor. Enter your individual name as shown on your income tax return on the "Name" line. You may enter your business, trade, or "doing business as (DBA)" name on the "Business name/disregarded entity name" line.
Partnership, C Corporation, or S Corporation. Enter the entity's name on the "Name" line and any business, trade, or "doing business as (DBA) name" on the "Business name/disregarded entity name" line.
Disregarded entity. Enter the owner's name on the "Name" line. The name of the entity entered on the "Name" line should never be a disregarded entity. The name on the "Name" line must be the name shown on the income tax return on which the income will be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a domestic owner, the domestic owner's name is required to be provided on the "Name" line. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entity's name on the "Business name/disregarded entity name" line. If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, you must complete an appropriate Form W-8.
Note. Check the appropriate box for the federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on the "Name" line (Individual/sole proprietor, Partnership, C Corporation, S Corporation, Trust/estate).
Limited Liability Company (LLC). If the person identified on the "Name" line is an LLC, check the "Limited liability company" box only and enter the appropriate code for the tax classification in the space provided. If you are an LLC that is treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes, enter "P" for partnership. If you are an LLC that has filed a Form 8832 or a Form 2553 to be taxed as a corporation, enter "C" for C corporation or "S" for S corporation. If you are an LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under Regulation section 301.7701-3 (except for employment and excise tax), do not check the LLC box unless the owner of the LLC (required to be identified on the "Name" line) is another LLC that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. If the LLC is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the appropriate tax classification of the owner identified on the "Name" line.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
| Form W-9 (Rev. 12-2011) | Page3 | |
Other entities. Enter your business name as shown on required federal tax documents on the "Name" line. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on the "Business name/ disregarded entity name" line.
Exempt Payee
If you are exempt from backup withholding, enter your name as described above and check the appropriate box for your status, then check the "Exempt payee" box in the line following the "Business name/ disregarded entity name," sign and date the form.
Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. Corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, such as interest and dividends.
Note. If you are exempt from backup withholding, you should still complete this form to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding.
The following payees are exempt from backup withholding:
1. An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2),
2. The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities,
3. A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities,
4. A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, or
5. An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
6. Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:
7. A corporation,
8. A foreign central bank of issue,
9. A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States,
10. A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission,
11. A real estate investment trust,
12. An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
13. A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a),
14. A financial institution,
15. A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian, or
16. A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947.
The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 15.
| IF the payment is for . . . | THEN the payment is exempt for . . . | |
| Interest and dividend payments | All exempt payees except for 9 | |
| Broker transactions | Exempt payees 1 through 5 and 7 through 13. Also, C corporations. | |
| Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividends | Exempt payees 1 through 5 | |
| Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,000 1 | Generally, exempt payees 1 through 7 2 |
1 See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions.
2 However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys' fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney, and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency.
Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box.If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below.
If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN. However, the IRS prefers that you use your SSN.
If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner (see Limited Liability Company (LLC) on page 2), enter the owner's SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity's EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity's EIN.
Note.See the chart on page 4 for further clarification of name and TIN combinations.
How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local Social Security Administration office or get this form online atwww.ssa.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website atwww.irs.gov/businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. You can get Forms W-7 and SS-4 from the IRS by visiting IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, write "Applied For" in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester.
Note.Entering "Applied For" means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon.
Caution:A disregarded domestic entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8.
Part II. Certification
To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if item 1, below, and items 4 and 5 on page 4 indicate otherwise.
For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person identified on the "Name" line must sign. Exempt payees, seeExempt Payee on page 3.
Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items 1 through 3, below, and items 4 and 5 on page 4.
1. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form.
3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
| Form W-9 (Rev. 12-2011) | Page4 | |
4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. "Other payments" include payments made in the course of the requester's trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations).
5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
| What Name and Number To Give the Requester | ||||||
| For this type of account: | Give name and SSN of: | |||||
| 1. | Individual | The individual | ||||
| 2. | Two or more individuals (joint account) | The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account 1 | ||||
| 3. | Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) | The minor 2 | ||||
| 4. | a. | The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee) | The grantor-trustee 1 | |||
| b. | So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law | The actual owner 1 | ||||
| 5. | Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individual | The owner 3 | ||||
| 6. | Grantor trust filing under Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 1 (see Regulation section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(A)) | The grantor* | ||||
| For this type of account: | Give name and EIN of: | |||||
| 7. | Disregarded entity not owned by an individual | The owner | ||||
| 8. | A valid trust, estate, or pension trust | Legal entity 4 | ||||
| 9. | Corporate or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 or Form 2553 | The corporation | ||||
| 10. | Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization | The organization | ||||
| 11. | Partnership or multi-member LLC | The partnership | ||||
| 12. | A broker or registered nominee | The broker or nominee | ||||
| 13. | Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments | The public entity | ||||
| 14. | Grantor trust filing under the Form 1041 Filing Method or the Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 2 (see Regulation section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(B)) | The trust | ||||
1 List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person's number must be furnished.
2 Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's SSN.
3 You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or "DBA" name on the "Business name/disregarded entity" name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN.
4 List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also seeSpecial rules for partnerships on page 1.
*Note. Grantor also must provide a Form W-9 to trustee of trust.
Note.If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.
Secure Your Tax Records from Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number (SSN), or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.
To reduce your risk:
• Protect your SSN,
• Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and
• Be careful when choosing a tax preparer.
If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter.
If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039.
For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance.
Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a system problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059.
Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.
The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.
If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message tophishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at:spam@uce.gov or contact them atwww.ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit IRS.gov to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.
Privacy Act Notice
Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
The Depositary for the Offer is:
| By First Class Mail: | By Facsimile Transmission: (For Eligible Institutions Only) | By Overnight Courier: | ||
Computershare Inc. c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions PO Box 43011 Providence, RI 02940-3011 | (617) 360-6810 Confirm Facsimile by Telephone: (781) 575-2332 | Computershare Inc. c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions 250 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021 |
Questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at the address and telephone numbers listed below. Additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may also be obtained from the Information Agent. Shareholders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company for assistance concerning the tender offer.
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
199 Water Street, 26th floor
New York, NY 10038
Banks and Brokers Call: (212) 440-9800
All Others Call Toll-Free: (800) 932-9864
Email: costplus@georgeson.com
Corporate Action Voluntary—CPWM
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL To Tender Shares of Common Stock of Cost Plus, Inc., a California corporation at $22.00 NET PER SHARE Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated May 25, 2012 by Blue Coral Acquisition Corp., a California corporation a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., a New York corporation
The Depositary for the Offer is
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW. PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDER: SIGN HERE (Please complete and return the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal or an applicable IRS Form W-8)
INSTRUCTIONS FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION