MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Saputo Inc. ("Saputo") (TSX:SAP) announced that it has extended its offer period until January 22, 2014 and has declared its unconditional all-cash takeover offer for all the issued shares in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Company Holdings Limited ("Warrnambool") as its last and final offer. The offer will now close at 7.00pm (Melbourne time) on January 22, 2014. Other than possible automatic extensions required under Australian law, there will be no further extensions to the offer period.
Saputo is now the largest shareholder in Warrnambool with a relevant interest of 21.392% as of 7.00pm (Melbourne time) on January 9, 2014.
Rothschild and Rabobank are acting as the financial advisers to Saputo, and Maddocks and Stikeman Elliott are its legal advisers.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. These statements are based, among other things, on Saputo's assumptions, expectations, estimates, objectives, plans and intentions as of the date hereof regarding the offer, its anticipated benefits, the number of shares that Saputo will actually be able to purchase and any change to the offer period.
Forward-looking statements are based on Management's current estimates, expectations and assumptions, which Management believes are reasonable as of the date hereof, and, accordingly, are subject to changes after such date. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking statements and should not rely upon this information as of any other date.
Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Saputo does not undertake to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether written or verbal, that may be made from time to time by itself or on its behalf, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Saputo
Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products of the utmost quality, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients. We are one of the top ten dairy processors in the world, the largest in Canada, the third largest in Argentina and among the top three cheese producers in the United States. Our products are sold in more than 40 countries under well-known brand names such as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, Baxter, Dairyland, Dragone, DuVillage 1860, Friendship, Frigo Cheese Heads, Great Midwest, King's Choice, Kingsey, La Paulina, Milk2Go, Neilson, Nutrilait, Ricrem, Salemville, Stella and Treasure Cave. Saputo Inc. is a publicly traded company whose shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SAP".
About Warrnambool
Warrnambool produces a range of dairy products for domestic and export markets. Its products include cheese, butter and butter blends, milk, cream and dairy ingredients. Warrnambool draws milk from some of the most productive dairying regions in Australia, including southwest Victoria, southeast South Australia and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Warrnambool operates two manufacturing sites and has over 420 employees. Warrnambool is a public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX Code: WCB).
Source: Saputo
